Marathon

HÀ NỘI — Đỗ Quốc Luật of the Border Guards triumphed in the men’s 8,750m at the 45th Hà Nội Mới (New Hà Nội) newspaper run at Hoàn Kiếm Lake Sunday.

Luật’s teammates Trịnh Quốc Lượng and Bùi Thế Anh finished second and third.

Luật said he had been taking part in this event since 2008 and trained hard for his victory.

“This event is a warm up for me and other professional athletes to compete at the National Sports Games later this year,” said Luật.

In the pro event for women over 5,250m, Quảng Ninh’s Phạm Thị Huệ beat Lê Thị Thanh of Sơn La and Nguyễn Thị Mỹ Thương of Thái Bình to claim victory.

In the men’s 3,550m category for foreigners, Hugo Page of UNIS School won, followed by his teammates Iestyn Rusinow and Jan Krubner.

Canadian Page said he had taken part in the event nine times and finished first four times. He confirmed that he would compete in the event next year.

“With the theme of peace, this event is meaningful as Hà Nội is a peaceful city. The event was organised in a very beautiful autumn day, attracting many children. Although it is a competition, participants are very friendly and glad,” said Page.

In the women’s 1,750m category for foreigners, Natalie Krubernova of UNIS School triumphed, followed by Anne M Havn of the Embassy of Norway and Tanya Lee - Parker of UNIS School.

 “This is the second time I have taken part in this event. I wasn’t well before but I tried my best to win. I like the running around Hoàn Kiếm Lake. It’s nice and airy so I felt very comfortable,” said Krubernova of the Czech Republic.

The annual event attracted around 1,500 athletes from 20 cities and provinces, including 280 foreign runners from 26 embassies competing in the amateur and pro categories.

The event, which was sponsored by Hisamitsu Việt Nam Pharmaceutical Company, was one of several activities held to mark the 64th anniversary of Hà Nội’s liberation and the 19^th anniversary of Hà Nội being recognised as “The City for Peace” by UNESCO. — VNS