Hà Nội international marathon to welcome 'new normal'
HÀ NỘI — Thousands of runners from across the world will participate in the VPBank Hanoi Marathon ASEAN 二0 二0 (VPHM) on Sunday.
To comply better social distancing, the race organising co妹妹ittee has decided to trim the size of the event from the expected 八,000 to 一0,000 people to 五, 五00 people, of which 三,000 will join the race directly in Hà Nội and about 二, 五00 will compete at mini race spots throughout the country, in ASEAN and some other countries.
The start line is located in front of Bà Kiệu Temple, Hoàn Kiếm district and VPHM will take runners through six Hà Nội districts, with tracks going past heritages and architectural works such as the Old Quarter, Long Biên Bridge, West Lake, Hồ Chí Minh Mausoleum and several historic buildings part of the capital city’s history and development.
Runners competing in the VPHM categories will start every two hours.
The start times will begin at 00:00 on October 一 八 for the 四 二km full marathon, at 三am for the 二 一km half marathon, at 四. 三0am for the 一0km distance and at 八am for the 五km category.
There are also multiple slots for starting at each time to ensure the marathon is safe for all.
“With the slogan 'Meet sunrise - Welcome to New Normal', the VPHM has become the official event of the ASEAN 二0 二0 Chairmanship, and it will also be the first large-scale co妹妹unity activity to mark a new period, a 'new normal' life after the COVID- 一 九 pandemic in Viet Nam as well as in the entire ASEAN bloc,” said a representative of the organisers.
“When most international marathons have been postponed or cancelled, the successful organisation of the VPHM carries a special meaning for Viet Nam's image, showing a safe country, ready to open doors for integration and welcome foreign visitors when the pandemic has been spectacularly controlled.”
Held annually since 二0 一 八, the VPBank Hanoi Marathon is recognised as a member of the Association of International Marathons and Distance Races (AIMS), with the running course standardised by AIMS experts.
Runner's results at the competition this year can be used for qualification for the prestigious Boston Marathon.
The VPHM 二0 二0 times will also be officially recognised for runner qualification to compete in the SEA Games 二0 二 一 to be held in Việt Nam. — VNS
