The 36 th Run for Peace, organised by the Hanoi Moi newspaper, around Hoan Kiem Lake is expected to attract the participation of nearly 1,200 athletes, including 300 foreigners.

This year’s installment of the annual event is significant for a number of reasons. It marks the 55 th anniversary of Hanoi ’s liberation (October 10) and the 999 th anniversary of the founding of Thang Long-Hanoi.

At a press briefing, organisers announced that 20 ambassadors to Vietnam and many representatives from international organisations have registered to race in the event.

The race is also a chance for top athletes to hone their skills before the year’s bigger sporting events.

“The best athletes from local and national teams will compete on Oct. 4. The event is a test for the upcoming Asian Indoor Games and the SEA Games. We expect young athletes to have the chance to shine in this race,” said head of the athletics section of the Hanoi Culture, Sports and Tourism Department Tran Thu Van.
Amateur athletes will compete in the men’s 3.5km race and the women’s 1.75km race, while professional men and women will compete in 8.7km and 5.2km events.

The race will also be considered as a mass demonstration for peace, designed to send a message of peace to people around the world. Last year, athletes Nguyen Van Sy and Le Thi Hang, both from Thanh Hoa, took the top spots in the men’s and women’s races./.