The Olympic Run Day for Public Health was inaugurated on March 26 at the intersection of Trang Tien, Hang Khay, Dinh Tien Hoang streets, and the surrounding area of Hoan Kiem Lake in Hanoi with the participation of 3,500 runners from all walks of life.

Organizers of the event present flowers to participants. Photos: Ngoc Tu

This event also marked the commencement of the 48th Open Hanoimoi Newspaper Run for Peace.

At the launching ceremony, Vice Chairman of Hanoi People's Committee Vu Thu Ha stressed the significance of the Olympic Run Day for Public Health as a continuation of President Ho Chi Minh's ideology of "The people are strong, the nation is prosperous", which is also linked to the ideals of the world Olympic movement.

“The aim is to encourage people to exercise to enhance physical health, contribute to the country's human resources, promote a healthy lifestyle, and strengthen the people's solidarity,” Ha said.

3,500 runners join the event.

According to Ha, throughout March, districts and towns in Hanoi will implement the Olympic Run Day for Public Health and the 48th Open Hanoimoi Newspaper Run for Peace - a popular sports tournament with a long tradition and prestige in Hanoi, expected to involve over 300,000 participants.

On this occasion, the city’s vice chairwoman highlighted the continuous growth of Hanoi's sports industry, which has been at the forefront of national sports achievements for the past 77 years.

Referring to the success of the 31st SEA Games last year, Ha noted the city's athletes contributed significantly to Vietnam's medal tally, winning 151 out of 446 medals, or 33.85% of the total medals, including 62 gold medals, 35 silver medals, and 54 bronze medals.

“This achievement was praised by both domestic and international audiences, and reflected the high standards of sports performance in Hanoi,” Ha said.

Also, during the ceremony, the Vice Chairman of Hoan Kiem District People's Committee Nguyen Quoc Hoan, representing leaders of 30 districts, towns, and cities, pledged their commitment to the sporting events.

He emphasized the importance of regular exercise and sports, health protection, cultural development, and improving the city's human resources quality.

“The district will focus on promoting community awareness of fitness and sports, implementing cultural development programs, and preparing athletes to participate in the upcoming 48th Open Hanoimoi Newspaper Run for Peace, which will take place on September 30,” Hoan said.