The annual Tay Ho Half Marathon running race will take place around West Lake on April 9 to encourage the city's entire strata to lead healthy lifestyles, according to the Tay Ho District People's Committee.

There have already been 5,000 registrations for the running tournament. Photo: Tay Ho Half Marathon

Runners will have the chance to experience the majesty of West Lake and run through numerous historic sites, such as Tran Quoc Pagoda, Tay Ho Palace, and Quan Thanh Temple.

The Tay Ho Half Marathon, powered by BIM Group 2023 and Kids Run the Earth, has already attracted more than 5,000 registrations, more than doubling the number of previous competitions, according to Bui Thi Lan Phuong, Vice Chairwoman of Tay Ho District People's Committee and Head of the Organizing Committee.

In particular, she noted that up to half of the participants in the event would run the 21 km (half marathon), demonstrating how the runners' fitness has been rising.

She confirmed that the running competition had spread widely and positively affected the lives and spirits of local residents over the last three years.

"Tay Ho Half Marathon 2023 is a testament to the Tay Ho District People's Committee's approach to developing the community sports movement, improving people's lives physically and mentally," she said.

Professional and amateur runners and locals look forward to the running competition, which has evolved into a community sports festival.

According to Vu Van Phong, Deputy Head of the Organizing Committee, the running competition has some new elements. The standing start is set up on the wide area of Trinh Cong Son pedestrian street.

Additionally, this race is entirely free for kids to promote sportsmanship, spread environmental protection awareness, and create a decent life for kids.

Three distances are offered in the "Kids Run the Earth" children's competition, with the 700-meter category available for runners aged 4-6, the 1,500-meter category for kids aged 7 to 10, and the 3,000-meter category for kids aged 11 to 15.