VPBank Hanoi Marathon welcomes the 1,000th international participant

VPBank Hanoi Marathon prepared special gifts for the 1,000th international participant

To welcome the registration of the 1,000th international racer, VHM has decided to offer a special gift package to the lucky participant including a 100 per cent reimbursement of the registration fee and a 2-night hotel-stay in Hanoi's Old Quarter during the tournament.

In two consecutive seasons of 2018 and 2019, international participants in VHM both exceeded the number of 1,000, which emphasises its position as a professional running race.

As a part of the events leading up to VHM, a trial run at the distance of 21 kilometres was also organised in late August, receiving nearly 100 pacers and amateur athletes. This is a technical training activity that VHM organised to give runners a chance to experience the running track and identify any possible shortcomings in order to ensure success at VHM 2019.

After the trial run, the participants received a training course on long-distance running with China's leading international marathon expert Tang Tao, who came to Vietnam on the invitation of VHM's organisers and sponsor sportswear firm Xtep International.

VHM pacers and amateur runners have received a training course from China's leading expert Tang Tao

Most of the amateur runners believe that marathon is a simple task, they are usually not equipped with the basic, essential technical knowledge about long-distance running, said Le Son Ha, a runner. It would be very helpful if the marathon organisers could hold more training courses and share experiences and tips with amateur runners, he added.

Tang Tao (first from right) came to Vietnam on the invitation of VHM organisers and sponsor Xtep International

"The training course is another attempt of the VHM organising board to create a professional race. Also, we are trying to provide professional knowledge to help amateur runners get closer to the professional run," said Nguyen Tri, head of the organising board cum general director of DHA Vietnam.

A representative from Xtep International said, “After seeing the enthusiastic responses about the training, we are considering to continue bringing more international experts to help amateur runners in more training sessions like this.”

Currently, VHM has been receiving requests for participation from national marathon teams worldwide and will soon complete procedures for the athletes to participate in the race this October 20 in Hanoi.