VnExpress Marathon Hanoi Midnight is coming back after Covid delay

VnExpress Marathon Hanoi Midnight 2022 (VM Hanoi Midnight) is the fifth, and also the final race in the VnExpress Marathon system this year, after four events in Hue, Quy Nhon, Ha Long, and Nha Trang.

The second edition of VnExpress Marathon Hanoi Midnight was scheduled to take place in 2021, but it had to be postponed due to the Covid-19 pandemic. Marathon fans have been awaiting the return of this race to enjoy the unique atmosphere of a night race, when the city becomes more peaceful and quiet.

VnExpress Marathon Hanoi Midnight will take place late on Nov. 26, with four distances – 42, 21,10 and 5km.

Participants will start at different points according to their distances and finish in the early morning. The early winter weather will be ideal for racing, with temperatures expected to stay below 20 degrees Celsius.

VnExpress Marathon Hanoi Midnight 2022 is expected to attract about 10,000 participants.

Runner warm up before starting the VM Hanoi 2020. Photo by VM

Route

The route of VnExpress Marathon Hanoi Midnight 2022 will be the same as in the first edition – the peaceful Phan Dinh Phung Street, and venues with more bustle and hustle such as Hang Cot, Hang Luoc, Hang Khay and Dinh Tien Hoang.

A runner runs past the Ho Chi Minh Mausoleum. Photo by VM

The night route goes through the most beautiful streets of Hanoi, including Thanh Nien, Nguyen Dinh Thi, Hung Vuong, Phan Dinh Phung… , which are associated with the history of the capital.

Runners in 21km and 42km distances will go past famous places such as the Opera House, the Hanoi Flag Tower, the Ho Chi Minh Mausoleum.

The night run is ideal for those looking for a new experience away from the noisy and busy city life, immersed in the moment from the middle of the night to the early morning.

The track is flat and suitable for even marathon beginners. Participants for the first time can try 5km or 10km distance.

VnExpress Marathon Hanoi Midnight is ideal for runners who want to set a personal record.

Many elite runners also aim to set new records at this race. Two years ago, Trinh Quoc Luong completed the 42km race in 2:31:6 hours, which is still the best achievement in the VnExpress Marathon system.

The most important thing for a runner is to listen to their bodies. Athletes should spend at least two months getting used to night running, so that their body can adjust to the circadian rhythm, and they can avoid injury and fatigue during the race.

Team award

The team award category at VM Hanoi Midnight has become the race’s new highlight, as it attracts 36 running groups across the country to register so far, including strong teams like Hoa Binh Park Runners, Binh Duong Running Club or Ha Tinh Runners.

Ha Tinh Runners, one of the strongest teams at VM Hanoi Midnight. Photo by Ha Tinh Runners

Each team must have 20 official members and three reserve members, in which 10 registered for the 21km distance with at least four female runners, and 10 people for the 42 km with at least two female.

The results will be the sum of the achievements of 20 members.

Professional runners, who are members of national teams or receive salary or other support from any professional sports team or club in Vietnam, are not allowed to join groups. The organizers said this rule is to encourage amateur athletes and also sport spirit in the community.

Finishers of the 42km distance will receive a Finisher windbreaker, which is suitable for winter training. Runners who complete the 21km course will receive a medal and a short-sleeved shirt.

Finisher windbreaker, an item for 42km finishers at VM Hanoi Midnight 2020. Photo by Lam Thoa