The first annual running tournament in 2020 is being co-organised by the Tay Ho District People's Committee (Hanoi) and Big Prize Company and will feature the participation of top Vietnamese runners, such as three-time SEA Games gold medallist Nguyen Thi Oanh and SEA Games 3,000-metre steeplechase champion Do Quoc Luat.
Held for the first time in 2018 as a form of a public race named "Discovering Tay Ho (Hanoi’s West Lake) – Supporting children in extremely difficult circumstances", the event attracted nearly 1,500 participants, raising more than VND50 million for the Tay Ho District’s Children Support Fund and granting 10 scholarships to local children.
From these impressive numbers, the organisers decided to upgrade it into an annual tournament starting in 2020, with a higher level of quality and professionalism, bringing a strong message not only to spread the spirit of the sport but also promote responsibility and solidarity within the community.
There are 1,500 runners registered to compete in the event, including both amateurs and Vietnamese athletics stars from the 30th SEA Games in the Philippines last year.
The 2020 Tay Ho Half-Marathon will officially be held on July 12, starting from the Lac Long Quan Flower Garden near Hanoi’s West Lake. There are four distances being covered, including 21 km, 15 km, 6 km and 3 km, with a total fund of over VND260 million.
Runners will have a chance to discover the beauty of West Lake while running through many historic landmarks around the lake, such as Tran Quoc Pagoda, Phu Tay Ho Temple and Quan Thanh Temple, as well as enjoying the nation’s unique cultural features.
In addition, the tournament also aims to raise money to support the Children's Fund of Tay Ho District in its various forms. In detail, the organisers will deduct VND50,000 from each registration fee to contribute to the fund.
