Four distances of the 2024 Ho Chi Minh City Night Run meet international standards

The Association of International Marathons and Distance Races (AIMS) has just certified all four distances of the VPBank VnExpress Marathon Ho Chi Minh City Midnight, taking place on March 3.

On January 23, Mr. Kim Vivian - AIMS expert came to Vietnam to measure the VPBank VnExpress Marathon Ho Chi Minh City Midnight route. The new season's route has some adjustments compared to 2023. After measuring, recording information and completing the assessment, AIMS officially certified all four distances a week later.

The AIMS certification for the 2024 Ho Chi Minh City Night Run is the standard for the length of the races. The full marathon is 42.195 km, and the half marathon is 21.097 km. Runners participating in the race on March 3 can use their results as part of the criteria to register for the world's largest marathons such as Chicago, Tokyo, Boston, etc.

Currently, the International Marathon Association is a prestigious organization that often measures marathon routes for many major tournaments such as the Olympic Games or some Major tournaments.

VPBank VnExpress Marathon Ho Chi Minh City Midnight 2024 achieved AIMS certification.

VPBank VnExpress Marathon Ho Chi Minh City Midnight is the opening tournament for the VnExpress Marathon series in 2024. The tournament still retains the same characteristics as last season. Runners will compete in the middle of the night, starting from Tao Dan Park and passing many famous landmarks, exploring the vibrant nightlife in Ho Chi Minh City. Athletes also conquer two famous bridges on the Saigon River, Ba Son and Thu Thiem, before finishing in the area in front of the Zoo.

Having directly measured the route over the past two years, Mr. Kim Vivian believes that this year's runners will be competing in more ideal conditions. Experts say that this year's road and infrastructure projects have been completed more than last year. There are more riverside parks and high-rise buildings and you can clearly observe the entire race course. Runners can see the third tallest building in Ho Chi Minh City under construction. The road surface quality is better, especially in the Thu Thiem peninsula area. Some dark sections will be supplemented with additional lights by the organizers.

"I am always impressed with Ho Chi Minh City because of its endless energy, regardless of day or night. The atmosphere here is quite good. This year, the race track will have more optimal adjustments than last year. The adjustments are small but interesting, and will definitely create a great experience," Mr. Kim Vivian shared.

Mr. Kim Vivian measures the running track in front of the Ho Chi Minh City People's Committee headquarters. Photo: Quynh Tran — Mr. Kim Vivian measures the running track in front of the Ho Chi Minh City People's Committee headquarters. Photo: *Quynh Tran*

In addition to the above factors, VPBank VnExpress Marathon Ho Chi Minh City Midnight is also highly appreciated by experts in terms of organization, operation, water supply, and security close to international events. Mr. Kim also loves runner publications such as outstanding jerseys and medals bearing the mark of Ho Chi Minh City with the image of Ben Thanh market.

After more than a month of opening registration, the Ho Chi Minh City night race recorded about 9,000 runners registered. Currently, there are only about 2,000 Bibs left. The organizers will close registration on February 22 or when enough numbers are reached. This is to ensure items and general safety for athletes on race day. Runners who register for the race fill in their information here.

Hoai Phuong

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