The event is designed to fund programmes for sick children from poor families at the National Hospital of Paediatrics, Hanoi Heart Hospital and Heart Beat Vietnam.

The run is expected to attract both international and Vietnamese residents, companies, organisers and schools.

In its first year in 2000, the Run for Children drew over 37,800 participants and generated more than VND2.2 billion (US$122,000)

The last year’s event attracted more than 7,000 participants and raised more than VND500 million (US$28,000)

The event is co-organised by the Embassy of Canada, the Vietnam-Canada Friendship Association and the Hanoi Union of Friendship Organisations.