Marathon to raise funds for the poor in Hanoi

The non-profit running event is expected to attract 700 people from Hanoi and other cities and provinces such as Ho Chi Minh City, Da Nang and Hue.

It also draws 100 international athletes from over 10 countries and territories like the US, the UK, Germany, France, Japan, the Republic of Korea, Malaysia and Indonesia.

Amateur and professional runners will compete in four main categories: 42.2 km; 21.2 km; 10 km; and 5km.

The oldest participant is 68-year-old Harald Sundal, while the youngest is four-year-old Tran Dai An, who will join 70 other children in the 5km race.

Miss Vietnam 2006 Mai Phuong Thuy and UK Ambassador to Vietnam Giles Lever will also run in the event.

Long-distance running has been gaining popularity in Vietnam over the past three years with a number of marathon and semi-marathon tourneys held across the country to encourage healthy lifestyle in the community.