The Race Organizing Committee (ROC) of the VPBank Hanoi Marathon, under direct professional instruction of the Vietnam Athletics Federation, has decided to delay the race initially slated for October 24, 2021 also as it strictly complies with the government's epidemic prevention and social distancing measures.

This is an extremely difficult decision made beyond the wishes of the ROC and which will also be a bad news for many runners who have lately gone through hard training. The force majeure brought by the pandemic has triggered the ROC to consider runners' safety as the most important factor while making the decision.

The ROC has been working actively with related authorities to determine a feasible date for the race as soon as possible and the new schedule will be advised to runners in due course.

The VPBank Hanoi Marathon ROC is committed to acting for, and protecting runners' interests at the highest degree possible. In case a runner cannot participate in the marathon on the newly set day due to the pandemic, the ROC will reserve the runner's slot for the 2022 race. The ROC will also ensure that the time of announcing the new date will be suitable so that runners will have a reasonable amount of time to decide whether to compete on the new schedule or bring his slot forward to the next race.

The ROC understands that runners will have many questions, and hopes that the runners will wait for the official and detailed information of the plan to organize the VPBank Hanoi Marathon 2021 on a new date.

The ROC will email each runner, and also post regular updates on the marathon's website and fan page. The ROC hopes that runners will check their email and follow the fan page so as to always receive the earliest notice of the ROC's next plans, especially the benefits and incentives for runners in this year's special race.

The VPBank Hanoi Marathon would like to thank the runners for their understanding and companionship.

Please stay optimistic, practice at home to keep health and do not forget to adhere to the 5T Message in order to win the pandemic, ensuring a healthy Vietnam and leaning towards the SEA Games for a stronger Southeast Asia.

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Held annually since 2018, the VPBank Hanoi Marathon has become Hanoi’s official race and won recognition to be a member of the Association of International Marathons and Distance Races (AIMS) since 2019, with a running track standardized by AIMS experts and the Vietnam Athletics Federation. Runners’ results, in addition to be qualified for competing in the 31st SEA Games, are still recognized to qualify for the prestigious Boston Marathon. The VPBank Hanoi Marathon has joined the Age Group Ranking System of Abbott World Marathon Majors, counting from 2022.

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Should you have any question about the VPBank Hanoi Marathon, please email us at: hanoi.marathon@dhavietnam.vn

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The Heritage Race system, organized annually by DHA Vietnam, comprises the VPBank Hanoi Marathon in October, the Halong Bay Heritage Marathon in November and the Can Tho Marathon - A Heritage Race in December.