As many as 200 athletes from 50 teams competed in three categories, namely teams, mixed-gender run, and children marathon over a distance of 17 kilometers.

Each team, with 4 members, must have at least two Japanese. Meanwhile, primary students joining the children marathon will run in a 1.5-kilometer distance.

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As many as 200 athletes from 50 teams competed in the event

Hiyama, member of the organizing panel, said,” This is the third time the event has been held in Hanoi, and it has attracted much attention from both Vietnamese and Japanese people.” He noted that through the event, the organizers hoped to contribute to tightening the close friendship between Vietnam and Japan as well as to creating an ebullient atmosphere and promoting sport spirit among participants.

”Ekiden” is a marathon relay originated  in Japan. During the relay, members of each team runs and passes a piece of clothing called “Tasuki” to the other at determined positions. The team’s tally is measured by all members’ records. Tasuki symbolizes the solidarity, friendship, and connection among people.

This year’s event in Hanoi was part of cooperative activities within the program “Sports for Tomorrow” launched by the Japanese government in order to cement relationship between Vietnam and Japan.

Translated by Trung Thanh