A stage is set up at Dong Kinh Nghia Thuc Square, part of Hanoi pedestrian zone, Thursday night for VM Hanoi Midnight, scheduled from November 28 to 29. |
Locals run, exercise and play near banners and signs promoting the marathon Friday morning. |
A person and a dog pass by promotional signs for the race. |
Booths are set up along Dinh Tien Hoang Street where runners can collect their entry tickets (BIBs) and kits. |
Athletes have been snapping photos next to their names displayed on a giant banner erected Thursday night. |
The route will see athletes pass the Hoan Kiem (Sword) Lake, then Hanoi Opera House and along streets like Le Thanh Tong, Phan Chu Trinh, Ngo Thi Nham, Pho Hue, Nguyen Du, and Nguyen Dinh Chieu. The course continues at Thong Nhat Park before entering Tran Hung Dao and Ly Thuong Kiet streets. |
Promotional material lines the race course. |
Organizers blocked vehicles from entering the pedestrian zones since 7 p.m. Friday. |
Staff string up lights at the intersection of Lo Su and Dinh Tien Hoang streets, a 30 m section of the half-marathon (21km) and marathon (42 km) courses. |
The race inauguration will commence at 5 p.m., with many points of sale and kid-friendly activities available to spectators. |