Amid chilly Hanoi weather, pacers ran the 21 km track of VM Hanoi Midnight, scheduled from November 28 to 29. |
All pacers were given the event's yellow jersey and white arm sleeves, which will also be given to all participants on the day of the race. |
As part of the half marathon, athletes ran past the 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 continued at Thong Nhat Park before entering Tran Hung Dao and Ly Thuong Kiet streets. |
Since streets in downtown Hanoi are often short and narrow, organizers plan to deploy 400 volunteers carrying 500 light sticks to guide the way. Every turn will has at least one track security member and signposts to help athletes navigate. |
Pacers run past Hanoi Flag Tower. The run served as a practice round for photographers before the actual event, helping lensmen determine locations and angles to fully capture Hanoi at night. |
Runners received enthusiastic cheers from downtown revelers. |
Pacers completed the 21 km track in around two hours. |