VnExpress Marathon HCMC Midnight gets AIMS certificate

With the AIMS certification, runners can use their results as part of the criteria to register for major global marathons such as the Chicago Marathon, Boston Marathon, Tokyo Marathon, or London Marathon.

Kim Vivian from AIMS came to Vietnam early this month to measure the night race routes. AIMS officially granted the certification for all 4 distances of VnExpress Marathon Ho Chi Minh City Midnight on January 17.

AIMS certificate issued for VnExpress Marathon Ho Chi Minh City Midnight. Photo by VM

As a kickstart for a series of VnExpress marathons in 2023, the race is expected to help runners set personal records due to flat tracks and a small number of challenges.

"This city is full of life. I believe runners will have many new and exciting experiences when running at night," Vivian said.

Kim said the vibrant and unique routes covering many iconic buildings and the new urban areas will reward runners on the race day.

10,000 runners will start at Tao Dan Park, run through iconic streets including Nam Ky Khoi Nghia, Dong Khoi, Nguyen Hue, Ton Duc Thang, and Vo Van Kiet.

The runners of 21km and 42km distances will across Ba Son bridge, and head to Thu Thiem new urban area, where they can enjoy the view of the city center at night.

The race route ends at Saigon Zoo and Botanical Gardens.

Kim Vivian from Association of International Marathons and Distance Races measures the VM HCMC Midnight route. Photo by Quynh Tran

VnExpress Marathon Ho Chi Minh City Midnight will commence from the night of February 11 until early February 12.