Emotional moments at VM Ho Chi Minh City Midnight race

Tao Dan Park, the starting point of the race, was filled in excitement as runners gathered here from 9 p.m. on Saturday to warm up and check in.

At around midnight, about 2,000 athletes entered the starting line, ready to take on the 42-kilometer race.

Many runners expressed excitement before trying the full marathon in HCMC at night for the first time.

The runners run past the City Hall.

Runners run past street vendors in the city that apparently never sleeps.

Ba Son Bridge is overflowed with yellow, the color of the HCMC Midnight T-shirts. The runners ofr 10, 21 and 42km distances needed to cross this bridge.

Runners strode through the night in Saigon. Skyscrapers and sparkling lights through glass windows can be seen in the distance.

At certain points along the way, volunteers (R) gathered to cheer for the runners.

Nguyen Thi Thuong after sprinting the finish line to win the women's 10km race.

She was surprised and emotional when reaching the finish line first. It took her a few minutes to regain her composure to leave the route.

Champion Ezekiel Kemboi Ommullo completed the full marathon in 2 hours, 30 minutes, and 3 seconds. From the beginning of the race, the Kenyan runner was far in front of his competitors and never fell into second place.

During the night race, many young athletes demonstrated their sportsmanship. Anh Minh celebrated as he completed the 10-kilometer race, which is considered a difficult challenge for children.

Runners Nguyen Trung Truc and Nguyen Thi Thanh Hai share a kiss as they cross the finish line. Both finished the 42-kilometer race successfully.

Dang Van Trung, 27, kneels down to propose to his girlfriend, Pham Thi Chi, 28, at the finish line. Numerous people clapped, cheered, and blessed the young couple as she said "Yes."