As the only midnight marathon in the capital, it remains a favorite among elite runners due to its flat course and cool weather. This year’s competition promises to be fierce, with top contenders in peak form for both the men’s and women’s categories.
Men's category: Kiptoo vs. From Lai
In the men’s race, Kiptoo is the standout favorite. The Kenyan star, who captivated Vietnam’s running community last year, has consistently dominated major marathons. Earlier this month, he clocked 2 hours, 25 minutes, and 15 seconds at the Hanoi Marathon Heritage but was denied the title due to an administrative error. In September, Kiptoo triumphed at the Techcombank International Marathon with a time of 2 hours and 30 minutes. His familiarity with Hanoi’s terrain bolsters his confidence heading into this midnight race, where he aims to break his previous record.
Edwin Kiptoo defeats Nguyen Van Lai at VM Hue 2024 with only 2 seconds apart. Photo by VM |
Kiptoo’s closest rival is expected to be Nguyen Văn Lai, last year’s champion of the Read Marathon Hanoi Midnight.
Lai, a seasoned runner, is known for his resilience. Despite fewer appearances in 2023, he made a strong impression at every race. At VM Hue 2024, he finished just two seconds behind Kiptoo after an intense head-to-head battle. Lai’s 2023 Hanoi Midnight time of 2 hours, 25 minutes, and 3 seconds—better than Kiptoo’s record—sets the stage for another nail-biting finish.
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Nguyen Van Lai at WC Hanoi Midnight 2023. Photo by WC |
The race also features rising talents like Dan Quyet and Huynh Anh Khoi, champions of other Read Marathon events.
Quyet, who won the Ho Chi Minh City Midnight Marathon 2024, recently set a personal record (PR) of 2 hours, 33 minutes at the Chicago Marathon under cool conditions similar to Hanoi’s. Khoi, 21, has shown remarkable improvement, reducing his time from 2 hours, 42 minutes to 2 hours, 37 minutes this year.
Competing on Hanoi’s low-slope course, both athletes are expected to deliver strong performances.
Women’s category: Hong Le and the Sub-3 Pursuit
In the women’s category, defending champion Hong Le leads the field. Last year, the runner from Binh Dinh Province participated in three Read Marathon events and emerged victorious in all. Her winning time at the 2023 Hanoi Midnight Marathon was an impressive 2 hours, 56 minutes.
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Pham Thi Hong Le at VM Hue Marathon 2024. Photo by VM |
Her closest challenger, Nong Thi Chang, is chasing the elusive sub-3-hour milestone. Chang, the Quy Nhon 2024 champion, has come close to breaking this barrier but has yet to succeed. Hanoi’s favorable weather and flat course provide her with an excellent opportunity for a breakthrough.
Another notable competitor is Pham Thi My Duyen, who placed fifth at the Read Marathon Hai Phong last year with a time of 3 hours, 11 minutes. A regular podium finisher in 2024, Duyen is expected to be a strong contender this weekend.
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