The 2018 Vietnam Kizuna Ekiden, a relay marathon to raise awareness of traffic safety, has taken place in Hanoi with the participation of more than 800 people.

The event was organized by Vietnam’s Ministry of Public Security, in coordination with Tuoi Tre (Youth) newspaper and Japan’s Mainichi newspaper, at the iconic Hoan Kiem (Sword) Lake on Sunday morning.

More than 800 people from Vietnam and Japan, divided into 202 teams, took part in the relay race.

The runners gathered at the starting point at around 6:30 am to warm themselves up.

A ceremony was held at 7:00 am to officially commence the event, while the race started at 7:30 am.

Participants warm up before the relay race.

Large crowds of people also lined up along the tracks to cheer for the marathoners.

Ten members of AKB48, one of the most popular girl idol groups in Japan, heated up the competition with their performances at the opening ceremony. Some of the girls also participated in the relay race.

A group of participants pose for a photo at the starting point.

The last team completed the race in one hour and 50 minutes.The first team to finish the race was Team 2041 from the Ministry of Public Security, who crossed the finish line at 8:23 am.

An awards ceremony was organized at 9:35 am to honor the outstanding participants.

Runners start their race at the The 2018 Vietnam Kizuna Ekiden.

During the 2018 Vietnam Kizuna Ekiden, participants were divided into groups of four and required to complete a 3.4 kilometer relay race, or two rounds circling the Hoan Kiem Lake.

The team members passed a ribbon called Tasuki, representing unity and friendship.

Ozaki Yoshimi, a professional Japanese long-distance runner, partakes in the event.

The event was aimed at raising awareness of traffic safety among Vietnamese people as well as marking the 45th anniversary of the Vietnam-Japan diplomatic ties.

Ekiden is a form of long-distance running relay race originating from Japan, while the word ‘Kizuna’ means connection between people in the Japanese language.

A member of Japanese girl group AKB48 runs at the event.

Members of a team from Tuoi Tre (Youth) newspaper pass the ribbon called Tasuki.

Young participants at the relay race

Kuroiwa Yuji (R), governor of Japan’s Kanagawa Prefecture, and Khuat Viet Hung, vice-chairman of Vietnam’s National Traffic Safety Committee, at the event

Contestants wait for their team members at the hand-off point.

People cheer for the participants along the track.

People cheer for the participants along the track.

A member of Team 2041 from the Ministry of Public Security is the first to cross the finish line.

Team 2041 celebrate their victory.

An awards ceremony is organized following the relay race.

An awards ceremony is organized following the relay race.

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