Relay marathon Vietnam Kizuna Ekiden 2019 kicks off in Hanoi
Sunday, November 17, 2019, 11:45 GMT+7
The second edition of Vietnam Kizuna Ekiden, a relay marathon aimed at raising awareness of traffic safety, kicked off at the iconic Hoan Kiem Lake in Hanoi on Sunday morning.
Following last year’s success, the Vietnam Kizuna Ekiden 2019 – Run for Traffic Safety was once again organized by Vietnam’s Ministry of Public Security, in coordination with Tuoi Tre (Youth) newspaper and Japan’s Mainichi newspaper, in the Vietnamese capital.
Via the event, the organizing board wants to express its hope for no traffic accidents in Vietnam, as well as in the world.
The first edition of the marathon was held on the occasion of the 45th anniversary of the Vietnam-Japan diplomatic ties, and this year’s event continues to help strengthen the two nations’ relationship.
The Vietnam Kizuna Ekiden 2019 was kicked-started at 7:40 am with the opening speech of Vietnamese Deputy Minister of Public Security Nguyen Van Thanh.
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| Runners warm up before the race. |
Deputy Minister Thanh and Truong Van Thong, head of the ministry’s department of external relations, were among the runners this year.
During the opening ceremony, Japanese Ambassador to Vietnam Kunio Umeda also delivered a speech on the growing friendship and cooperation between the two countries.
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| Participants show their excitement at the starting point. |
At the marathon, 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.
Ekiden is a form of long-distance running relay race originating in Japan, while the word ‘Kizuna’ means connection between people in the Japanese language.
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| A member of Japanese girl idol group AKB48 is pictured at the starting point. |
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| Vietnamese Deputy Minister of Public Security Nguyen Van Thanh delivers his opening speech. |
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| Japanese Ambassador to Vietnam Kunio Umeda speaks at the opening ceremony. |
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| Runners are pictured during the relay race. |
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| Runners are pictured during the relay race. |
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| The ribbon called Tasuki is passed between team members. |
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| The ribbon called Tasuki is passed between team members. |
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| The first team to finish the relay race |
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| The first-place team poses with their medals. |
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