Laos to host int'l half marathon

The second Vientiane International Half Marathon (VIHM) 2017 will take place at That Luang Square in Lao capital Vientiane on March 12.

More than 1,000 amateur and professional runners have registered for the event, Lao state-run media Vientiane Times on Friday quoted Vice President of the Lao Track and Field Federation Phimpha Siphoxay as saying.

Participants will enter the race for purposes of improving health, supporting charity, developing unity, and promoting a greener environment.

The half marathon comprises men's and women's 21km half marathon events starting at 5 a.m. local time, men's and women's 10.5km quarter marathon events at 5:30 a.m. local time, and an open 5km fun run/walk beginning at 6 a.m. local time. All three runs depart and finish at the That Luang esplanade with the event being co-organized by the Lao Amateur Athletics Federation.

Organizers said the event also aimed to encourage the participation of local people in physical activities and fitness as well as unearthing competitive running talent.

Many of the nation's top runners are registered to take part alongside their overseas counterparts while at the other end of the scale the 5km event looks set to be popular with families.

Runners in the 21km and 10.5km events will get medals and certificates if they cross the finish line in three hours and 30 minutes or two hours and 30 minutes respectively. The top five-placed competitors in these events will also receive cash prizes and trophies.

The event aims to promote the importance of living a healthy lifestyle that incorporates regular exercise, according to organizers. Endit