40-member company runs 21km and 42km at Hanoi Midnight

40 members of Goshi Thang Long signed up for the two longest distances of 21km and 42km at VM Hanoi Midnight 2023 Ioniq 5 Cup.

Mr. Le Manh Dung and two colleagues wearing the uniform of Goshi Thang Long - a car parts manufacturing company, carrying a long list of runners, arrived at the race-kit receiving area of Hanoi Midnight at 2:00 p.m. on November 24. Nearly an hour later, the three members carried 40 bags of race-kits out of the Expo area by Hoan Kiem Lake.

Receiving Bibs for all company members is what Mr. Dung's team has been doing for three seasons of the VnExpress Marathon Hanoi Midnight. From just a few people running short distances of 5, 10km in the 2020 season, the number of members participating in the tournament has now increased to several dozen. Notably, all members of this company chose to conquer long distances. Of which, 6 people ran 42km, the rest ran 21km.

Mr. Le Manh Dung (middle) and two colleagues received Bib and race-kit for the company. Photo: Tung Dinh — Mr. Le Manh Dung (middle) and two colleagues received Bib and race-kit for the company. Photo: *Tung Dinh*

According to the runner born in 1992, long-distance running is more difficult but creates a sense of conquest, helping members enjoy more competition time. Goshi's staff have all run for many years, so long distances are not too challenging. "After the first Hanoi Midnight races, everyone started to love it and invited each other to run more. Up to now, almost all members are extremely strong runners, not afraid of long distances," said Mr. Dung.

At VM Hanoi Midnight 2023, the group of 40 runners from Goshi Thang Long did not focus on results but wanted to enjoy the unique atmosphere of a night race in the heart of the capital. Some excellent members aimed for the 3 hour 15 minute marathon milestone. The rest wanted to have beautiful moments together.

According to Mr. Dung, VnExpress Marathon Hanoi Midnight is a special tournament, full of emotions when taking runners through sparkling night streets, mixed with nostalgia and modernity. Every year, the company and the club always consider this a tournament to participate in. In particular, the third season completely renewed the route, taking runners to conquer two bridges Long Bien and Vinh Tuy. The factor that creates the novelty and attraction of the tournament started on the morning of November 26.

In the future, when the number of members increases and the results are good enough, this company also plans to register to participate in team events - where the strongest clubs in the country compete.

Goshi's runner joins VM Hanoi Midnight 2022. Photo: VM

Mr. Dung's company has a sports development policy with many clubs for football, volleyball, tennis, running... When the marathon movement exploded in the past few years, the number of people joining the running club increased. The members have maintained 2-3 sessions per week for many years and have stuck together, conquering many running races.

Every quarter, the company sponsors a separate fund for members to maintain their training. This source of funding also helps the club to let members participate in a number of marathons. According to Mr. Dung, this is a factor that helps the company become more united as a unit. "In each race, we always want to run together to build solidarity, help us become healthier, more flexible and mentally more comfortable."

VnExpress Marathon Hanoi Midnight 2023 Ioniq 5 Cup is the 6th tournament in the VM system in 2023. The tournament attracts 11,000 runners, starting at 1:00 a.m. on November 26. This year, the official running route has been completely renovated. In particular, 42km runners, in addition to running across Long Bien and Vinh Tuy bridges, can also explore the beauty of West Lake by running almost a full lap around the lake. 52 clubs with 1,300 runners will compete in the team category - a content only available at VM Hanoi Midnight.

Hoai Phuong