HA NOI – The 39th Run for Peace, organised by Ha Noi Moi (New Ha Noi) newspaper, was launched yesterday in the capital city.

The annual event is one of the activities to celebrate the 58th anniversary of Ha Noi's liberation, which falls on October 10, and marks the 55th birthday of the newspaper.

Preliminary races will be organised in communes, wards and residential quarters until early September. The final will be held on October 7 at Hoan Kiem Lake.

Last year's event attracted 2,000 runners. It is one of the city's events aimed at promoting sports among local people. It will include races for students, workers, armed forces and foreigners in different categories.

Last year, nearly 300 foreigners from international friendship organisations and embassies in Ha Noi took part in the race.

It also featured more than 200 professional athletes from 20 teams. – VNS