Hanoi, Aug. 18 -- Nearly 19,000 runners, both professional and amateur from Vietnam and abroad, had registered for the "My Vietnam 2025" marathon as of early August 17, with the number expected to surpass 20,000 by August 22.

The event has set a Vietnam record for the largest number of participants wearing the national "Red Flag with Yellow Star" shirt at a marathon. The organising committee has submitted documents to the Vietnam Records Organisation for official recognition, and all runners will receive certificates confirming their part in the record.

Scheduled for August 24 at the Vietnam National Exposition Centre (VNEC) in Hanoi's Dong Anh commune, the race is part of celebrations marking the 80th National Day (September 2, 1945 - ...