Nguyen Trung Cuong and Bui Thi Thu Ha won the top places at the men's elite race of 8,750m, or five laps around Hoan Kiem Lake, and the women's class of 5,250m, or three laps around the lake, respectively.

In addition to the elite categories, organisers also presented awards to winners of the amateur classes including students, workers, soldiers and foreigners, with prizes totalling VND70 million (US$2,900).

At the opening of the race, Vice Chairwoman of Hanoi People's Committee Vu Thu Ha said that, after 48 years, the run has become a long-running tradition in Vietnam, attracting larger numbers of participants and improving in quality every year.

Many talented runners have emerged from this grassroots-level event and gone on to become national names.

The tournament has become a favourite event not only for runners in Hanoi but also for participants from other cities and provinces every year.