Standard Chartered Hanoi Marathon – Heritage Race

 

Abbreviations:

• OC: Organizing Committee

• Runner: participating athlete

• COT (Cut-off time): The time limit to complete a distance of the race.

• BIB: The number of a participating runner.

• Sub-: Achieving a record shorter than a time threshold.

• DNF: Did Not Finish (race)

• DQ: Disqualification

• N/A: Not Applicable

Article 1: Name of the Race and Purpose

1.1. Race Name:

• Vietnamese Name: Standard Chartered Marathon Di sản Hà Nội 2024.

• English Name: Standard Chartered Hanoi Marathon – Heritage Race.

• Abbreviation: SCHM2024

1.2. Purpose:

• Standard Chartered Hanoi Marathon – Heritage Race is a cultural sporting event aimed at developing general physical fitness, promoting long-distance running in particular, enhancing the health of the community, and contributing to the robust physical development of the Vietnamese people. It also aims to showcase and promote the cultural, historical, and revolutionary traditions of the capital through a route that connects various famous heritage sites.

• It provides a platform for professional runners, non-professional runners and running enthusiasts to compete at international standards, improve their personal achievements, and gradually meet the criteria for participating in SEA Games, continental and world marathons.

• The race should attract an increasing number of domestic and foreign runners and tourists to Hanoi, contributing to the development of tourism and the social economy of the capital, promoting international exchanges in the field of sports.

• The Standard Chartered Hanoi Marathon – Heritage Race should step by step enhance its scale, professionalism, and international integration to establish its brand at the national and international levels, bringing its standards on par with international standards.

Article 2: Date, Venue, and Distances

2.1. Race Date:

November 3rd, 2023

2.2. Venue:

• Start line: Tran Nhan Tong walking street and main gate of Thong Nhat park, Hai Ba Trung district

• Finish line: Tran Nhan Tong walking street and main gate of Thong Nhat park, Hai Ba Trung district

2.3. Race Distance:

• 42.195 km (also known as Full Marathon, FM, 42-km Marathon)

• 21.097 km (also known as Half Marathon, HM, 21 KM)

• 10 km

• 5 km

Article 3: Eligibility

3.1. Marathon Distance of 42.195 km

3.1.1. Age Eligibility

Runners competing in the marathon distance must be at least 16 years old, meaning they must be born before January 1, 2007. Runners born after January 1, 2007 and found to participate in the marathon will be disqualified (DQ) and removed from the race.

3.1.2. Categories: Elite and Recreational

The marathon distance is divided into two categories: Elite (considered for the final prize) and Recreational (considered for age group prize) with separate prize structures (refer to Article 4).

3.1.3. Elite Runner Standards

3.1.3.1. Elite runner standards are determined as follows:

a. Elite runners are professional Vietnamese runners listed by the National Athletics Federation, including:

● Runners in the National Athletics Team's roster for 2023;

● Runners who participated in the national championship, provincial and district teams in 2022 and 2023.

b. Recreational male or female runners, Vietnamese or foreign nationals, registered for the Full Marathon category in the Elite group, and meet the Elite standards of the Standard Chartered Hanoi Marathon – Heritage Race 2024.

● Qualifying standards

o Men's standard: Full Marathon sub 3:00 or Half Marathon sub 1:25

o Women's standard: Full Marathon sub 3:00 or Half Marathon sub 1:40

● Qualifying marathons: Domestic or overseas FM or HM held between January 1, 2021, and September 20, 2023, meeting one of the following criteria:

o Races certified by AIMS in 2021, 2022, 2023; or

o Races organized under the supervision of the Vietnam Athletics Federation in 2021, 2022, 2023; or

o National Marathon Championship and Tien Phong newspaper long-distance race in 2021, 2022, 2023.

3.1.3.2. Professional runners as defined in section a, Article 3.1.3.1 are required to register for the Elite category and are not allowed to register for the Recreational category. If such runners register for the Recreational category, their race results will be disqualified, and they will not be eligible for awards.

3.1.4. Recreational Athlete Standards

3.1.4.1. All runners who do not fall under Article 3.1.2 above and adhere to the rules and regulations of the competition will be registered under the Recreational category.

3.1.4.2. Runners who have been included in the Elite category list will not be considered for the Recreational category, and they will not be eligible for prices according to the Recreational prize structure.

3.1.4.3. Recreational runners will be grouped by age as follows:

a. Under 30 age group

b. Age group 30-39

c. Age group 40-49

d. Age group 50 and older

3.1.4.4. The OC reserves the right to request runners to provide their national ID card or personal identification documents for age verification before awarding the age group prizes.

3.2. Half Marathon Distance of 21.1 km

3.2.1. Age Eligibility

HM runners must be at least 16 years old, meaning they must be born before January 1, 2007. Runners born after January 1, 2007 and found to participate in the HM will be disqualified and removed from the race.

3.2.2. Prizes

Runners in the HM distance will be eligible for both overall and age group prizes.

3.2.2.1. Any runner registered for the half marathon, who does not violate the competition rules, meets the criteria for overall awards.

3.2.2.2. Runners will be grouped by age as follows:

a. Under 30 age group

b. Age group 30-39

c. Age group 40-49

d. Age group 50 and older

3.2.2.3. The OC reserves the right to request runners to provide their national ID card or personal identification documents for age verification before awarding age group prizes.

3.3. 10-km Distance

3.3.1. Age Eligibility

Runners in the 10-km distance must be at least 14 years old, meaning they must be born before January 1, 2010. Runners born after January 1, 2010 and found to participate in the 10-km race will be disqualified and removed from the race.

3.4. 5-km Distance

3.4.1. Categories

The 5-km distance is divided into two categories: Adults and Children, each with its own prize structure (See Article 4).

● Adults: Runners aged 16 and older, meaning they were born before January 1, 2009.

● Children: Runners aged 10 and younger, meaning they were born on or after January 1, 2014.

3.4.2. The OC reserves the right to request runners to provide their national ID card or personal identification documents (birth certificates for children) for age verification before awarding age group prizes.

3.5.  1,5-3 km Distance
1,5 - 3km Distances are only for Runners aged 10 and younger, meaning they were born on or after January 1, 2014.

Article 4: Race Timing

4.1. Time Regulation

Distance          Start                COT                            Check-in Time

42 km              03:30               10:00 (6.5 hours)        03:00

21 km              04:45               08:15 (3.5 hours)        04:00

10 km              06:30               08:30 (2 hours)           06:00

5 km                07:00               08:30 (1.5 hours)        06:30

4.2. Start and Finish Areas’ Opening and Closing Times

Runners must be present at the start area within the time specified by the OC.

Runners arriving more than 15 minutes late after the Start time will not be allowed into the start area and will be marked as DNS (Did Not Start).

4.3. COT Regulation

4.3.1. All runners must complete the course within the specified COT.

4.3.2. Runners who do not finish each segment within the COT will be marked as DNF (Did Not Finish). They will be stamped with DNF on their BIB, and which will be temporarily collected and returned after the race at the referee's counter. These runners will be required to leave the race course and will not receive the race completion medal.

4.3.3. The OC will close the track after the COT for each segment.

4.3.4. All OC services, including but not limited to hydration, medical support, pacers, photography, will conclude after the COT for each segment.

4.3.5. Specific COT for each distance are as follows:

a. Marathon Distance 42 km

• 12-km checkpoint: road closure at 5:20 a.m.

• 19-km checkpoint: road closure at 6:25 a.m.

• 22-km checkpoint: road closure at 6:55 a.m.

• 30-km checkpoint: road closure at 8:05 a.m.

• 36.5-km checkpoint: road closure at 9:05 a.m.

• 39.5-km checkpoint: road closure at 9:35 a.m.

• Entire course: road closure at 10:00 a.m.

b. Half Marathon Distance 21.1 km

• 9-km checkpoint: road closure at 6:15 a.m.

• 15-km checkpoint: road closure at 7:15 a.m.

• 18-km checkpoint: road closure at 7:45 a.m.

• Entire course: road closure at 08:15 a.m.

c. 10-km Distance

• Entire course: road closure at 08:30 a.m.

d. 5-km Distance

• Entire course: road closure at 08:30 a.m.

Article 5: Timing

5.1. Gun Time and Chip Time

5.1.1. Gun Time is the time from the official start signal to when the runner crosses the Finish line chip mat.

5.1.2. Chip Time is the time from when the runner crosses the Start line chip mat to when the runner crosses the Finish line chip mat.

5.2. Timing Regulation

5.2.1. Official race time will be calculated for all runners using Chip Time. The time will be rounded up to the next full second.

5.2.2. Prize time (all prizes as defined in Article 7.1) will be based on Gun Time.

5.2.3. Any inquiries regarding race timing must be submitted to the OC in writing within 24 hours of race completion. In cases of late inquiries, the OC reserves the right to consider the seriousness of the violation before making a decision. In all cases, the OC 's decision on the runner's time is final.

Article 6: Rules of Competition

6.1. Course Regulation

6.1.1. Runners must strictly follow the course set by the OC. Runners leaving the course without the permission of a race official will be considered in violation and disqualified. Runners who shorten the course for any reason will also be disqualified. Shortcuts may be detected by race officials or monitoring devices, and the OC's decision is final.

6.1.2. Runners must run in the lanes/sections of the course announced and instructed by the OC. Runners found running incorrectly as per the OC’s announcements or instructions will be disqualified.

6.2. BIB Regulation

6.2.1. Runners must wear the provided BIB. The BIB number must be displayed on the front of the runner and must be worn throughout the race.

6.2.2. Any exchange, sale, gift, or transfer of BIB numbers without the permission of the OC will be considered a violation of the race rules. The OC has the right to disqualify runners who do not wear the BIB numbers correctly as per the OC's registration list. The OC has the right to remove runners from the starting area and course if it is discovered that they are using BIB numbers not issued by the OC.

6.2.3. In cases where the OC discovers that a runner competes with someone else's BIB, both the runner and the owner of the BIB being used will have their results invalidated, and they will lose the right to participate in the Hanoi Marathon - Heritage Race in the following year.

6.3. Electronic Chip Regulation

6.3.1. The OC will provide electronic chips to all runners to record their race times. Runners are responsible for properly handling their electronic chips for time recording.

6.3.2. The OC is not responsible in cases where the chip becomes damaged after being handed over to the runner or the runner's representative.

6.3.3. Runners must run over the Start mat, the timing mats along the course, and the Finish mat. Runners whose signals are not recorded by electronic mats will be considered as DNF and his achievements unrecognized.

6.4. Finish Line

Runners must cross the chip mat at the Finish line to be considered as having completed the race. Upon reaching the Finish line, runners will follow the OC instructions to proceed to the medal and finisher's t-shirt area (for the marathon distance) and follow directions to the post-race recovery and refreshment areas. Individuals who do not adhere to the post-race flow instructions may be asked to leave this area.

6.5. Course Changes

The OC has the authority to change the race course if necessary. Changes to the route (if any) will be communicated to runners and relevant parties in a timely manner.

6.6. Runner’s Information

● Runner’s personal details, including age and gender, are recorded based on personal identification documents (ID card, passport) or other legal documents issued by the relevant authorities. In cases where a runner's gender cannot be determined, the decision rests with the OC.

● Runners who register with incorrect information or wear BIBs that do not match the information on their identification documents, if discovered, will be disqualified and removed from the race.

Article 7: Prizes

7.1. Prize Structure

Prize Structure will be update later.

7.2. Prize Time Determination

All prizes are determined based on gun-time, which is measured from the starting gun signal until the runner crosses the Finish line.

Runners are required to ensure that the information on their personal identification documents, as per section 6.6, is accurate.

7.3. Finisher Verification Process

The first-place finishers in each race category will receive temporary ranking cards.

After crossing the Finish line, runners will need to provide complete information for verification to the race officials, and once the verification is deemed valid, they will be notified and receive their official awards.

7.4. Prize Presentation

Runners who have been notified of their prizes will receive trophies and cash, tangible goods, and/or other services (if available). Cash prizes are determined as specified in section 7.1.

Cash prizes from or more than 10 million Vietnam Dong are subject to a 10-percent individual income tax in accordance with Vietnamese tax law.

Non-cash prizes or prizes in the form of vouchers/cards for shopping and services cannot be converted to cash.

A detailed list of prizes will be published on the race's website. The prize redemption period is valid for one month from the date of the prize announcement.

7.5. Complaints and Violation Handling

Any inquiries or complaints about prizes must be submitted to the OC in writing within 2 hours after the prize announcement.

The OC reserves the right to revoke any runner's prize if it is discovered that they have violated the race regulations, and the runner is required to return any received prizes to the OC.

The decision of the OC regarding prizes is final.

7.6. Prize Awarding Ceremony

The ceremony will be held after the Referee team accurately determines the prize recipients.

Cash and tangible prizes will be transferred to runners by the OC after the conclusion of the race.

To receive prizes, winning runners must complete the following procedures:

Fill out a prize claim form

Submit a copy of their ID card/passport

Sign an individual income tax commitment form (Form 02/CK-TNCN)

In case a runner is missing any of the required documents, the OC reserves the right to withhold the prize and request the runner to provide all necessary documentation.

Article 8: Registration and Confirmation

8.1. Registration Age

8.1.1. Registration age is determined by the regulations of each event category (section 3).

8.1.2. Children registering to participate must have a legal guardian/parent. Legal guardians/parents must sign a waiver and take full responsibility for the safety and possible risks involved in their child's participation.

8.2. Other Registration Requirements

• Runners residing outside Vietnam must register online on the race's website. In the event of technical difficulties or technical errors during direct registration, the race's OC will provide alternative registration and payment methods.

• Runners who register twice for the same Standard Chartered Hanoi Marathon – Heritage Race using false information, such as using a fake name, providing false birthdate or gender, or using a fake photo, will be considered ineligible for participation.

• Registered runners will receive a Race Kit that includes a BIB number, an electronic timing chip, a singlet, a bag, and instructional materials.

• In cases where an individual acts as a representative and/or is delegated to register and/or collect a Race Kit on behalf of another individual or group, that person must commit to having been authorized to represent the interests of the individual or group in the registration and Race Kit collection process. Registering through a representative or a delegate will still be subject to all the regulations of this statute as if registered directly.

8.3. Registration Fee Refunds

After a runner has submitted his registration and paid the registration fee, the OC will not refund the registration fee in any case.

8.4. Changes to Registration Information and Transfer of Participation Rights

• The deadline for modifying personal information (such as ID number, gender, date of birth, email, etc.), if any inaccuracies are present, will be supported by the OC until the registration closing date.

• If there is a need to change personal information or transfer participation rights to a third party, runners must comply with the regulations regarding changing personal information or transferring participation rights published by the OC for each race.

• Changing race distances is accepted when requested before the closing date specified by the OC.

• Runners will be required to pay any difference in registration fees between the new and previously registered distances, in case the new distance has a higher registration fee, and no refund will be given in case the new distance has a lower registration fee than the originally registered distance.

8.5. The OC is not responsible for delays in the event of registration applications not being processed due to Internet connection errors and/or third-party payment processing errors. Registration is only considered valid according to the payment time displayed in the OC 's account.

8.6. The regulations in Article 8.5 also apply to the OC 's discount and promotional programs.

Article 9: Compliance with Laws and Safety, Run Route Regulations, and Runner's Personal Property

9.1. Runners commit to complying with all legal regulations of the Socialist Republic of Vietnam.

9.2. Runners must comply with sports competition regulations and are prohibited from using performance-enhancing substances. The OC has the right to request runners to provide urine samples for doping testing if there are suspicions of doping use. Runners are required to provide urine samples upon the request of the OC.

9.3. When participating in the race, runners commit to being physically fit for the registered distance and adhering to the time required by the OC to complete the race. Runners commit to understanding their own health limitations and recognizing when they need to stop physical activities to avoid injury.

9.4. In cases where a runner is unable to complete the race within the specified time limit as per section 4.2, the OC has the right to request the runner to stop running, and the runner will not be compensated, including any financial compensation or other compensation for this request.

9.5. Runners understand the risks associated with marathon running and the race course, including, but not limited to, tripping, colliding with other runners on the course, the effects of weather, traffic, and road conditions. These risks may result in minor injuries, severe injuries, or even death. Runners are responsible for their own safety and health throughout the race course and commit to absolving the OC of liability.

9.6. The OC will purchase public liability insurance and personal accident insurance for runners participating in the race. Therefore, to ensure their own interests, runners need to provide accurate and complete personal information (date of birth, ID card number/citizen identification card) as registered with the OC. If the information provided by runners is incomplete or inaccurate, the OC and the insurance company will deny responsibility for any accidents that may occur.

9.7. Runners are responsible for thoroughly researching the race route before the official race day and take full responsibility for any deviation from the course that may lead to an incomplete race or an unrecognized achievement.

9.8. Personal Property

Runners should leave their personal property in their bags marked with their BIB numbers and should not leave valuable items (such as cash, jewelry, expensive belongings, etc.) in their bags, pouches, or luggage stored at the bag drop area provided by the OC.

9.9. The OC is not responsible for any losses due to the following reasons:

• Illness or injury (including emergency treatment).

• Loss or damage to personal property.

• Being late due to public transportation difficulties and/or traffic conditions.

Article 10: Medical Regulations

10.1. Runners participating in the race must sign a medical liability waiver.

10.2. The OC has the right to stop the race if they detect medical issues in runners, including but not limited to the following conditions:

• Cardiovascular diseases

• Respiratory diseases

• Central nervous system disorders

• Injuries

• Thermoregulatory disorders

• Fluid and electrolyte imbalances

• Perceptual disorders

• Seizures

• Pregnant women

10.3. When asked to leave the race course due to a medical issue, runners must absolutely comply. Runners who do not comply will have their BIB numbers revoked, and they will be disqualified. No compensation, including financial compensation or other compensation, will be provided for this request.

10.4. The OC provides first-aid services or professional medical care for all injuries, illnesses, or accidents as necessary and may transfer patients to the nearest hospital.

10.5. Runners who are admitted to a hospital are responsible for paying all costs associated with medical care and treatment at the medical facility.

Article 11: Prohibitions

The OC has the right to prohibit runners from participating in the race and/or continuing to run when they discover violations of the regulations and rules specified below. Runners who violate these rules will be disqualified.

11.1. Runners must not use any wheeled means of transportation while running on the course (e.g., skateboards, strollers, wheeled shoes, bicycles, motorbikes…).

11.2. Runners must not use any food or drugs listed in the prohibited substances by the World Anti-Doping Agency (WADA). Runners must refrain from using stimulants, narcotics, or substances that enhance excitement while competing.

11.3. Runners are not allowed to receive any assistance other than the assistance designated by the OC (e.g., water, nutrition, pacesetters...).

11.4. Runners are not allowed to bring pets during the race.

11.5. Runners are prohibited from engaging in behaviors or making statements that are harassing, incite crowds, cause disturbances, or damage the race.

11.6. Runners are not allowed to bring inappropriate objects, equipment, weapons, sharp objects that may cause harm or harm others.

11.7. Runners are not allowed to bring documents, leaflets with content outside the program, content opposing the laws of the State and the people of Vietnam, content contrary to the policies of the Party and the State, and content inconsistent with the cultural customs of Vietnam.

11.8. Runners are not allowed to wear clothing with images that are offensive, not in line with the traditions and customs of Vietnam, images that are opposing the laws of the State and the people of Vietnam, images that are contrary to the policies of the Party and the State, or covering their faces entirely or going shirtless.

11.9. Runners must not violate the current traffic laws within the race area. Runners who violate this rule will be fully responsible under the laws of the Socialist Republic of Vietnam and will have to compensate for any damage caused to the OC (if any).

11.10. Foreign runners are responsible for declaring and ensuring a clear purpose of entry into Vietnam when applying for visas and completing entry procedures into Vietnam. Runners are also responsible for informing the OC of their temporary residence address in Hanoi during the race.

11.11. Runners are not allowed to engage in activities that delay or affect the race, such as jumping, changing clothes, playing musical instruments, fundraising, soliciting autographs, etc. Runners must not obstruct the race by not following the instructions of the OC. Runners are not allowed to use improper restroom facilities.

Article 12: Postponement, Cancellation, and Force Majeure

12.1. In any case of race cancellation or postponement, registration fees will not be refunded to registered runners.

12.2. After completing the registration and payment of participation fees, runners cannot request refunds for any reason.

12.3. In adverse weather conditions or due to force majeure beyond the control of the OC, the OC will inform runners of the reasons and the time of the force majeure event before the race day. The OC may postpone the event and is responsible for notifying runners of the rescheduled event time.

Article 13: Image Copyright

13.1. The copyrights to any articles, records, images, videos, and data related to the race, as well as the right to use this information on the official website, social media pages, and media outlets for marketing and promotion, belong to the OC.

13.2. This includes but is not limited to names and information such as age, addresses (hometown, province, city) of runners mentioned in articles related to the event.

Article 14: Rules and Competition Ethics

All matters related to rules and competition ethics will be governed by the regulations of the event and the current athletics laws of the International Association of Athletics Federations (IAAF). Refer to the website: http://aims-worldrunning.org.

Article 15: Race Funding

The annual funding for the Standard Chartered Hanoi Marathon – Heritage Race comes from social sources and is managed by Duc Huong Anh Co., Ltd.

Article 16: Awards and Disciplinary Actions

16.1. The OC will reward runners who comply with the event regulations and achieve outstanding results during the event.

16.2. Runners who violate the event regulations may face appropriate disciplinary measures, ranging from warnings to disqualification from the ongoing event or suspension from participating in future events, depending on the severity of the violation.

Article 17: Implementation Provisions

17.1. To ensure the safety of the event, these regulations apply to the entire event for all runners. Those who do not comply with these regulations will be considered ineligible to participate in the event.

17.2. In the event of any questions, disputes, or complaints regarding issues such as eligibility to participate, athlete results, race results, awards, etc., the concerned party should submit a written complaint to the OC based on these regulations, and the final decision will be at the discretion of the OC.

17.3. The OC reserves the right to change terms and participation regulations in case of emergencies without prior notice.

DHA Vietnam Co., Ltd

General Director

Assoc. Prof. Dr. Nguyen Tri