This is the fourth time Malaysian-backed property developer Gamuda Land has cooperated with not-for-profit organisation Heart Beat Vietnam to organise this run, and the second time it is being held in Hanoi.

Making debut in 2013, the charity race has attracted thousands of participants and received support and contributions from hundreds of sponsors.

Total fund raised from the first three runs has surpassed VND4.7 billion ($215,800). Using this money, 219 children with congenital heart defects have been able to undergo heart operations.

In 2015, “Run for the Heart” was organised for the first time in Hanoi attracting more than 5,000 participants, raising more than VND1 billion ($45,600), resulting in medical treatments for 48 children with severe heart conditions throughout the country.

With the goal of bringing care to more children with congenial heart defects, Run for the Heart 2016 also raises people’s awareness about the importance of physical activities to reduce the risk of heart disease, while helping children born with heart disease.

This year, the race held successfully on November 6 in Ho Chi Minh City attracting over 13,000 participants. Total fund raised during the race amounted to VND3.2 billion ($146,000), allowing 119 heart operations to be performed on children with heart defects. 

To date, the programme has raised more than VND7 billion ($319,600), paying for 338 children to receive heart operations. 

Run for the Heart 2016 in Hanoi is expected to attract about 8,000 participants who are young couples, pupils, college and university students, and employees at city-based businesses and organisations. 

According to Gamuda Land Vietnam, the charity race has thus far received active support from big donors such as ICON4, Hop Luc, Couple TX, Hoa Binh,VinaCapital and Somerset, etc.