Run For Love 2025: When Every Step Lights Up Hanoi’s Autumn

The powerful moment of unity — when visually impaired runners and their guides synchronize their strides, turning the racecourse into a symphony of love in the heart of Hanoi’s autumn. (Photo: VNA)

As the National Flag Carrier, Vietnam Airlines not only connects destinations but also journeys alongside the mission of preserving and promoting the cultural identity of Hanoi. This autumn, Vietnam Airlines brings a series of unique experiences, allowing both residents and visitors to feel and touch the capital’s autumn in their own special way.

Over 300 Visually Impaired Runners to Join the Race

Following the success of Run For Love 2024, Vietnam Airlines continues its partnership with Vietnam and Friends (VAF) — a non-profit organization dedicated to supporting people with disabilities and vulnerable groups towards greater social inclusion. The 2025 event carries even greater meaning, welcoming the participation of over 300 visually impaired runners who will be paired and guided by sighted volunteers.

According to Mr. Đặng Thế Lâm, Director of Vietnam and Friends (VAF), each visually impaired runner is connected to their guide by a short tether. “The sighted runner becomes the second pair of eyes, sharing not only steps but also emotions throughout the race.”

Along the route, guides do more than lead — they act as painters of experience, describing the scenery, the breeze, and the rhythm of autumn so that their running partners can fully see with their hearts.

Steps of compassion: Over 300 visually impaired runners and their guides ready to start, turning Hanoi’s autumn streets into a ‘runway of light’. (Photo: VNA)

Recalling Run For Love 2024, Mr. Lâm shared that it was a beautiful milestone in Vietnam Airlines’ community activities. With over 1,500 participants, including 282 visually impaired runners, the event was more than a sports race — it was a heartfelt journey of empathy and humanity.

By the tranquil lakeside, under the gentle autumn sunlight, each running pair became a living symbol of connection. The visually impaired runners felt the cool breeze, the sound of rustling leaves, and the rippling water, while their guides found happiness in helping others “run with all their heart.”

“The Runway of Light” — A Race Full of Emotion

Vietnam Airlines’ collaboration with Vietnam and Friends (VAF) has created a deeply emotional, inclusive sports space — a “runway of light” where runners of all abilities move forward together in harmony. Every guiding step symbolizes solidarity and compassion.

To prepare for this year’s event, VAF has organized technical training sessions to improve the fitness of visually impaired athletes and promote local sports participation. This helps runners not only perform better but also live healthier, more confident lives.

Additionally, the organizers — in partnership with Hồng Ngọc Hospital — are providing complimentary health check packages for all visually impaired participants, a thoughtful gesture given that many come from rural areas with limited access to healthcare.

Volunteer guides also receive video training on running techniques and communication, ensuring safety and synchronization with their partners.

“We expect more than 300 visually impaired athletes this year, with over 70% returning from 2024. Recruiting volunteers has been easy thanks to the strong, lasting community of support we’ve built,” said Mr. Lâm.

Volunteers and runners share smiles, radiating positive energy and the spirit of love that defines Run For Love. (Photo: VNA)

Most volunteers are young people. Many said that even though their visually impaired partners cannot see the course, they can feel it vividly through sound, emotion, and connection — and that optimism has inspired them to keep contributing to meaningful community causes.

As the organizer of Run For Love 2025, Vietnam Airlines hopes to inspire physical fitness, mental resilience, and the spirit of overcoming challenges through running — a sport of endurance and perseverance.

“The race is not just a competition,” a Vietnam Airlines representative shared, “it’s an opportunity for runners to promote kindness, humanity, and a more compassionate community. Each participant not only improves their own well-being but also helps spread a message of love and connection.”

Thus, Run For Love 2025 is more than a race — it’s a symphony of humanity, where sports, Hanoi’s autumn beauty, and human affection intertwine. With Vietnam Airlines’ companionship, the event delivers a powerful message: Hanoi’s autumn shines not only in its scenery, but in the hearts that know how to share.