Association of International Marathons and Distance Races

The home of world running™

24th World Congress of AIMS

Hanoi, Vietnam, November 2024

Following on from the successful World Congress in Osaka, Japan, AIMS and DHA Vietnam are delighted to announce that the XXIV World Congress of AIMS will be held in Hanoi, Vietnam from 14 to 17 November, 2024 in conjunction with the Halong Bay Heritage Marathon.

All members and sponsors should diary the date now to ensure they do not miss out on what will be a most exciting experience in the fastest growing geographical area for our sport; all being held in the beautiful country of Vietnam.

The Congress website is now available at https://vietnamheritagemarathon.com/en/web/aims2024 and registration is open.

Further information will be posted on this page as it becomes available.

Latest Congress news

Agenda for AIMS Congress

24th World Congress of AIMS, “From Heritage to Horizon” ·

14–16 November 2024

Venue: Dolce by Wyndham

Thursday November 14, 2024

08:30 – 09:00 Arrival reception and Registration

09:00 – 09:10 Welcome words by AIMS President, by Host City Representative and by Local Organising Committee

09:30 – 10:15 Presentation #1: Paris 2024 Olympic Mass Participation Marathon
Paris 2024 promised to revolutionise the Olympic and Paralympic Games experience for the public. With the Paris 2024 Mass Participation Marathon, amateur athletes will be able to run the Olympic marathon route at night.

10:15 – 10:45 Coffee Break and Networking

10:45 – 11:30 Presentation #2: Vietnam’s Perspective: How does the marathon contribute to Vietnam’s economy?"
The Asian market in general and Vietnam in particular is the faster growing area, especially with sports tourism. Uncover the significant economic contributions marathons bring to their host cities, from boosting local businesses to enhancing tourism.

11:30 – 12:15 Presentation #3: Tech on the Track: Leveraging AI for the Next Generation of Race Organization
Discover how artificial intelligence is revolutionizing race organization, from enhancing runner experiences to streamlining event logistics.

12:15 – 13:15 Lunch Break

13:15 – 14:00 Presentation #4: Healthy Races, Healthy Planet: Examining the Eco-Impact of Mass-Sport Events.
Delve into the intersection of health and environmental stewardship, discussing how marathons can contribute to both a healthier populace and a healthier planet.

14:00 – 15:00 Annual AIMS Reports: Reflecting on Achievements and Looking Ahead

15:00 – 15:30 Coffee Break and Networking

15:30 – 16:15 Nomination Presentations for Board Election and for President Election

16:15 – 16:45 Proposals for Hosting the 25th World Congress of AIMS

16:45 – 17:00 Proposed Amendments to the Articles of Association

16:45 – 17:00 Time for Group Photo

18:00 – 21:00 Welcome dinner

Friday November 15, 2024

08:30 – 09:00 Arrival Reception and Networking

09:00 – 09:45 Presentation #5: Cultural Heritage and Marathon Running: Vietnam’s Unique Approach.
Discover how Vietnam integrates its rich cultural heritage with marathon events, creating unique experiences for runners and promoting cultural tourism.

09:45 – 10:30 Presentation #6: AIMS’ sponsors presentations

10:30 – 11:00 Coffee Break and Networking

11:00 – 12:00 Panel Discussion: Women in running and mass-sport events for people with disability and limited access.

12:00 – 13:00 Lunch Break

13:00 – 14:30 Interactive session

14:30 – 15:00 Coffee Break and Networking

15:00 – 15:45 AIMS 2024 Annual Update: Strategic Progress and Future Directions

15:45 – 16:30 Presentation #7: Green Racing: Sustainable Practices for the Modern Marathon.
Explore the forefront of sustainability in marathon events, showcasing best practices and innovative approaches to minimizing environmental impact.

20:00 – 22:00 Gala Dinner

Saturday November 16, 2024

09:00 – 09:30 Final Presentation of Bids & Voting
A brief recap of the bids for the next Congress location, followed by member voting.

09:30 – 10:00 Board Election Voting
Voting session for new Board members.

10:00 – 10:30 Announcement of Voting Results
Presentation of election outcomes and bid selection results.

10:30 – 10:45 Closing Ceremony
Final remarks and the official closing of the Congress

10:45 – 11:00 Coffee Break

14:00 – 16:30 Move to Halong Bay

Early bird rates for AIMS Congress

New partner hotels ·

“Early bird” discounted accommodation deals are now available for the World Congress of AIMS in Hanoi, Vietnam.

Two new upgraded venues have been announced:

  • 5-star Dolce By Wyndham Hanoi Golden Lake (see details ) 115 USD / night (regardless of single, double or twin room)
  • 4-star Lake Side Hotel Hanoi (see details ) 45 USD / night (regardless of single, double or twin room)

The early bird accommodation discount rate closes on 30th June.

AIMS member races have been issued with a guide to registration and discount code.

President invites AIMS members to Vietnam

World Congress to be held in Hanoi ·

The President of AIMS has invited member races to register for the upcoming Congress in Hanoi, Vietnam.

In a letter to the 443 member races, Paco Borao says:

“It gives me great pleasure to be able to inform you that registration for the 24th World Congress of AIMS is now open and available through the Congress website at the address given below.”

https://vietnamheritagemarathon.com/en/web/aims2024

“You will also find attached a detailed description of how to register. I look forward to seeing you in Hanoi!”

AIMS President invites members to Hanoi

Congress website launched ·

Dear AIMS members,

You are all most certainly aware of the difficulties we have faced over the last four years. But rather than dwell upon that we would like to congratulate all those who stood tall and kept their events up and running…

With our strongest feelings of solidarity and commitment we announce that the XXIV World Congress of AIMS will be hosted in Hanoi, Vietnam, from 14 – 17 November, 2024. It gives me great pleasure to announce that the website for the Congress has been launched. We will be waiting for you all to enjoy Vietnamese hospitality and learn of the progress of running organizations over the last few years.

https://vietnamheritagemarathon.com/en/web/aims2024

Let me look back for a moment to express our most grateful thanks to our friends at the Osaka Marathon for their important help in hosting the XXIII World Congress of AIMS in 2023. Being prepared through the most difficult of times is the best of qualities… as Osaka proved!

Now we have the opportunity to experience that part of the world with the greatest increase of AIMS membership in recent years, South East Asia, with Vietnam being one of the countries with the most rapid economic growth and social development.

I am sure we will enjoy and learn a lot through our participation in this the most important event of 2024 for our running community.

Let’s meet at Hanoi in November, let’s share experiences and learn even more about today’s AIMS environment!

Paco Borao
AIMS President

AIMS announces 24th World Congress

Halong Bay Heritage Marathon will host event in Hanoi ·

Following on from the successful World Congress in Osaka, Japan, AIMS and DHA Vietnam are delighted to announce that the XXIV World Congress of AIMS will be held in Hanoi, Vietnam from 14 to 17 November, 2024 in
conjunction with the Halong Bay Heritage Marathon.

All members and sponsors should diary the date now to ensure they do not miss out on what will be a most exciting experience in the fastest growing geographical area for our sport; all being held in the beautiful country of Vietnam.

Vietnam is a country of rich culture and traditions with a history of more than four thousand years. Today, Vietnam is known as one of the most dynamic countries in ASEAN with a rapid economic growth rate over many years.

It has a population of 90 million people from 54 ethnic groups, diplomatic relations with 178 countries, and economic, trade and investment ties with 224 countries and territories.

Hanoi can be enjoyed by visitors on any budget. You can spend as little as 30 USD or up to 300 USD depending on taste and comfort level. Meals range from 3–5 USD to above 50 USD. Transportation is available by motorbikes, buses, taxis/cars, and bicycles.

In 2012 TripAdvisor named it the cheapest city in the world for a one-night stay in a four-star hotel with food and beverages, and taxi transport. Yet Sherman Travels also named it one of the top 10 cities for food in the world!

Smart Travel Asia also called Hanoi one of the top 10 cities for shopping in Asia.

Hanoi offers modern and traditional theatres, cinemas, karaoke bars, dance clubs, bowling alleys, and an abundance of opportunities for shopping. There are many lovely parks and museums, a number of festivals held throughout the year, and vibrant nightlife in the city centre.

November is the most pleasant time of the year to visit. It marks the final month of autumn, when the monsoon winds gain strength, resulting in a drier climate. Hanoi weather in November is characterized by pleasant daytime temperatures and cool breezes at night, with average temperature from 18 to 22 degrees Celsius.

Halong Bay is a famous tourist destination in its own right and a cruise is the best way to experience it.

Vietnam is well connected to the world. It is easy to get to Hanoi by air from Sydney, Osaka, Beijing, Frankfurt or San Francisco. Visit the website of the official airline Vietnam Airlines for your choice of flights.

Noi Bai International Airport (HAN) is 45 km from the city centre (30–45 minutes) and is the second largest airport in Vietnam, serving 19 million passengers year. More than 30 Vietnamese and international airlines use the airport daily. The airport terminal provides various services, shopping, currency exchange, ATMs and transportation options.

Many visitors may enter Vietnam without a visa for up to 45 days. Get a visa to Vietnam in only 2–3 working days from your local Vietnamese Embassy, or apply for a Visa on Arrival and collect at Noi Bai International Airport.

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Distance Running

Official quarterly magazine of AIMS

Cover of 2024 Edition 3

Latest issue:
2024 Edition 3

Cover: Halong Bay Heritage Marathon, Vietnam

Keep up to date!

For the latest race dates please consult the official online AIMS calendar.

You can also subscribe to the AIMS calendar in your calendaring application of choice, whether on your phone, tablet or computer. Simply subscribe to webcal://aims-worldrunning.org/events.ics in your calendar app.

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