The Couple Run 2023 event attracted about 1,000 runners who are couples. — Photo courtesy of hcmcpv.org.vn

On the morning of August 27, a 5-kilometre run was held at Tân Thuận Export Processing Zone in HCM City’s District 7, to mark the beginning of the city's collective wedding programme for 2023.

According to the organisers, besides enhancing their physical health, participants in the race (who are couples) also contributed to fundraising efforts to support this year's collective wedding event.

The 2023 collective wedding ceremony is expected to involve around 150 couples who face difficulties and lack the means to hold a complete wedding celebration.

Priority is given to workers and laborers in industrial zones and export processing zones. The ceremony also welcomes couples who are state employees, teachers, and military personnel currently working in agencies, institutions, schools, and businesses.

This mass wedding is not only for couples within the HCM City area; those from neighbouring regions can also register to participate.

Speaking at the event, Lê Hoàng Minh, the Director of the Youth Workers Support Center of HCM City, stated that the collective wedding ceremony contributes to honoring the beauty of the traditional national culture.

The event encourages the organisation of weddings in a civilised and cost-effective manner, demonstrating the spirit of mutual affection and solidarity, which are inherent characteristics of the people of HCM City.

"I find this activity extremely meaningful and positive. Everyone who participated in the morning run did so with smiles on their faces," said Phi Hoàng after completing the race.

Over the past 13 years, the collective wedding ceremony has become a cherished tradition in HCM City.

About 1,022 couples facing difficulties and unable to afford their own weddings have had dignified and complete wedding ceremonies through this programme over the years. — VNS