HANOI, March 16 (Xinhua) -- An international marathon to be held in Vietnam's capital of Hanoi this fall will attract 10,000 runners as the local authorities aim to promote the image of the city, Vietnam News Agency reported on Thursday.

The large-scale sporting event, scheduled to take place on October 8, will create an opportunity to promote the local fitness and sports industry, said Dinh Van Luyen, head of the sports management division at the municipal Department of Culture and Sports.

Organizers hoped the marathon will become an annual event with large number of participants which has the same impact on the publicity of Hanoi's brand and image as one of the world's top marathons in London, New York, Berlin and Tokyo.

As one of the most popular competitive sports, marathon can help draw international attention to Hanoi's charms and its tourist potential, said the event organizers.