Impressive cross-country race around the green island.

The 2025 Lai Son Island Cross-Country Race "For a Green Hon Son" organized by the Department of Culture and Sports in coordination with the People's Committee of Kien Hai Special Zone attracted nearly 300 athletes from 21 units in the province to compete in 4 events: 5km men's group 2 (18 years and older); 3km women's group 2 (18 years and older); 3km men's group 1 (12-17 years old); and 2km women's group 1 (12-17 years old).

Chairman of the People's Committee of Kien Hai Special Zone, Chau Hung Ky, presents awards to the winning teams in the men's 5km race, group 2. Photo: LE TRUNG HIEU

According to Tran Nguyen Ba, Deputy Director of the Department of Culture and Sports, this year's cross-country race attracted more participants than in previous years. The event aims to promote the dissemination of information and education to officials, Party members, and the people on preserving national cultural identity, honoring the good customs and traditions passed down through generations of fishermen in coastal and island areas; especially, to raise awareness about national sovereignty , border protection, and the protection of Vietnam's seas and islands in the current situation.

Athlete Tran Van Khoa from Lai Son Junior and Senior High School said that participating in the race was an experience running on the route where he lives and studies. Khoa shared: “I registered for the 3km race to improve my physical fitness and health. At the same time, I want to spread the message to everyone – let's practice sports and exercise regularly, improve our health, and work together to protect the environment for a green, clean, and beautiful Hon Son.”

Having participated in many races in other localities, athlete Nguyen Thi Tram, residing in Chau Phong commune, was very excited about this race because she had the opportunity to experience the fresh air and competitive spirit with other athletes on the beautiful Lai Son island. Ms. Tram shared: “The race route with its winding paths on the island is what attracts runners from other localities to the race. This is a big challenge for athletes who are used to running on flat terrain like me. However, competing on these routes gives me wonderful experiences and valuable lessons to help me perform better in next year's race.”

With a strong team, high professional quality, and regular training on similar hilly terrain as Hon Son, Tinh Bien ward won first place overall in three events: 5km men's group 2, 3km men's group 1, and 2km women's group 1. Rach Gia ward won first place overall in the 3km women's group 2. Tinh Bien ward coach Pham Hong Khanh said: "When registering for the competition, we surveyed the race route in Hon Son, which was quite similar to the training route in Nui Dai, so the athletes trained diligently to prepare thoroughly for the competition. The whole team is happy that most of the athletes achieved good results in this competition." Immediately after finishing first in the men's 5km race, group 2, athlete Ly Do Xe, residing in Tinh Bien ward, shared: "Despite extensive training, I was a little overwhelmed by the steep curves and the fierce competition from other athletes. After about 500m from the start, I gradually controlled my pace and strived to reach the finish line."

Mr. Tran Nguyen Ba stated that the 2025 Lai Son Island Cross-Country Race "For a Green Hon Son" in the province aims to promote physical exercise and sports among the people, implement the nationwide movement for physical training following the example of the great President Ho Chi Minh, and the nationwide movement for solidarity in building a cultured life. At the same time, it creates opportunities for athletes to exchange experiences, improve their physical fitness, and enhance their health.

LE TRUNG HIEU

Source: https://baoangiang.com.vn/an-tuong-giai-viet-da-quanh-dao-xanh-a470048.html