Running through the wilderness to tell the story of heritage.

VHO - More than just a sporting event, Phong Nha Wild Trail 2026 is gradually becoming a special "tourism ambassador" for the Phong Nha - Ke Bang heritage region. Along the trails through primeval forests, across streams, and past historical landmarks, thousands of athletes have become storytellers about the natural beauty, culture, and people of Quang Tri through their own experiences.

The athletes started in the 70km race.

Every step is a promotional message.

When the first athletes set off from the Phong Nha Tourism Center, they weren't simply embarking on a physical race. Ahead of them was a journey to discover the outstanding values ​​of this world natural heritage site, considered one of the region's most important biodiversity hotspots.

From winding paths through primeval forests and steep rocky slopes to cool streams amidst the wilderness, Phong Nha Wild Trail offers an experience few other races in Vietnam can match.

In particular, the 50km and 70km distances take athletes deep into areas rich in scenic and ecological value, where the beauty of nature remains almost untouched.

According to the Organizing Committee, the biggest goal of the tournament is not only to organize a professional sporting event but also to contribute to promoting the image of Phong Nha - Ke Bang to the domestic and international tourism and sports community.

Athletes participating in the 50km race pose for a commemorative photo before the race.

"We hope that each athlete, upon leaving Phong Nha, will carry with them beautiful stories about this land. Images shared on social media and experiences recounted after the tournament are the most effective ways to promote the destination," a representative of the Organizing Committee shared.

In fact, thousands of photos, videos , and travel diaries posted during the event helped to spread the image of Phong Nha widely across digital platforms.

Many athletes not only participate in competitions but also dedicate extra time to exploring caves, experiencing ecotourism, and discovering local community-based tourism products.

The race track expands the space for experiential tourism.

For many international athletes, Phong Nha Wild Trail is an opportunity to discover a Vietnam very different from their familiar destinations.

Female athletes in the short-distance race cross the finish line, celebrating the completion of their race.

Mark Stevenson, an Australian athlete competing in the 70km race, said it was one of the most impressive races he had ever experienced in Southeast Asia.

“What surprised me wasn't just the difficulty of the route, but also the beauty of nature. I ran through stunning forests, crystal-clear streams, and many areas that were almost untouched by human activity. It was truly a special experience,” Mark shared.

Meanwhile, Nguyen Thi Minh Anh, an athlete from Hanoi who conquered the 70km distance this year, believes that the greatest value of Phong Nha Wild Trail lies in the emotions the race provides.

“There were some very tiring stretches, but when I looked up, the entire lush green forest stretched before me. The feeling of being immersed in nature made all the difficulties worthwhile. After each trip, I always want to return to Phong Nha for more days to explore even more,” she said.

Awards were presented to the athletes participating in the 50km race.

Many athletes also shared that the race itself caused them to change their plans from a short trip to a longer vacation in the local area. This shows that sports are becoming an effective bridge to expand experiential tourism.

From a trail running event, Phong Nha Wild Trail is contributing to positioning Phong Nha - Ke Bang as a destination for green tourism, adventure tourism, and outdoor sports. Steps on the trail amidst the vast forest not only lead to the finish line but also open up opportunities for the beauty of this heritage site to continue to be shared with friends both domestically and internationally.

The Phong Nha Wild Trail 2026 attracted nearly 1,500 participants, including many international runners from Europe, Asia, and Oceania. The distances, ranging from 5km to 70km, traverse numerous forest trails, streams, and famous landmarks within the Phong Nha-Ke Bang heritage area, creating a product that combines sports, tourism, and destination image promotion.

Source: https://baovanhoa.vn/the-thao/chay-giua-dai-ngan-de-ke-cau-chuyen-di-san-232995.html