5:30 AM Community: Spreading across all routes of the Tien Phong Marathon

TPO - Among the numerous running clubs that have sprung up in recent years, the 5:30 Community stands out with its unforgettable name and unique model: encouraging early waking, regular training, and community bonding. After 5 years of establishment and sustained development, the 5:30 Community - Happy and Healthy Every Day has become a familiar brand to running enthusiasts across the country. At races in the Tien Phong Marathon system, the 5:30 Community's colors are always seen covering the race routes.

Báo Tiền Phong•12/12/2025

Anytime, anywhere

Currently, the 5:30 AM Community - Happy and Healthy Every Day has tens of thousands of members connected through Facebook groups, Fanpages, Zalo groups, Messenger, TikTok, and even a dedicated website that shares inspiring stories, exercises, nutritional information, and sportswear .

Members of the 5:30 AM Community - Happy and Healthy Every Day - exercise and jog daily in the Van Phuc Urban Area.

Operating on an open, flexible "anywhere, anytime" model, members always maintain a spirit of connection. Whether in urban or rural areas, Hanoi or Ho Chi Minh City, at exactly 5:30 AM or 5:30 PM, they remind each other to "put on their shoes and head out."

Thanks to constant interaction on social media, people thousands of kilometers apart still feel "always connected." 5:30 Community branches are formed according to residential areas, such as: 5:30 Van Phuc, 5:30 An Loc, 5:30 Cau Do, 5:30 Binh Duong … On weekends, they arrange long runs or participate in races together.

The 5:30 Community has also spread overseas. 5:30 groups in Taiwan (China), Japan, and other countries bring together Vietnamese people living abroad. Businessman and running record holder Nguyen Dinh Truong (Truong Crazy) recounts: “I wore the 5:30 Community shirt to competitions abroad. Vietnamese people saw the shirt and came to introduce themselves. International athletes heard about the 5:30 Community and also asked to join. That's how the community grew.”

Buying a BIB is like buying vegetables, and you can book an entire hotel.

While activities are usually organized by individual branches, the spirit of the 5:30 Community explodes whenever they participate in a competition. "Each race is an opportunity to meet familiar faces that we've only seen on Facebook and Zalo before. Putting on the shirts, we recognize each other immediately, and we greet each other with smiles," shared Mr. Nguyen Van Tinh, Head of the 5:30 An Loc Community.

The 5:30 AM Community - Happy and Healthy Every Day participated in the Tien Phong Newspaper National Marathon and Long Distance Championship in Quang Tri.

The Tien Phong National Marathon and Long Distance Championship is always considered a highlight of the year. Each member strives to prepare physically and mentally for participation. “I’ll run anywhere, but I have to go to Tien Phong. It’s prestigious, full of emotion, and has a very sacred flag-raising ceremony. I go to run, to travel, and to meet each other – people who wake up before dawn,” said Tinh.

In 2023 in Lai Chau, the warmth of the local people left a lasting impression on many runners of the 5:30 Community. In 2024 in Phu Yen, the 5:30 Community shirts appeared in countless numbers. The three-generation family of runner Nguyen Van Tinh alone had nearly 30 members participating. Members of the 5:30 Community from Phu Yen living in Ho Chi Minh City, such as Nguyen Nhu The and Nguyen Tu Duy, even returned early to survey hotels and restaurants and support the groups. Runner Nguyen Van Phe and his family cooked a hearty meal to welcome dozens of runners…

In 2025, when the Tien Phong National Marathon and Long Distance Championship took place in Quang Tri, "Chairman Truong" (runner Truong Quoc Thang) sponsored 100,000 VND for each runner to buy a BIB through the 5h30 Community. Before long, all 400 BIBs were sold out.

“Quang Tri is a historical site steeped in revolutionary spirit. Many people want to come not only to run but also to visit Hien Luong Bridge, Ben Hai River, Quang Tri Ancient Citadel, Truong Son Cemetery… so supporting the purchase of BIBs is another boost for runners,” said Chairman Truong.

In Quang Tri, with the support of local runners like Hoang Duc Truong Giang, the 5:30 Community rented an entire hotel - but it still wasn't enough space.

When the announcement was made that the 2026 Tien Phong National Marathon and Long Distance Championship would be held in Nha Trang, people in their thirties were once again excitedly hunting for BIBs. Thanks to the continued support from Mr. Truong, who provided the first 200 BIBs, all of them were claimed in less than an hour. And for this race, the 5:30 Community hopes to have 530 runners wearing the "white, yellow, and green" uniforms, contributing to making the coastal city even more vibrant and colorful.

Stirring up excitement at the "sacred site" of Van Phuc.

Meanwhile, the first ever Tien Phong Half Marathon - 2025, themed "Green Journey - Giving Trust, Receiving Happiness," is attracting significant attention from runners, and the 5h30 Community is no exception.

Runners rushed to find BIBs, to the point where many jokingly complained: "What kind of race is this where the BIBs are all gone as soon as I hear about it? I love the green, scenic route in Van Phuc, so I absolutely have to run."

Journalist and runner Ngo Cong Quang, founder of the 5:30 Community, is eagerly awaiting the Tien Phong Half Marathon.

The event takes place right in the Van Phuc Urban Area – the "home turf" of the 5:30 Community. Every Sunday, at the corner of Nguyen Thi Nhung and Street 18, the 5:30 Community sets up a free water and fruit station, becoming a familiar meeting point for runners and residents. This is also the "spiritual playground" for the running coaches – where they train young athletes in the 5:30 Kids Run program. These vibrant, energetic mornings, filled with the clear laughter of children, have become a beautiful cultural feature of this community.

Perhaps the happiest person is runner Ngo Cong Quang - the founder of the 5:30 Community. He shared: “Van Phuc is where my family and I live. Ho Chi Minh City has many places for running, but Van Phuc is truly a 'holy land'. The running track is flat, wide, green, and surrounded by the Saigon River. This is one of the safest and most beautiful places to run in the South.”

“I’m so excited that a prestigious race like the Tien Phong Half Marathon is taking place right in front of my house. The relay station will be set up at 5:30 AM, and I will wear the 5:30 AM jersey to conquer the entire 21 km, spreading the spirit of fun and health to everyone,” said Quang.

The Tien Phong National Marathon and Long Distance Championship may change venues each season, but the spirit of the 5:30 Community remains unchanged - always present.

More than just a running community, the 5:30 Community has created a beautiful lifestyle habit: Waking up early, exercising, and spreading positive energy every day. Along the Tien Phong Marathon route, the white, yellow, and green colors not only tell a story of love for sports but also portray enduring values: perseverance, sharing, and living a virtuous life.

The Tien Phong National Marathon and Long Distance Championship may change locations each season, but the spirit of the 5:30 Community remains unchanged – always present, always connected, and always inspiring those who want to start their day with something positive. As dawn breaks on each new leg of the race, the footsteps of those in their 5:30s will continue to move forward, spreading the joy of health far and wide.