Unique race track
May arrives, and with it, the terraced rice fields of Thong Nguyen commune don a rustic yet captivating beauty. The layers of fields, after plowing, stretch along the mountainside with the deep brown of freshly tilled soil, interspersed with the vibrant green of cornfields, creating a gentle landscape embracing the hillsides amidst the vast forest. From above, the entire valley appears like a giant relief sculpture carved by the diligent hands of generations of highlanders. But this year, amidst this otherwise peaceful setting, the rhythm of sports has awakened the entire mountainous region.
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| The terraced rice fields in Thong Nguyen have become a unique race track. |
The 2026 terraced rice field climbing race, themed "Footprints on the Magnificent Terraced Rice Fields," organized by the People's Committee of Thong Nguyen commune, transformed the terraced rice fields, preparing for the rainy season, into a unique sporting arena. Not a flat paved road or a professional running course, the race in Nam Nghi village, only about 350 meters long, covered nearly 60 consecutive terraced rice fields, with heights ranging from 1.2 to 2.5 meters each, challenging both the endurance and willpower of even the most resilient legs.
As the starting whistle blew, the athletes immediately surged forward like arrows shot from a bow. Their feet pounded the brown earth, their hands gripping the rice paddies to gain momentum for a powerful leap. Each stretch tensed their muscles against the steep slopes of the terraced rice paddies that stretched halfway up the mountain. Some sections were almost vertical, forcing athletes to duck low, using their hands to maintain balance. Around the race course, approximately 2,000 spectators crowded the terraces. Cheers and drums echoed from one hillside to another, creating a powerful, energizing sound that fueled the weary legs of the runners.
Ms. Phuong Mui Senh, a resident of Nam Nghi village, couldn't hide her excitement at witnessing this special race for the first time right on her hometown's rice paddies. "Normally, the terraced rice fields are only familiar with the sounds of people planting and harvesting. Seeing so many people here today, I feel very proud. The athletes are very strong climbing the slopes; in many sections, just watching them makes you feel tired. Everyone wants to cheer them on," Ms. Senh shared.
Through countless seasons of rain and sunshine, the terraced rice fields in Thong Nguyen have transcended the meaning of mere livelihood fields to become a unique cultural landmark in the mountainous region. The layers of earth embracing the mountain slopes are the culmination of generations of diligent Dao people who cleared the mountains, preserved the land, and sowed life amidst the harsh wilderness, creating the National Scenic Landscape of Terraced Rice Fields we see today. Ms. Hoang Hai Yen, a tourist from Hanoi, shared: “Before my eyes, the terraced rice fields are like a living epic created from the labor, willpower, and identity of the highlanders over generations. When sports are integrated into that space, the race brings a very different feeling. Each step conquers the slopes of the mountains and hills, while also helping each person to feel more deeply the rhythm of life, the spirit, and the cultural breath of this highland region.”
Awakening the scenic beauty
As they approached the finish line, the race became increasingly grueling. Legs began to tremble with fatigue, muscles tensed after a series of steep jumps, and breaths felt like they were about to burst from their chests. Yet, no one gave up. On the narrow, rough, and precarious embankments, each athlete had to exert all their strength, skill, and balance to find the most precise footing. Just a small slip was enough to disrupt the momentum in this intensely competitive race.
After a spirited sprint, the top spot in the race went to Hang A Nhong, a young man from Lai Chau province. His stamina, skillful uphill climbing technique, and unwavering determination helped him cross the finish line first in less than 3 minutes. Nhong shared: “I’ve participated in many trail running races, but the feeling of climbing the steep terraced rice fields in Thong Nguyen was a completely different experience. At times, I had to use my hands to grip the ground and pull myself up. It was very tiring but also very special. I felt the hard work and sweat of generations of people who have sculpted these magnificent terraced rice fields.”
Closely following the champion was Tan Lao Su from Lung Ly village, Thong Nguyen commune (second place), followed by Ly Seo Chinh from Ho Thau commune (third place). Born amidst the mountains and raised on steep slopes, Su possesses the unique resilience of a highlander. However, only when he entered the actual race did he fully understand the harshness of each steep step. “Every step was a test of willpower and endurance. But what moved me most was the cheering echoing from all the mountain slopes. It not only gave me motivation but also made me feel like I was running for the pride of my homeland,” Su shared.
In addition to the top prizes, the Organizing Committee also awarded 8 consolation prizes to 8 outstanding athletes from Thong Nguyen, Ho Thau, Tan Quang communes (Tuyen Quang province) and Mu Cang Chai commune (Lao Cai province)... as recognition for the perseverance, determination to overcome obstacles, and aspirations of the athletes on their journey to the finish line. But beyond the awards, what resonated most deeply was how the locality is transforming its heritage into a new driving force for development. The Chairman of the People's Committee of Thong Nguyen commune, Vu The Phuong, said: “We want to strongly promote the potential of community tourism, making the race a distinctive tourism product, aiming for an annual event to preserve and promote the value of the National Scenic Landscape of Terraced Rice Fields and create sustainable livelihoods for the people.”
The race concluded as the midday sun cast a golden glow on the undulating terraced rice fields nestled against the mountainside, but its echoes continued to resonate throughout the vast wilderness. Though the footprints imprinted on the terraced fields may fade with the changing seasons, the vitality the race brought to this scenic region will likely remain for a long time in the journey of integrating heritage into contemporary life.
Thu Phuong
Source: https://baotuyenquang.com.vn/xa-hoi/202605/dau-chan-tren-ruong-bac-thang-ky-vy-8f35a5e/
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