Held for the first time, the Dak Nong Marathon 2025 - Conquering the Southern Central Highlands has created a vibrant sporting event in Gia Nghia city. Familiar routes suddenly became bustling, with the participation of thousands of athletes from all over the country.
But it's not just the runners who leave an impression. As a fan of the 14-member team participating in the race, I also have memorable behind-the-scenes stories.
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That Sunday morning, I eagerly went out early to cheer for my husband, children and team members running in the 5km, 10km and 21km distances. When the starting whistle blew, everyone rushed past like the wind, I also eagerly held my phone and ran after them to record the first moments.
And then... I tripped and fell in the middle of the road! Glasses flew, knees were scratched, hands were bleeding, luckily it was just a minor injury. So after finishing the 10km route, my husband had to bandage my wound with very cute nagging words! That scene made the whole team laugh and call me the most "fierce" fan.
During the tournament, my house was chosen as the “healing station” of the Vui vui team - a team of 14 members from Ho Chi Minh City. I mobilized all the mattresses, pillows, blankets and mosquito nets to serve the whole team.
Although I have welcomed groups of more than 20 people before, my house has never been as bustling since 3am as it was this time. Because the 3 members of the 21km team had to wake up very early to be on time for the race.
Before the tournament, the whole team actively practiced and sent pictures to the group to motivate each other. Everyone knows: to stand on the starting line and not give up halfway, you need to try hard and persevere!
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The most impressive thing about our team was little Pumpkin, who was only 7 years old but ran 2km with great confidence and finished in the top 16. While waiting for their turn, the team members brought pots, pans, bowls and spoons out onto the street to cheer for her and the other runners. Anyone passing by had to turn around and look at this very enthusiastic and cute cheering team!
What made the whole team especially excited was that my house was right near the starting point – a few minutes walk to get there, no need to worry about being late. In addition, the finish line of the routes passed by the gate, so cheering was easier and more exciting!
However, Gia Nghia race is really a challenge with long and high slopes – everyone jokingly calls this time eating “slope hotpot”. But it is also those challenges that make the value of the race and leave many unforgettable memories for the athletes.
Gia Nghia running track is really challenging with long and high slopes:
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During the cheering journey, I unexpectedly met many acquaintances: my child’s first grade homeroom teacher, colleagues from Ho Chi Minh City, and people working at departments and agencies in Dak Nong. Running a long distance, sweating profusely, but everyone was happy and excited!
I also cannot forget the image of a mother patiently helping her blind child to the finish line, a disabled athlete still smiling brightly despite being very tired. Children politely greeting the fans, or a couple happily holding hands on the race track, athletes with extremely impressive costumes... All of them create a race that is not only about speed, but also about warm love.
The special thing is that at the end of the tournament, returning to the “healing station”, the children in the Vui vui team were also praised and rewarded by Digi TP HCM Company - the organizer of this trip. The reward, though small, was a warm spiritual gift, on the occasion of International Children's Day June 1, opening a truly memorable summer vacation.
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Some beautiful pictures of Dak Nong Marathon 2025 - Conquering the Southern Central Highlands:
My wound will eventually heal, but Dak Nong Marathon 2025 has left unforgettable memories: Not just a race, but a journey that touches the heart - a place that connects family, friends and even strangers with enthusiasm, love and humane sportsmanship.
Hoang Thao
Source: https://baodaknong.vn/khong-chay-nhung-van-do-mau-vi-dak-nong-marathon-2025-254496.html
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