Journalist and runner Ngo Cong Quang: From his first steps of the day to his journey of serving the community.

The journey of overcoming oneself

Few people know that before taking up running, Ngo Cong Quang went through a difficult period both physically and mentally. He shared: "I used to eat a lot, drink a lot, had a lot of fat, and was hot-tempered. I was a version of myself that I wouldn't want to look back on." However, that very period became the motivation for him to decide to change.

Journalist and runner Ngo Cong Quang receives his race kit at the Tien Phong Newspaper National Marathon and Long Distance Championship in Phu Yen .

Running initially appeared as a simple choice, but gradually became a journey of self-discovery. Thanks to maintaining regular exercise and a healthy diet, he achieved sustainable weight loss, improved his health, and, more importantly, changed his personality. “Running has helped me become calmer and more patient. Each time I reached my limit, I understood that I could live a better life if I knew how to discipline myself,” journalist and runner Ngo Cong Quang shared.

With that philosophy of life, Ngo Cong Quang doesn't prioritize personal achievements, yet he has still achieved many memorable milestones, such as: completing the 100km race twice; winning second place in the Journalist category at the "Proud of My Beloved City" Half Marathon; first place in athletics at the Regional Political Academy II; second place in the 10km Just Run; first place in the 5km PNJ race… All of these serve as proof of the willpower and perseverance of someone who "uses sports to rebuild himself".

5:30 AM - A community built on simple things.

After experiencing positive changes himself, journalist and runner Ngo Cong Quang wanted to spread that good news to others. That's why the 5:30 AM Community - Happy and Healthy Every Day was created.

Van Phuc urban area - where the 5:30 Community holds its daily activities.

Journalist and runner Ngo Cong Quang shared: "I just wish everyone would dedicate an hour in the morning to self-care. It doesn't need to be something too extravagant; just waking up at 5:30, doing a little exercise, and the whole day will be different."

That simple philosophy resonates with many – especially busy people. From just a few friends, the 5:30 Community gradually grew into a community with a spirit of discipline and positive energy, spreading throughout each morning.

As a journalist, Ngo Cong Quang understands the value of spreading awareness. As a runner, he understands the power of disciplined running. These two elements combine to create an image that is both relatable and inspiring.

For journalist and runner Ngo Cong Quang, the most important thing is not the number of members, but the value that the community brings: "Each person being healthy, alert, and living happily is a way to reduce the burden on their family, while simultaneously creating positive energy for society."

The 5:30 Community is therefore not just a running movement, but a community project, built with the passion of Vietnamese people, for Vietnamese people, in the very environment where Vietnamese people live.

Journalist and runner Ngo Cong Quang on the course of the Tien Phong Newspaper National Marathon and Long Distance Championship in Phu Yen.

Journalist and runner Ngo Cong Quang said: "I'm not a professional athlete. I'm just someone who wants each morning to be meaningful and wants many others to feel the same way."

It is this sincerity that makes his story so compelling – not loud or ostentatious, but persistent and stemming from a desire to serve.

Partnering with Tien Phong Half Marathon

The first Tien Phong Half Marathon in 2025, themed "Green Journey - Giving Trust, Receiving Happiness," shares many similarities with Ngo Cong Quang's philosophy: perseverance, positivity, and a focus on goodness. In particular, the fact that this year's race is taking place in the Van Phuc Urban Area – where the 5:30 Community is active daily – makes his participation even more meaningful.

Journalist and runner Ngo Cong Quang shared: “I am happy to be running on the route where I and my fellow 5:30 Community members started. Every step today is also a reminder that we can rewrite a better version of ourselves.”

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

If I had to find an image to describe Ngo Cong Quang, it would probably be that of someone who quietly awakens the morning to awaken a positive spirit in the community. He doesn't talk about grand things, but he accomplishes many meaningful things through small habits.

Journalist and runner Ngo Cong Quang shared with a gentle smile: "I only hope that the 5:30 Community helps more people become healthier and happier. Being healthy allows us to live well, work well, and not become a burden to anyone. If someone finds joy in each morning, in running, that is my happiness."

In an era where everyone has the same 24 hours, journalist and runner Ngo Cong Quang chooses to start his day with initiative, discipline, and gratitude. And it is these simple choices that have contributed to creating a wonderful community – where each member believes that exercise is the truest way to love oneself, and every step is a way to give happiness.