Footsteps to extend aspirations

Notably, the "My Vietnam 2025" Run, which gathered 21,529 domestic and foreign athletes, was confirmed by the Vietnam Record Organization as the race with the largest number of athletes wearing the red flag with yellow star participating ever.

In addition, events such as VTV LPBank International Marathon in Phu Tho, Heritage Half Marathon in Ninh Binh, or mass running races in many provinces and cities also contribute to increasing the training spirit, spreading the values of solidarity, responsibility and national pride.

Patriotic colors from the footsteps

At the National Exhibition Center and Vinhomes Global Gate urban area (Dong Anh, Hanoi ), the "That's my Vietnam" race turned the race space into a "red sea" of Vietnamese spirit. More than twenty thousand people in red shirts with yellow stars, from professional athletes, businessmen, students to multi-generational families participated, creating an emotional image. Each step is not only to conquer the 5km, 10km or marathon distance, but also a way to express love for the Fatherland, gratitude to the generation of fathers and brothers who sacrificed for national independence.

What is special about this race is the connection between history and the present. The distances are designed to go through the routes associated with the new development symbols of Hanoi, creating the feeling of a journey continuing the aspiration from the fall of 1945 to Vietnam today, which is strongly integrating. Many athletes shared that they participated not only for sport , but also to be a part of the national festival with their own feet.

The images of children being led by their parents’ hands enthusiastically completing the race, or groups of students putting their arms around each other’s shoulders and singing the National Anthem on the running track, clearly depict the spirit of solidarity, which has always been the core strength of the nation. Sports here are no longer just about achievements or records, but the presence of each person in the big picture of the country.

From Hanoi, the wave spread to many localities. In Ninh Binh, the Heritage Half Marathon running from August 30-31 will take athletes through the Trang An scenic complex, Hoa Lu Ancient Capital, and Tam Coc fields. Not just a race, this is also a message promoting the image of a green - beautiful - friendly Vietnam. Also within the framework of the event, the Organizing Committee also donated houses of gratitude, turning each step into a specific contribution to the community.

From physical training to social responsibility

A notable point in recent sports events is the message of sustainability. This year's "Vietnam I Am" race not only set a record for the number of participants, but was also organized in a "green" direction, encouraging participants to use personal water bottles, limit plastic waste, and sort waste on the spot. The organizers aim for a net zero emission target before 2050, in line with national commitments at COP26. Sports, therefore, become a tool to educate the community about the responsibility to protect the environment, live green and healthy.

Running races are also a place to show the spirit of sharing. Many professional athletes, after completing the distance, return to accompany and encourage those behind them. Stories of runners helping each other overcome injuries, helping each other to the finish line, or volunteers patiently giving support, have spread humanity. Here, individual achievements are no longer as important as the collective journey.

Community sports also contribute to improving people's health. Statistics show that the proportion of Vietnamese people participating in running, walking, and cycling is increasing. For example, in Ho Chi Minh City, on average every 2 weeks the city organizes a small tournament with the participation of 2,000 people or less and every month it organizes a large tournament with the participation of 2,000 or more, with many tournaments having the participation of 16,000-18,000 people. On average, the city organizes over 20 running tournaments a year. This trend not only helps improve physical fitness, reduce the burden of disease, but also forms a positive lifestyle, contributing to building a healthy human resource for the future.

In addition, community sports events also have clear economic and tourism value. Marathons in Hanoi, Ho Chi Minh City, Phu Tho, Ninh Binh, Hue, Ha Long, Da Lat, etc. have attracted tens of thousands of tourists, contributing to stimulating demand for accommodation, food, and transportation services. Each athlete participating not only brings the spirit of sportsmanship, but also becomes an ambassador to promote the image of the homeland and country.

For young people, running is a place to challenge themselves and practice discipline. Instead of being too attached to digital devices, many people choose to practice, register for distances, and participate in tournaments. This spread is forming a generation that loves sports, lives positively and has a sense of community, an important foundation for the country to enter a new era of development.

When the spirit of sports is combined with the national festival, we clearly see a new face of the country: healthy, confident, responsible and sustainable. From the "red sea" of the "My Vietnam" race in Hanoi, to the green roads in Ninh Binh, the footsteps on the banks of the Western canals, or the international marathons in Phu Tho, all are directed towards the same point - national pride and the aspiration for Vietnam to reach new heights.

On the occasion of the 80th anniversary of National Day, September 2, the image of tens of thousands of people running together in bright red shirts has become a strong message: Sports are not only achievements, but also spiritual strength, an extension of the tradition of solidarity. Those footsteps will continue to spread, so that sports can truly become the glue that binds the community, arousing the will and aspiration to rise of a nation confidently stepping into the future.

Source: https://baovanhoa.vn/the-thao/nhung-buoc-chan-noi-dai-khat-vong-164721.html