Footsteps on the running track

In the early morning, while the streetlights are still on, for many people, a new day has begun. They leave their homes and stroll rhythmically along the streets.

They run with different goals: weight loss, stress relief, or simply to start the day in a more positive way.

The healing journey

In recent years, running in Vietnam has transcended the definition of a professional sport . It has permeated every corner, forming a habit, a lifestyle, and an existential philosophy for modern Vietnamese people.

The biggest impetus behind the explosive growth of the running movement was the post-COVID-19 pandemic period. When health crises struck, people suddenly realized the core value of exercise and health protection. And among countless sports, many chose running because of its simplicity and environmental friendliness; runners don't need expensive facilities or equipment, just a suitable pair of shoes and willpower and discipline – anyone can become a runner.

For many, running is a rare opportunity for self-reflection. Teacher Nguyen Thi Hong Nhung (Tan An ward) shared that she turned to running during the days of emotional instability following the pandemic. Initially, it was just a few kilometers to change the scenery, but then the habit became a daily routine. “I feel healthier and more relaxed. Most importantly, I feel like I’m truly in control of my own life,” Nhung confided.

In the fast-paced urban environment, a steady jog helps people temporarily disconnect from their phone screens and reconnect with their inner selves. Mr. Tran Trong Hien (Buon Ma Thuot ward) sees each morning as a way to "recharge his energy." He believes that the sound of his breathing and footsteps creates a state of "dynamic meditation," helping his mind feel lighter amidst work pressure.

Running is no longer just a personal journey; it's gradually becoming a strong bond connecting communities. In Buon Ma Thuot, running groups are increasingly common, ranging from small groups of friends to clubs with hundreds of members. Examples include the Dak Lak Running Association, the Dak Lak Runners Club, and the 47 Runners Club. They share training routines, nutritional advice, and support each other every morning, encouraging and empowering each other to complete their runs. This collective strength has completely transformed the lifestyles of many: they sleep earlier, eat healthier , limit alcohol consumption, and maintain strict discipline in both work and life.

The rise of marathon running as a movement has completely changed the mindset of runners. The concept of "finishing the race" now has a new meaning: not everyone runs for a medal, but to challenge their limits, ready to take on long runs of tens of kilometers. For them, the biggest challenge is not their tired legs, but the battle within their minds. The moment they overcome the thought of giving up is when they learn the lesson of perseverance, one of the most valuable qualities for facing life's challenges.

Members of the Dak Lak Runners Club train every morning.

And the aspiration to surpass expectations.

From humble beginnings as amateur runners, those from the vast red soil region of Dak Lak have begun to make a strong mark on the professional map. In the Ultra Trail running community, names like Tran Minh Tuyen, Dau Tuan Kiet, and Ly Van Thieu have become familiar at the most demanding competitions, consistently achieving high results in large-scale marathons. They are not only running for personal gain but also showcasing the image of a resilient and tenacious region to the wider community.

In particular, the "race-cation" trend (combining travel with running) is opening up new avenues. Many Vietnamese runners, such as Nguyen Tieu Phuong, Pham Tien San, Hoang Nguyen Thanh, and Hoang Thi Ngoc Hoa, have participated in prestigious Major races like the Tokyo, Boston, and Berlin Marathons. They carry the national flag to these world-famous routes, but what's even more noteworthy is the spirit behind each step: the desire to live healthier and more positively.

From the small roads of Dak Lak every early morning to international marathon routes, Vietnamese people are gradually writing their own story. After all, the most important thing about a marathon is not the finish line, but the journey of learning to conquer oneself along the long course. Each step is not just a movement forward, but progress towards a better, more resilient version of oneself.

Dang Trieu

Source: https://baodaklak.vn/van-hoa-xa-hoi/the-thao/202605/nhung-buoc-chan-tren-duong-chay-ec624be/