Running is one of the most popular forms of exercise. Running can be a form of meditation for some people, as it allows them to focus their mind on the present moment and clear their thoughts. The repetitive motion of running, combined with the rhythm of breathing and the feeling of the wind and sun on the skin, can create a meditative state that allows people to focus on the present moment and let go of distracting thoughts.

Currently, the running movement is developing very strongly in Da Nang with the establishment of more than 10 big and small running clubs such as Da Nang Runners - ANTA, Hoa Khanh Runners, Cam Le Runners, Son Tra Runners, Ngu Hanh Son Runners, Hoa Cuong Bac Runners, and 5:30 am Runners.

Aside from participating in club-hosted activities, members have individual activities to train themselves because running is a highly independent sport.

Truong Minh Cuong participating in the Tien Phong Marathon 2021 in Gia Lai Province

Build a healthy lifestyle

Mr. Truong Minh Cuong, a member of the Cam Le Runners Club, has been involved in running since 2019.

Before that, he was passionate about fighting sports such as football, volleyball, and badminton. However, after injuries, he realised that running has many advantages for him to actively practice. While fighting sports require at least 2 people or more to play, with running, Mr. Cuong can actively practice at any free time without depending on others.

“Running is not as prone to serious injuries as other sports because we can practice from slow to fast speed and gradually increase distances depending on the health of each person. Running is also very popular sport and anyone can do it just with a pair of running shoes. Those with good economic conditions can buy specialised shoes, watches, clothes, and hats. However, the important thing is that when I run, I feel relaxed because I don't have to think about anything but my breath. Thanks to this, I refresh myself after hard working hours, increase my endurance and improve my health” Mr. Cuong said.

Mr. Cuong has competed in many professional marathons such as Vnexpress Marathon, Da Nang International Marathon and Viet Nam Jungle Marathon.

Through running, Mr. Cuong has the opportunity to participate in social activities or make new friends in different fields when he registers for professional marathon competitions.

Having just returned from the Tam Ky Discover Marathon 2023 which took place on June 25 in Quang Nam Province’s Tam Ky City, Mr. Cuong excitedly said that he has just registered my son to join the Family Run Cam Le Race 2023 organized by the Cam Le Runners Club on July 9.

“The competition is not simply a sporting event but an opportunity to arouse sportsmanship for children and create family bonds, thereby helping children form healthy habits with their parents and build a healthy lifestyle from early on” he added.

Inspiring everyone

Unlike Mr. Cuong, Nguyen Minh Tuan, a member of the Da Nang Runners Club, has got his chance to run since he participated in the Da Nang Newspaper Road Races 2013.

“Running helps me take the initiative in training. With just a pair of shoes, I can easily practice anytime and anywhere. Thanks to running, I met many friends and learned a lot of good things. In particular, running gives me the freedom to explore new places and paths with my own feet" Mr. Tuan shared.

Currently, the running movement in Da Nang is developing very strongly, almost every district has its own club. However, running is even more meaningful when participating in community-oriented activities. For instance, every running kilometer will be converted into money or in kind for charity or public benefit activities.

Till date, Mr. Tuan has carried out a number of events calling for donations to charity organisations.

Specifically, in 2022, he organised a 100km running race in 8 hours and 30 minutes to call for donations to the Fund to Find Smiles for Children with Cleft Lips and Cleft Palates of the Operations Smile NGO.

Mr. Tuan completed the 100km in about 8 hours and 58 minutes and he continued to set a goal of 100 km in 8 hours and 30 minutes. Through this challenge, he hopes to be able to inspire more people in the community who love running to find joy in difficult but equally meaningful long-distances.

With the desire to bring positive things in life, earlier this year, Mr. Tuan continued to organise an event to run 160km under 16 hours to call for donations to support child patients at the Da Nang Maternity and Paediatrics Hospital.

Reporting by DOAN HAO LUONG - Translating by M.DUNG