There are many large-scale running clubs with tens of thousands of members in total in Da Nang. Not only do they create a healthy playground for running enthusiasts, the clubs also spread the fitness and sports movements, thereby forming an active and positive lifestyle in the community.

Members of Da Nang Runners Club. Photo courtesy of the Da Nang Runners Club

Da Nang Runners is one of the largest and most active running clubs in the city. Established in 2014, the club now has more than 16,000 members, aged 10 - 60. Most of the club's members are amateur runners. During running sessions, experienced members support newcomers with simple tips such as how to prepare suitable shoes and clothes, where to buy running gear at reasonable prices, and necessary information about running events.

To maintain and develop the movement, every Wednesday morning and Friday afternoon, club members gather at the foot of the Dragon Bridge and Nhu Nguyet Street to practice running together. Meanwhile, races are often organised by the club on weekends, creating a chance for members to interact and improve their professional skills.

The image of groups of runners regardless of age on each route in the early morning or late afternoon makes many people excited. It contributes to inspiring people to follow a new, healthy lifestyle, and increasing the love of sports in the community.

Mr. Nguyen Van Thong, a member of the Da Nang Runners Club, said "I am passionate about running and have been with the club for more than 5 years. In addition to weekly training and group running sessions, I practice on my own every day or in the club's group to gain more experience and increase my interest in this useful sport. Like me, many members improve their physical strength, endurance, and mental comfort thanks to regular running. Currently, 60% of the club’s members can run over 40km, compared to the first days of participation".

From a few members in the early days of establishment, each training session of the Da Nang Runners Club now attracts an average of 80 - 120 members. Many famous athletes such as walking "queen" Nguyen Thi Thanh Phuc and her younger brother Nguyen Thanh Ngung have engaged in sharing experiences in running with club members.

In addition, club members have actively been competing in major running events in the city such as Da Nang International Marathon, and Son Tra Run Challenge.

According to Mr. Pham Thanh Vy, Chairman of the Da Nang Runners Club, the club's goal is to attract many people to participate in activities and exercises to motivate the community to run. Coming to the club, members receive many words of encouragement and cheers from teammates in every training session. 

Besides the Da Nang Runners Club, district-level running clubs in Cam Le, Son Tra, Hoa Khanh, Thanh Khe and Hoa Vang are operating effectively. Among them, the Son Tra Runners (STRs) Club attracts more than 6,600 participants.

With the criterion "If running is difficult - there are STRs", the club wants to make running a culture and a way of life in the community. In addition to training and participating in group running, the club organises a night run called Crazy Night every year.

Mr. Tran Van Khanh, a member of the Son Tra Runners Club, shared "A few years ago, I felt insecure about my weight and some of my health indicators were not good. Therefore, I decided to join the club with the desire to have a slimmer body and improve my health. After practicing, my health indicators are better. This is a kind of sports that helps each person improve physical fitness and mental health. In addition, club members are motivated to pursue this sport and have the opportunity to participate in many major running events".

According to Deputy Director of the municipal Department of Culture and Sports Nguyen Trong Thao, compared to other sports, running has many favourable conditions for development. Most people who are passionate about running join clubs to practice properly. Running training and competition activities have been expanded by clubs in the city in terms of scale and diverse participants. The development of the running movement contributes to diversifying physical and sports activities in the city, thereby helping people become both physically and mentally healthy. 

Reporting by PHI NONG - Translating by M.DUNG