Trail running is an eco-friendly and sustainable outdoor activity. This sports activity can involve running in mountains, through forests, along coastlines, but also through city centres and suburban areas. Thus, trail running is an attractive option which allows people to get and remain fit, see the sights from a different perspective, and immerse themselves into nature.

Some participants in last year’s Hoa Bac Trail Run

This kind of sports is a growing trend in the world. In Viet Nam, many such trail running races have been organised successfully, and have captured the attention of domestic and international runners. Among them is the Hoa Bac Trail Run.

The Hoa Bac Trail Run was first organised in the namesake commune in Hoa Vang District, Da Nang, in 2019 by the Danang Runners Group (DRG). It is then held in July and October annually.

Under the competition’s rules, participants will compete in a 12km-full marathon on the route: the Bau Bang Drug Rehabilitation Centre in Loc My Village - Ta Lang Village - Gian Bi Village - Co Tu ethnic minority people’s village - the 200m-long suspension bridge - footpaths along Cu De River - the Bau Bang Drug Rehabilitation Centre.

Mr Dinh Van Thang, a DRG member, said that compared to ten years ago, the number of domestic and international visits to Hoa Bac Commune has increased significantly, and this place has become a favourite destination in Da Nang for those who love the backpacking and natural experience, and sports activities.

Located on the buffer zone of the Ba Na Nui Chua Nature Reserve and the Bach Ma National Park, the Hoa Bac Commune is surrounded by places of natural beauty, including tropical primeval forests, pristine rivers and streams. Here, you will also see roads running through green fields of corns and sugarcanes.

Mr Thang also explained the reasons for choosing Hoa Bac to host the trail run is that the mountainous commune boasts diverse terrain, pure air, beautifully natural landscape, and its favourable geographic position of being not far away the city centre.

The Hoa Bac Commune is very inviting to locals and visitors from both home and abroad thanks to its exciting community-based eco-tourism activities, plus friendliness and helpfulness of local residents.

“Hoa Bac Trail Run promises to bring new challenges and wonderful experience to trail runners. It gives you a wonderful opportunity to connect and immerse yourself in nature, as well as free you from your anxiety, worry and stress in your life” the DRG member emphasised.

By AN NHIEN - Translated by MAI DUNG