Running through a land of heritage

Amid the vibrant atmosphere of the Thanh Tuyen Festival, the 2026 “Tuyen Quang – Where Beauty Converges” Marathon attracted nearly 1,000 runners from across the country. Featuring three distances of 5 km, 10 km and 21 km, the event not only provided an opportunity for participants to promote fitness but also helped showcase the land and people of Tuyen Quang to visitors.

The Marathon attracted a large number of runners from across the country.

The three race distances were designed to accommodate runners of different levels, giving participants opportunities to challenge themselves, improve their endurance and maintain regular exercise. The 21-km race was the most demanding category, requiring a high level of physical fitness and stamina.

Runner Tran Tu Phap from Minh Phu Hamlet 2, Yen Phu Commune, finished first in the 21-km race to claim the top prize. This was his fourth consecutive year competing in the Tuyen Quang Marathon, and he has maintained his leading position throughout. He said regular physical training had helped him maintain his fitness, adding that he hoped the spirit of sports and regular exercise would spread further, particularly among young people.

This year’s race brought together participants of different ages, including families competing together. The organizers presented six first prizes, six second prizes, six third prizes and 12 consolation prizes to outstanding performers in the various categories.

According to the runners, one of the event’s major attractions was its setting amid the Thanh Tuyen Festival. The race routes passed through areas featuring scenic landscapes and the vibrant festival atmosphere, while enthusiastic support from local people provided additional encouragement for the runners.

Nguyen Thi My, a runner from the Yen Bai Runner Club in Lao Cai Province, took part in the 10-km race for the first time in Tuyen Quang. She spoke highly of the organization of the event, as well as the festival atmosphere and local scenery.

According to Duong Minh Nguyet, Secretary of the Tuyen Quang Provincial Youth Union, this was the fourth year the union had organized the race. Increasingly professional preparations have helped attract large numbers of runners from both Tuyen Quang and other localities. The event has contributed to promoting mass participation in sports while showcasing Tuyen Quang’s image, local culture and the distinctive Thanh Tuyen Festival to domestic and international visitors.

With every stride, the “Tuyen Quang – Where Beauty Converges” Marathon continues to serve as a bridge between sports, culture and tourism, helping promote Tuyen Quang as a destination rich in cultural identity.

Bien Luan