Marathoners to challenge Sơn Trà Mountain

Members of organising committee of the VTV8 Sơn Trà Run Challenge join a press conference in Đà Nẵng. The December 24 race would attract 2,000 athletes. VNS Photo Công Thành

ĐÀ NẴNG — About 2,000 runners will race in the first ever VTV8 Sơn Trà Run Challenge – The Race in the Clouds – at Sơn Trà Mountain on December 24, marking an amazing Christmas Day in the central city.

The race’s organisers said the race will draw professional and amateur athletes from France, Japan, Germany, Australia and Việt Nam contesting in the singles and team events of 6km, 16km and 26km categories from the foot of Sơn Trà Mountain to the top at the Bàn Cơ Peak – 698m above sea level.

Deputy head of the race’s organising committee, Trương Duy Hòa said athletes will enjoy the cool air and foggy scenery of Sơn Trà Nature Reserve while challenging themselves on zigzagging route sections.

Hòa said the race will also send a message to the community on the important role of biodiversity protection of the Sơn Trà primary forest and environment in the most favoured tourism destination in the city.

“It’ a unique track in Việt Nam when runners will face uphill road sandwiched between forest and sea. Marathoners would share the race track with the population of the red-shanked douc langurs – an endangered primate – living the reserve,” Hòa said.

Runners test a foggy uphill section on the Sơn Trà Mountain track in Đà Nẵng. Athletes will be racing in the 6km, 16km and 26km events on December 24. Photo courtesy of Thanh Vũ

Nguyễn Cao Giang, from Thành An Media, a member of the race’s organising committee, said athletes will test their power on the slopes and tough turns of Sơn Trà Mountain.

He said many athletes had raced on roads and trails, but they would find a different race in Đà Nẵng.

Giang said the 26km distance was measured from the mountain foot to the finish on Bàn Cờ Peak, winding through favourite stops including Vọng Cảnh Mt., an old Lighthouse and the wartime helipad.

He said the 26km winner will be given VNĐ7 million (US$280) in cash and gifts from donors, while the runner-up and third-place will pocket VNĐ5 million ($200) and VNĐ3 million ($120), respectively.

The organisers will also give awards for the 16km and 6km events, as well as the best Cosplay fashion among supporters and fans at the race.

A section of mountain track in the Sơn Trà Nature Reserve in Đà Nẵng. Runners will enjoy The Race in the Clouds on the mountain in late December. Photo courtesy of Helicopter Tours

Participants can register at https://www.facebook.com/vtv8sontrarunchallenge.

The race will be broadcast on VTV8 channel and digital platforms (VTVgo, fanpage, Tiktok and Youtube). VNS