Marathon

Ten runners begin their 859km relay race from Quảng Bình to Điện Biên on April 10, part of the first THACO Marathon for Traffic Safety – Điện Biên Phủ 2024 to celebrate the 70th anniversary of the Điện Biên Phủ Victory. — Photo baogiaothong.vn

HÀ NỘI — The first THACO Marathon for Traffic Safety – Điện Biên Phủ 2024 will be officially organised on April 14 in Điện Biên Province, but a group of elite runners started their longest distance relay event of nearly 900km, far from the start line on April 10.

Famed marathoner Nông Văn Chuyền and nine teammates began running from an area near General Võ Nguyên Giáp's tomb in Quảng Đông Commune, Quảng Trạch District, Quảng Bình Province.

They will run 859km and carry the "Determined to fight, determined to win" flag through cities and provinces before arriving in Điện Biên Province on April 13.

In Điện Biên they will join more than 1,300 runners from nationwide taking part in the Marathon for Traffic Safety's 5km, 10km, 21km, 42km and 70km events.

Their ultramarathon is among activities to celebrate the 70th anniversary of the Điện Biên Phủ Victory (May 7, 2024); 115 years since the founding of Điện Biên Province (June 28, 1909); and the National Tourism Year - Điện Biên Phủ 2024.

General Võ Nguyên Giáp (1911-2013) was the commander-in-chief of the Việt Nam People’s Army in two wars against the French and the Americans. The General was famous for leading the victorious Điện Biên Phủ Campaign in 1954, which contributed to the country’s liberation from French colonialism.

"My team and I were proud and felt lucky when having a chance to take part in this event, a key celebration of the 70th anniversary of the Điện Biên Phủ Victory," Chuyền told reporters before the run.

"We have run crossing the country twice, but this time is really different. First, we plan to complete the race in 70 hours, corresponding to the anniversary year of the Điện Biên Phủ Victory.

"Second, we wave the 'Determined to fight, determined to win' flag throughout the race and will present it to the management unit of the place to worship General Võ Nguyên Giáp in Mường Phăng Commune, Điện Biên Phủ City.

"This time, we run from the Central to the North so the terrain will be more steep slopes along with the hot sun of the early summer days, promising many challenges to the group," he said.

The runners have spent three months to prepare for their plan including mapping out the route, health care, and logistics and many other works to ensure their marathon can be completed in targeted time.

"To run such tough race, we have to best prepare runners. All members must be in good health and have experience in long-distance running. The support team is also very important because they will be the ones handling all problems that arise throughout the journey, so that the athletes can focus maximally on running," Chuyền said.

In addition to running, the marathoners will also pause at memorial sites and historical places to offer incense.

The tournament will be live streamed so everyone can follow the relay runners, and the group will also organise flash meetings with running communities in selected localities.

Nine men and one woman leave Quảng Bình Province on April 10 and will reach Điện Biên three days later in a 70-hour relay marathon. — Photo baogiaothong.vn

"As a child of Quảng Bình Province, I am happy to be selected as a part of this meaningful race. I am really excited to run," said Lê Thị Hằng, the only female runner.

Meanwhile Lò Văn Hồng, a runner of Điện Biên, said: "I immediately registered to take part, to contribute my part to the race. It's my dedication and remembering our soldiers who sacrificed to bring independence to the nation."

On April 14 in Điện Biên, runners will pass notable landmarks such as Him Lam Base, Hồng Cúm, Hill A1 and De Castries bunker, which are famous locations associated with the world-shaking victory of Điện Biên Phủ.

The organisers will spread awareness to organisations and individuals, reminding everyone to ensure traffic safety and be persistent and serious, just like when trying to conquer a marathon distance. VNS