People take part in the Olympic Run Day in Hà Nội. The event is to held in all national localities to promote sport practise in communities. VNA/VNS Photo

HÀ NỘI — More than 17,000 people have took part in the 'Olympic Run Day 2026 – For People's Health – For National Security' on March 22 morning in Hà Nội.

They began at the Đông Kinh Nghĩa Thục squad and ran one lap around the Hoàn Kiếm Lake. These officers and soldiers of the armed forces, officials, employees, workers, and citizens of the capital city were among 1.2 millions of participants in the entire country.

At the March 29 Square in Đà Nẵng, the event attracted 6,850 participants while about 6,000 runners celebrated the day at the HCM City's April 30 Park.

This number made it the largest Olympic run event which was organised by the Ministry of Public Security, in coordination with the Ministry of Culture, Sports and Tourism and the people's committees of 34 provinces and cities and other relevant agencies in history in Việt Nam.

People attend the Olympic Run Day 2026 in Đà Nẵng. — Photo baodanang.vn

The Olympic Run Day is a practical mass sports activity, aimed at commemorating the 80th anniversary of President Hồ Chí Minh's call for all citizens to participate in physical exercise (March 27, 1946-2026) which is also the Traditional Day of the sport industry; and the 80th anniversary of the Traditional Day of the People's Security Force (July 12, 1946-2026).

Speaking at the opening ceremony, Lieutenant General Lê Quốc Hùng, deputy minister of public security, said: "Sharing the national celebration for the success of the 14th National Party Congress and the national election for the 2026-31 term, this event has practical significance, contributing to promoting the physical training and sports movement throughout society."

He reiterated President Hồ Chí Minh's call for all citizens to exercise, emphasizing the importance of physical training for each individual and for the development of the country.

Thousands of people including those with disabilities join the Olympic Run Day in HCM City. — Photo nld.com.vn

Deputy Minister of Culture, Sports and Tourism Hoàng Đạo Cương said the campaign "All people practise physical training following the example of the great President Hồ Chí Minh has been widely implemented and attracted a large number of people from all walks of life.

To date, the percentage of people regularly practicing sports and physical exercise has reached approximately 38.5 per cent of the population; the percentage of sports-oriented families has reached 28.9 per cent; and there are more than 100,000 sports clubs operating effectively nationwide.

In the coming period, ministries, sectors, and localities need to pay more attention to and promote the dissemination of information, invest in grassroots sports facilities, and diversify activities to develop the movement sustainably. — VNS