Runners will have a chance to experience the magnificent terraced rice fields in Thông Nguyên Commune, Tuyên Quang Province on Sunday. — Photo pystravel.vn

TUYÊN QUANG — The 'Footprints on the Magnificent Terraced Rice Fields' race will take place on Sunday (May 17) in Nậm Nghí Village, Thông Nguyên Commune, Tuyên Quang Province.

Around 300 athletes are expected to compete in a running-and-climbing event on terraced rice fields, covering a distance of about 200m (50 steps). Competitors will be divided into five groups, with about 60 runners per group. The top 10 finishers from each qualifying round will advance. In the final, the top 50 from the five qualifiers will race in one final run to determine the winner.

Located near the China border, Thông Nguyên is a mountainous commune that has not been extensively developed for tourism. Thanks to rugged terrain and winding roads, it has remained largely untouched by visitors, preserving its natural beauty. The area is known for stunning terraced rice fields, ethnic communities with long-standing traditions, and dramatic mountain scenery.

Seizing these advantages, Thông Nguyên is organising its first terraced-rice-field climbing race to create a new tourism product and enhance visitors’ experiences.

Vũ Thế Phương, Chairman of Thông Nguyên Commune told Việt Nam News: “The event aims to promote physical fitness among local people and to showcase the beauty of the commune’s nature, culture, and people.

"Through the race, we hope to introduce the terraced rice fields of Thông Nguyên - one of the distinctive landscapes of the highlands - to both domestic and international tourists.

“This will help develop community-based tourism, increase local incomes, and gradually build a green and sustainable tourism brand."

Sponsored by Media Co., Ltd., the race is expected to offer visitors a distinctive experience featuring a route through spectacular terraced rice fields, cultural activities, and local cuisine. — VNS