Running for passion
On a weekend morning, I called a friend who is a barber on Phan Chu Trinh Street and was surprised to hear his polite refusal: "I just got back from running. I’m a bit tired, so I need to skip cutting hair this morning. Let’s meet in the afternoon!" After chatting, I learned that for nearly three years now, H. has been a free runner in Hue. He calls himself "free" because he mostly runs alone or with just a few friends and doesn’t belong to any running clubs or groups. Regularly, he runs about 1-2 times a week.
No longer young at nearly 55 years old, H. says he runs for passion. To pursue this joy, he has made serious investments, from the necessary gear for a runner to careful preparation for each run. First, after consulting friends, he bought a proper running outfit, including clothes, shoes, socks, and even a health monitoring device (heart rate), as well as tools to track distance and running time. His shoes aren’t too expensive but ensure comfort and a certain level of comfortable while running. He also pays close attention to choosing socks—breathable, snug but not too tight, made of thin and lightweight material.
Running is not simple, especially long-distance running. Many people start enthusiastically but quickly drop out of the race. H. understands this very well, especially since he is no longer young, so he is particularly cautious. Like that morning, preparing for a run starting at 4 a.m., he woke up nearly an hour earlier to eat, take care of personal hygiene, and allow his body to adjust to the cold weather of Hue. He then joyfully shared that he ran with a friend who is 10 years younger and completed the 42km marathon goal. Though a bit tired, he quickly recovered his energy and was able to continue cutting hair for customers by early afternoon.
Running has recently become a vibrant fitness trend in Hue. The sight of people jogging on the streets in the early mornings or late afternoons has become familiar. It’s not just the case of the barber I mentioned earlier, but in many parts of the city, groups of friends have been formed to... run together. They frequently share their experiences and organize runs along planned routes. For example, there’s the "Yêu Chạy Bộ Huế" (Hue Running-lovers) group, its members often runs familiar routes such as: Truong Tien Bridge – Phu Bai Airport or the Quoc Hoc slope – Khai Dinh Tomb – Thuy Tien Lake – Quoc Hoc Stele Monument...
Running for the community
In just the first half of January 2025, two running events were held in the centrally-governed municipality Hue. First, on New Year's Day, the "2025 Thuy Luong Jogging" took place, attracting over 1,200 athletes of all ages to compete in two distances: 5km and 10km. To participate, each runner contributed 70,000 VND (for the 5km distance) or 90,000 VND (for the 10km distance) and received a race kit, including a BIB (competition number) and a commemorative medal upon completing the race within the allotted time. The remaining funds were donated to a charity fund to provide 50 Lunar New Year gifts to poor, near-poor, and disadvantaged households in the area.
More recently, on January 12, over 1,100 athletes participated in the community-focused running event titled "Nâng Bước Chân, Ươm Mầm Xanh" (2025 Stepping Forward, Planting Green Seeds) Phong Hien. The athletes competed in two categories: 6km and 10km. The routes stretched through peaceful and serene roads, offering participants not only a physical challenge but also a journey to spread the spirit of unity, sharing, and community engagement. The event left a positive impression on athletes from both within and outside Hue, further solidifying its impact on the community.
Throughout the year 2025, dozens of running events will take place across various regions in the country. Hue City stands out as a destination with two running events that have become iconic to the ancient capital. These are the Bach Ma Mountain Trail - Hue, scheduled for early March 2025, and the VnExpress Marathon Hue, set for early April 2025. With the theme "Listen to the Wildlife", the 2025 Marathon by Vietrunning aims to immerse participants in nature, allowing each of us to become a part of the natural world with every step along a uniquely distinctive route. This event promises to deliver an extraordinary experience, blending the thrill of running with the serenity of nature.
Meanwhile, after four successful seasons, the VnExpress Marathon Hue returns for its 5th edition. This event offers both domestic and international athletes the opportunity to experience a unique running route that winds through famous landmarks, cultural heritage sites, and the ancient architectural wonders of the Imperial City. The 2025 VnExpress Marathon Hue is not just a sporting event but also a journey to promote the beauty of this poetic, human-friendly, and nature-friendly city.