The area of Tran Phu Street in front of Tram Huong Tower, Nha Trang, was more vibrant than usual on the morning of 23/8 as more than 2,000 young runners (aged 6-10) and their families gathered to participate in the Kun Marathon. The race served as a physical warm-up for the new school year, while also providing positive energy before returning to study habits.

Trinh The Anh and his wife (Nha Trang), along with their 7-year-old son Trinh Minh Khoi, arrived at the assembly area close to 6 a.m. Anh The quickly attached the bib, secured the wristband, and warmed up with his son. The parent mentioned that this was his son's second time participating in the race, the first being in 2024. Last year, Minh Khoi was still shy, but after running with friends and meeting Truong Giang and other famous people, he became more confident and outgoing.

Young runners overcome obstacles on the morning of 23/8. Photo: VnExpress Marathon

This year, Minh Khoi spent two weeks preparing for the race, training with his parents twice a day, morning and afternoon. As a result, he finished among the leaders. Challenges on the track, such as tunnels and mazes, no longer posed a problem for the boy. He blended into the crowd, smiling constantly.

Every year, the Kun Marathon Nha Trang takes place in August, right at the start of the new school year, so the family considers this an activity for their child to conclude a meaningful summer and get ready for the academic year. "We want our child to have moments of fun with friends before entering second grade. The competitive atmosphere and everyone's encouragement create a unique source of energy," Anh The said.

Similarly, Tran Van Hai (Hanoi) also brought his family to Nha Trang for a vacation combined with participating in the VnExpress Marathon and Kun Marathon. His 8-year-old daughter, Tran Ngoc Bao Tran, will start school next week. Therefore, the trip to the coastal city is a family gift for their daughter before the new school year. He shared that his daughter has participated in four Kun Marathons in Hanoi and Ha Long before, but always wants to continue competing because she enjoys the feeling of conquering obstacles and participating in mini-games to receive gifts.

The joy of young runners participating in the race. Photo: VnExpress Marathon

The Kun Marathon has a 700 m track designed with many child-friendly obstacles, such as inflatable pools and mazes, allowing children to exercise and have fun without focusing on achievement. According to many parents like Hai, light exercise before the school year is a dose of mental "vitamins," helping children stay alert, refreshed, and ready to absorb knowledge.

"My daughter trained for a whole month before the race and was so excited that she couldn't sleep. This activity helps her become more confident, independent, and healthy," Hai said, adding that he promised his daughter to register for the Kun Marathon Hanoi in November if she achieves good academic results.

According to researchers from the University of Eastern Finland, children aged 7 to 13 who engage in simple physical activity for about 9 minutes per day perform better in tasks requiring sustained attention and working memory compared to those who remain sedentary.

A comprehensive report by WHO indicates that increasing physical activity time and replacing prolonged sitting with dynamic activities will improve academic performance and provide a boost to mental and physical health. Moreover, a study at the University of Illinois found that physically fit children have more white and gray matter in their brains - a foundation that helps them focus and remember better.

Runners overcome obstacles together. Photo: VnExpress Marathon

The Kun Marathon, with activities like mini-games involving movement, running, and overcoming light obstacles, contributes to improving children's concentration and learning abilities. Through dozens of races organized, the Kun Marathon has recorded numerous cases of children becoming more courageous, resourceful, and independent, from preparation to running - a small but steady progress in personal development.

The race is part of the VnExpress Marathon Libera Nha Trang 2025. Alongside the race, young runners also had the opportunity to interact with Truong Giang, many famous TikTokers, and play various mini-games with prizes. "We not only aim to build a playground, but also wish to create opportunities for family connection and encourage children through practical, dynamic, and meaningful experiences," a representative of the organizing committee said.

Hoai Phuong