For many families, Kun Marathon Nha Trang marked the end of summer vacation. Many parents traveled long distances, bringing their children from Gia Lai, Dak Lak, and other areas to gather at Tram Huong Tower, 2/4 Square, from 6h on 2/4. They provided breakfast for their children and prepared their athletic attire for the race.

The race required initiative from the children. Leaving their parents' side, the children were guided to maintain discipline while queuing for their turn to run. The presence of key opinion leaders (KOLs) such as Truong Giang, Ali Thuc Phuong, Hoang Hon, Sammy Dao, and magician Bao Long generated excitement. They instructed the children on warm-up exercises, preparing them for the run.

Artist Truong Giang interacts with children before the start. *Photo: VnExpress Marathon*.

At exactly 7h, the youngest group advanced to the starting line. After the signal, they all accelerated simultaneously to cheers from both sides of the road. Older groups started in age order, helping the organizers manage the density on the course.

The enclosed race track along Tran Phu street had barriers separating it from spectators. Soft material obstacles were scattered along the course, requiring children to climb, crawl, balance, or jump over them. The children had to constantly observe and adjust their pace, not simply try to run as fast as possible.

Outside the barriers, many parents continuously called out names, ran alongside, and held up phones to record. The loudest cheers came at the final stretch, where families waited to greet their children.

Nguyen Thi Thanh Tuyen, a home-based businesswoman in Nha Trang, brought her son Bui Duy Khiem to participate in Kun Marathon. Duy Khiem was preparing to enter 4th grade, and this was his second time participating in the event. "I hope the race helps my son prepare well for the new school year, gain more experience, and bravely step out of his comfort zone," said Thanh Tuyen.

Vu Xuan Loc praised the well-designed course and thorough preparation. According to him, sports activities like Kun Marathon Nha Trang help children build health, increase confidence, and feel relaxed before returning to school after summer. This achievement also became motivation for his son to continue being active and challenge himself in future competitions.

Children overcome obstacles on the race course. *Photo: VnExpress Marathon*.

Among the early finishers was Tran Kien Van, a 5th-grade student in Nha Trang. This was his third season participating in Kun Marathon. Before race day, his mother often took Kien Van for walks or light jogs in the evening to help him get used to physical activity.

Kien Van stated that the challenges were not difficult, so he decided to speed up at the end. "I was very happy to run with my friends. Everyone's encouragement made me more excited and I tried to run faster. Even though I was quite tired at the finish line, I was still very happy to win first prize," Kien Van said.

Kun Marathon is part of the overall Kunlympic campaign, "Move with Kun Every Day." In Kunlympic, children engage in fun and creative physical activities across various sports, including marathon, football, basketball, pickleball, badminton, and jump rope. Kunlympic aims to encourage children to actively participate in sports, improve physical fitness, and connect with others through shared joy.

Hoang Dan