On the morning of 21/3, 2,500 young runners, aged 6 to 10, participated in the Kun Marathon Ho Chi Minh City 2026. Held at Thao Cam Vien, the event saw children complete a 1 km race, followed by interactive educational activities focused on animal protection and environmental awareness. This year's marathon, themed "Kun Protects All Species," combined physical activity with learning, drawing a record number of participants.

Families gathered at Thao Cam Vien by 6h, ready for warm-ups and pre-race interactions. The cool, mild morning weather provided ideal conditions for the children. At 7h10, the starting signal sent the 6-year-old group off, cheered on by parents and volunteers. Hoang Khanh and his daughter Nhat Thy, 6, arrived early, with Thy so excited the night before that she could not sleep. Khanh had encouraged her to get enough rest for the race.

Young runners navigate the colorful swamp, an obstacle on the racecourse. *VnExpress Marathon*

Artist Truong Giang and key opinion leaders such as Hao Khang, Boi Boi, Duc Thang, and Be Mon TV accompanied the children. Runners were grouped by age and jersey color, engaging in lively warm-ups. Beyond the physical challenge, children gained knowledge about various animals and environmental protection during the event. Volunteers provided constant support along the 1 km course, helping children overcome obstacles, including a colorful swamp.

Many children cosplayed as their favorite animals, embracing this year's Kun Marathon theme, "Kun Protects All Species." *VnExpress Marathon*

After finishing the race and receiving their medals, the young runners moved to an experience zone. Here, Thao Cam Vien staff guided them on how to approach, care for, and understand animal behavior. Many children, experiencing close contact with animals for the first time, showed curiosity, asking questions about their diets and daily habits.

Participating for the first time, Doan Tri Thuc and his 6-year-old daughter, Doan Linh Cat Uyen (nicknamed Be Xoai), stayed to join the "Kun Protects All Species" activity. Thuc noted his daughter's fondness for pets and expressed how direct interaction with Thao Cam Vien guides, learning about animal behavior and habitats, helped her understand environmental protection and animal welfare. Many parents appreciated how integrating educational activities into a physical event provided children with practical learning, improved retention, and fostered habits of animal care.

Truong Giang runs with a 6-year-old child. *VnExpress Marathon*

The game zone featured four ecosystem-themed challenges: "Children Feed Animals," "Blue Ocean Mission," "Warrior Brings Eggs Home," and "Bring All Species Home." These interactive games, led by instructors, helped children identify suitable habitats for different species. The Kun brand also contributed 200 million VND to Thao Cam Vien for renovating enclosures and enhancing animal living environments.

Kun Marathon Ho Chi Minh City marks the beginning of a series of events planned across 10 provinces and cities nationwide in 2026. Organizers confirmed that the "Protect All Species" message will remain central to the marathon series throughout the first six months of the year.

By Thy An