On the morning of 19/7, over 2,000 children aged 6 to 10, along with numerous parents, gathered at Tien Son Sports Palace for the second annual Kun Marathon Da Nang. More than just a race, the event provided an opportunity for families to connect through physical activity.
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Young runners compete, cheered on by thousands of parents. Photo: VnExpress Marathon |
Young runners compete, cheered on by thousands of parents. Photo: VnExpress Marathon
Tien Son Sports Palace buzzed with excitement from early morning. Many families traveled tens to hundreds of kilometers to bring their children to participate, like Hoang Minh Thanh's family from Quang Nam. Registering his two sons, 9-year-old Minh Phuc and 6-year-old Minh Anh, for their first large-scale sporting event, Thanh and his wife rediscovered the childhood thrill of being taken on outings by their parents.
"Seeing our children eager to exercise and play with friends, we've become more aware of the role of physical activity in a child's development," Thanh said.
According to Thanh, the Kun Marathon transcended a simple race. For over a month prior, he and his wife took turns running with their children every afternoon. Coinciding with the summer break, this training period strengthened their family bond, fostered understanding, and created lasting memories. On race day, he watched from the sidelines, capturing his sons' progress on his phone. "This event has made the boys more active. They're very happy and want to participate in future races," he shared.
Ngoc Ha from Quang Binh described the trip, combined with the race, as a fun summer experience for her family. Instead of just swimming and eating, they engaged in physical activities together, reducing their child's screen time and boosting their confidence in group settings. "Parents also get to accompany their children on their journey of growth," Ha said.
Research from Harvard University shows that shared physical activity strengthens family bonds, creating opportunities for deeper understanding and emotional sharing. Activities like the Kun Marathon, where parents train alongside their children and help them overcome obstacles, build trust and foster intergenerational connection.
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Children overcome obstacles at Kun Marathon Da Nang. Photo: VM |
Children overcome obstacles at Kun Marathon Da Nang. Photo: VM
Each child participating in the Kun Marathon ran almost 1 km and tackled obstacles like inflatable houses and ball pits. These challenges not only promoted physical fitness but also provided opportunities for parental support, creating memorable moments.
Beyond the race itself, the Kun Marathon featured activities such as jelly slides, minigames with prizes, and meet-and-greets with famous athletes Hong Son and Do Kim Phuc. These programs attracted numerous parents and children, transforming the event into a family festival.
At the event, parents acted as companions. Joining their children in warm-ups and following their every step on the track enhanced observation skills, fostered a spirit of sharing, and strengthened family ties.
Children often emulate adult behavior. When parents are actively involved in physical activity, children develop healthy habits, leading to increased immunity and improved mental well-being.
The Kun Marathon also instilled perseverance, the joy of self-improvement, and the pride of crossing the finish line. For many children, it was their first time receiving a medal and hearing the cheers of their family—an unforgettable experience.
The Kun Marathon Da Nang is part of a series of events held in various cities: Hanoi, Ho Chi Minh City, Hue, Ha Long, Nha Trang. According to the organizers, sports connect family members, teaching children perseverance and providing parents with precious, seemingly simple yet meaningful moments.
Hoai Phuong
