On the morning of 19/7, the race-kit distribution area for the Kun Marathon at Tien Son Sports Palace in Da Nang was bustling with hundreds of parents and children. Many had come early from neighboring provinces to collect their race packets and give their children a first taste of the atmosphere of a large-scale running event.

Do Huu Thien Vu's family traveled nearly 25 km from Dai Loc District, Quang Nam Province, to bring his two sons to collect their bibs. He saw it as a chance for the children to experience the pre-race excitement, meet new friends, and participate in activities before the official race day.

"Seeing their dad run and bring home medals, they also wanted one of their own," Vu said. While the family isn't focused on winning, they've prepared carefully. Khanh An regularly swims, runs, and bikes, while his 6-year-old brother, Thien Nhan, runs with his father three times a week and has already completed a 5 km run.

Thien Vu and his two sons receive their Kun Marathon race-kits. Photo: VM

Thien Vu and his two sons receive their Kun Marathon race-kits. Photo: VM

For Vu, the Kun Marathon isn't just a race, but a chance for his children to "get away from screens," exercise outdoors, and improve their eating and sleeping habits. "Children need these kinds of real-world activities to build perseverance and improve their health," he said.

Runner Nguyen Minh brought his son Hong Tuyen from Quang Ngai Province to Da Nang early. After collecting bibs for a group of almost 10 families belonging to the Quang Ngai Runners community, the father and son enjoyed the pre-race activities and took commemorative photos.

"Summer is the best time of a child's life. That's why I always make time to take my children running and on sports-tourism experiences. I participate in VnExpress Marathon events so I can bring my children along," he said. This year, the father and son have traveled throughout central Vietnam to participate in Kun Marathons in Hue, Da Lat, and Da Nang.

Runner Nguyen Minh and his son pose with the mascot. Photo: VM

Runner Nguyen Minh and his son pose with the mascot. Photo: VM

Many families see the Kun Marathon as more than just a weekend activity; they incorporate it into their travel and educational plans. Hai Yen's family traveled over 200 km from Quang Binh Province to Da Nang to combine sightseeing with the VnExpress Marathon and the Kun Marathon for their child.

"Our family often combines travel with running. Through running, our child gets to see new things, meet new people, and discover the world," she shared. Yen believes Da Nang, with its beaches, mountains, and modern city, offers an ideal experience for children from other regions.

Nguyen Dang Nhuan brought his two young children from Hue to Da Nang for the race. He believes outdoor activities like this help children become more confident and less reliant on electronic devices. "Activities like swimming, running, and participating in community events make children more active and broaden their horizons," he shared.

A group of runners from Da Nang take a commemorative photo after receiving their bibs. Photo: VM

A group of runners from Da Nang take a commemorative photo after receiving their bibs. Photo: VM

The 2025 Kun Marathon in Da Nang, held on 19/7 at the Tien Son Sports Palace, brought together 2,000 children. The young participants tackled a nearly 1 km course featuring obstacles like ball pits and inflatable houses. All finishers received medals and gifts from the organizers. Beyond the race, the event included activities such as Kun rock climbing, minigames with prizes, and meet-and-greets with artists Candy Ngoc Ha, Mike Den, Yen "Noi com dien," Do Kim Phuc's freestyle football team, and football legend Hong Son.

Part of the VnExpress Marathon system, Kun Marathon has been held in major cities like Hanoi, Ho Chi Minh City, Hue, Ha Long, Nha Trang, and Hai Phong.

Lan Anh

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