The Kun Marathon Ho Chi Minh City 2026, held at Thao Cam Vien (Saigon Zoo and Botanical Garden), has generated considerable excitement among young participants and their families. The event, which combines a children's race with engaging educational activities focused on animal conservation, is seen as a meaningful initiative to foster a love for nature and raise environmental awareness.

Gia Huy and his mother, Nguyen Thi Lanh from Gia Dinh ward, were among hundreds of families who arrived at Thao Cam Vien early on 20/3 to collect bibs for the event. Lanh stated that her family has a sports tradition, always encouraging their children to be physically active from a young age. The Kun Marathon is the children's race series Gia Huy has participated in the most. Since early 2025, he has completed five events in Ho Chi Minh City, Can Tho, Nha Trang, Da Nang, and Hai Phong. Upon learning that the Kun Marathon 2026 would feature a series of "Protect All Species" activities, Huy asked his mother to register him early. Lanh mentioned that Huy loves animals, often playing with dogs and cats. In his free time, he reads picture books about animals, and his family frequently takes him to Thao Cam Vien.

Gia Huy looks forward to seeing giraffes, monkeys, and elephants after completing the race. VnExpress Marathon

Sharing a similar view, Truong Duc Tai from Bay Hien ward also expressed anticipation for the new activities, which the organizers are implementing in collaboration with Thao Cam Vien. This is the third year Tai has registered his child and nieces and nephews for the event. He arrived early to queue and collect 12 race-kits for the children in his family. Tai commented that this year's venue is cool, green, and suitable for young children. "The new theme 'Together Kun Protect All Species' is excellent and meaningful, encouraging children to learn and explore more. I hope the organizers can collaborate with Thao Cam Vien to arrange quizzes or guided tours immediately after the race. I believe the children will truly enjoy this activity", Tai added. Thanh Uyen from Nhieu Loc ward, along with her 6-year-old son Na Uy, also arrived to collect their race-kits on the morning of 20/3. This marks Uy's first race event. Uyen expressed feeling reassured that her child was participating in an activity that combines sports with educational learning.

Tai received 12 bags of items for the children in his family. VnExpress Marathon

On the morning of 21/3, 2,500 Kun runners will tackle the 1 km race course. Along the route, the organizers have placed age-appropriate obstacles and will award medals upon completion. Afterwards, the children will be introduced to individual animals at Thao Cam Vien to understand the importance of conservation. These activities will be guided and supervised by zoo staff. Themed games, such as: "Kids Feed Animals", "Blue Ocean Mission", and "Bringing All Species Home", will accompany the educational sessions.

Uyen and Na Uy arrived to collect their Kun Marathon Ho Chi Minh City race-kit on the morning of 20/3. VnExpress Marathon

This year, the Kun Marathon Ho Chi Minh City boasts its largest scale to date, with 2,500 participation slots, an increase of 500 compared to 2025. This event marks the opening of the 2026 race series, which is expected to take place across 10 provinces and cities. Previously, the Kun brand announced a contribution of 200 million dong to Thao Cam Vien to support the renovation of enclosures and improve animal habitats.

By Thy An