The "Run for Rare Kids" virtual race, dedicated to children living with rare diseases, is organized by the Hope Foundation and VnExpress newspaper, in collaboration with the vRace platform. It will take place online from 28/2 to 31/3/2026.

This program commemorates International Rare Disease Day (28/2), aiming to raise community awareness about rare diseases and to fundraise for the treatment of disadvantaged pediatric patients living with these conditions.

The race targets attracting about 5,000 participants nationwide. All performance tracking will be conducted via the vRace online sports application, allowing participants to run anywhere at their convenience.

Registration for the race begins tracking performance from 28/2.

To participate, athletes need to download the vRace application on their mobile phones, register an account, or log in if they already have one. In the "races" section, they should search for "rare disease" to register for the run and fill in the required personal information.

The registration fee is 100,000 dong. This entire fee will be transferred to the Hope Foundation to cover hospital costs and provide practical medical support for pediatric patients. After successful registration, participants can start running or walking anywhere. Their performance will be recorded and accumulated over the 30 days of the race.

In addition to individual registration, the race allows for team formation to foster a spirit of camaraderie. After creating a team, the team leader can share a team code or invitation link with members. Athletes registering for the race can also choose a team to join. Each member's performance will be accumulated into the team's total score. The team leaderboard is updated directly on the application. This format is suitable for groups, clubs, organizations, or businesses wishing to participate and build team achievements together.

Upon completing the race, athletes will receive an electronic certificate and an electronic medal, serving as a lasting memory of their training journey. Top individuals and teams with outstanding achievements will receive certificates, commemorative awards, and meaningful prizes from the program.

The race is primarily sponsored by AstraZeneca Vietnam Co., Ltd., with participation from supporting partners: WellCare CS Group Vietnam Pharmaceutical and Medical Equipment JSC, FPT Polytechnic College, FPT People for Community Fund, and the National Hospital of Pediatrics.

Miss H'Hen Nie and musician Hua Kim Tuyen are accompanying the event as race ambassadors, helping to spread the program's message and encourage community participation.

It is estimated that Vietnam currently has about 6 million people affected by rare diseases; most cases appear in children and require long-term treatment with significant costs.

More than just a sports event, the "Run for Rare Kids" race conveys the message that children living with rare diseases are not alone. Every kilometer completed is a practical action that brings hope to families persistently battling illness.

Register to participate here.

Supporting children living with rare diseases is an activity within the Sun of Hope program. Each additional community contribution sends another ray of light to the nation's future generation. Readers can support the program here:

Program name: Ten cua ban - Benh hiem

Program ID: 195961

Quynh Anh