The "Run for Rare Kids" virtual race, an initiative by the Hope Foundation and vRace, officially recognized its top participants on 31/3. This event aims to raise funds and awareness for children living with rare diseases in Vietnam, a cause that resonates deeply with many.
In the men's individual standings, athlete Thanh Vinh led with an impressive 1.064,28 km. He was followed by athlete Pham Hung Son, who completed 1.048,14 km, and athlete Pham Vo Thanh Qui, who ran 797,54 km.
For the women's individual category, athlete Phuong Tran secured 1st place, covering 1.011,91 km. Athlete Dang Thi Hang Nga came in 2nd with 998,93 km, and athlete Mai Thi Ven finished 3rd with 770,84 km.
Thanh Vinh, a frequent participant in virtual races, was drawn to the "Run for Rare Kids" event due to its profound humanitarian significance. He shared that each kilometer accumulated not only serves as physical training but also as a way to spread compassion and provide resources for children with special medical needs.
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Thanh Vinh on the running track. Photo: Provided by participant |
Individual award winners will receive valuable prizes: 1st place receives a pair of sports shoes worth 5 million VND, 2nd place a pair of headphones worth 2 million VND, and 3rd place a heart rate monitor valued at 1 million VND.
In the team category, the National Children's Hospital secured 1st place with 182 members, collectively covering 9.229,84 km. AstraZeneca Vietnam, with 187 members, took 2nd place, achieving a total distance of 8.170,36 km. The Super Night Run team, comprising 27 members, finished 3rd with 4.417,8 km.
The top-performing teams will also receive useful gifts: the 1st place team will get up to 50 water bottles, the 2nd place team up to 40 umbrellas, and the 3rd place team up to 30 raincoats.
A representative from the National Children's Hospital stated that doctors and nurses often utilize early mornings, post-shift hours, or after work to run. This activity has also inspired their families and the broader community.
"As the unit directly treating these children, we deeply understand the difficulties they face. Beyond our efforts in care and treatment, we hope to contribute encouragement, both material and spiritual, providing energy for them to bravely fight their illnesses", the representative said.
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Doctors, nurses, and their relatives at the launch ceremony of the run. Photo: National Children's Hospital |
The "Run for Rare Kids" race on vRace continues until 30/6, encouraging ongoing community participation to support children facing hardships. Registration for the race is available here.
With a registration fee of 100,000 VND, all proceeds are directly contributed to the Hope Foundation to cover hospital fees and provide essential medical support for children with rare diseases. Participants can run or walk anywhere, at any convenient time.
To date, the race has attracted over 1,300 participants, logging more than 64,000 km and raising over 450 million VND.
The run is supported by several organizations, with AstraZeneca Vietnam as the main sponsor. Other partners include WellCare CS Group Vietnam, FPT Polytechnic College, FPT For Community Fund, National Children's Hospital, and Long Chau pharmacy.
Beyond the two race ambassadors, H'Hen Nie and Hua Kim Tuyen, the campaign has also received support from athletics record holder Pham Thi Hong Le, MC Pham Anh, and community runner Dan Quyet, who have actively encouraged participation and spread the humanitarian message.
In Vietnam, an estimated 6 million people live with rare diseases. The majority of these conditions affect children and necessitate long-term treatment with substantial costs.
Prize winners list
Quynh Anh
