More than 10 years ago, running wasn't common in central Vietnam. A small group of friends started running together in the early mornings, not for achievements or awards, but simply as a way to bond.

Members of Danang Marathoners - one of the first running groups in Da Nang. Photo: Dat Nguyen

Members of Danang Marathoners - one of the first running groups in Da Nang. Photo: Dat Nguyen

Dat Nguyen (Psy Nguyen), one of Da Nang's first runners, shared, "Initially, we just gathered and ran together for fun." At that time, there were no GPS watches, no energy gels, and no knowledge of running techniques or nutrition. Every run was a pure journey. "Back then, having a proper pair of running shoes was a luxury," he said.

Without a fixed training location, the group often met at the coffee shop of Hoa, the oldest member. The small shop became their regular morning rendezvous. Hoa prepared drinks after each run, helping to maintain a consistent schedule and foster camaraderie among the members.

From these spontaneous runs, the movement began to gain traction with the emergence of the first races. Son Tra Adventure, a race organized by Dat, Hoa, and their friends, became a pioneering event, attracting runners from across the country. Despite the basic conditions, the race's spirit of connection created a powerful ripple effect, drawing recreational runners nationwide.

Cam Le Runners Club donates gifts "Running Connects, Tet Sharing" to families in need. Photo: Cam Le Runners

Cam Le Runners Club donates gifts "Running Connects, Tet Sharing" to families in need. Photo: Cam Le Runners

From 2015 to 2020, the running movement in Da Nang took a more defined shape with the regular appearance of races like Ironman 70.3 Vietnam and the Da Nang International Marathon. These events acted as catalysts for the formation and expansion of running groups.

After Covid-19, with increased awareness of health, the number of people exercising skyrocketed. From parks to sidewalks, Da Nang's running scene blossomed. The number of clubs also increased rapidly. Currently, there are about 9 clubs operating regularly, such as Da Nang Runners, Cam Le Runners, Son Tra Runners, Hoa Khanh, Ngu Hanh Son, Hai Chau, and more.

"After Covid-19, I started running along Bach Dang Street. There were already many young people there. I come here every afternoon and see more and more people, from elementary school children to seniors like me," Le Tran, 65, shared.

Members of Ngu Hanh Son Runners Club join hands to clean up their activity area. Photo: Ngu Hanh Son Runners

Members of Ngu Hanh Son Runners Club join hands to clean up their activity area. Photo: Ngu Hanh Son Runners

Currently, most clubs maintain a training schedule of two to three sessions per week, with a long run on Sunday morning, complete with water, electrolytes, and fruit. Each session attracts 60 to over 100 people, peaking at 400 runners. Community spirit is the core principle. "The club belongs to everyone, no one owns it, everyone has a share of responsibility," said Thanh Vy, head of Da Nang Runners.

Many clubs also organize workshops on running form, watch usage techniques, and injury prevention. "We always look for ways to innovate the content to make the training sessions more appealing, thereby retaining existing members and encouraging new ones to join," said Nghia, a representative of Cam Le Runners.

On the clubs' fan pages, members share their experiences, document moments on the run, and invite new people to join. "Always welcoming new friends" has become a familiar cultural trait.

The 4th anniversary celebration of Son Tra Runners Club saw the participation of clubs across the city: Da Nang Runners, Hoa Khanh Runners, Chi Lang Runners, Cam Le Runners, Team 5:30 am, and more.

With its vibrant and well-organized activities, Da Nang's recreational running movement has produced outstanding runners. Last December, at the VnExpress Marathon Hai Phong, student Le Thi Phuong caused a stir by becoming the fifth female recreational runner to achieve a sub-three-hour marathon. Having only started running two years prior, Phuong Le was guided by the coaches of Yen The - Bac Son - Ba Na Hill Runners Club, and then Da Nang Runners, to achieve this result.

Da Nang's running movement has also expanded its reach into social work. Several clubs have established charitable programs, supporting families in need and awarding scholarships to students. Hoa Khanh Runners' "Mid-Autumn Festival for Children" project and Cam Le Runners' "Together to School" project were recognized among the top community projects of the year. Thanks to similar social activities, Da Nang Runners was honored as the Outstanding Running Club of the Year at the VnExpress Runners of the Year Awards Ceremony in January.

"Running is not only for ourselves, but also to contribute to making the community better," shared Minh Duc, a member of Hoa Khanh Runners.

From small acts like picking up trash after runs, runners together promote a positive lifestyle. "Sowing good deeds is how each runner contributes to preserving the beauty of the area they live in," said Vo Khac Lam, a member of Ngu Hanh Son Runners.

Children from Hai Chau Runners Club during a summer run. Photo: Hai Chau Runners

Children from Hai Chau Runners Club during a summer run. Photo: Hai Chau Runners

Not just limited to internal bonding, the clubs also maintain regular exchanges. They run relays from one club's headquarters to another, meet up after races like VnExpress Marathon, Ironman, Ultra Trail, and celebrate anniversaries together.

What further strengthens the movement is the early inspiration of the younger generation. Since 2022, Hai Chau Runners has initiated the "Kids Run" group, a summer playground for children from 6 years old. Starting with the children of members, the group gradually expanded, creating a foundation for the future generation of runners.

After a decade, the running movement in Da Nang has not only grown in scale but has also spread community values. While some have moved on, the spirit and foundation of connection continue to be preserved, becoming a cultural hallmark of this "livable" city.

On 20/7, the VnExpress Marathon Da Nang 2025 will be a major gathering, where the running community will together affirm the image of a youthful, dynamic city rich in sporting identity. On every coastal route, each stride is a continuation of the 10-year journey that has witnessed the movement quietly grow and integrate into the city's rhythm of life.