On the afternoon of 22/4, the Libera Nha Trang coastal urban area buzzed with activity as thousands of athletes arrived to collect their bibs and race kits. Amidst the energetic crowd, the Cam Lam Runners stood out in their national flag-printed attire, creating a striking visual. This display showcased their collective identity and shared excitement for the upcoming 80th anniversary of National Day on 2/9.

"With the fourth VnExpress Marathon taking place on our home turf, close to a significant national holiday, we wanted to convey a message of national pride and demonstrate our unity at the largest and most professional running event in our region," said Phan Ngoc Linh, Vice President of Technical Affairs.

Located about 35 km from Nha Trang, the group arranged eight personal vehicles to transport club members, families, and friends to experience the vibrant atmosphere of bib distribution day. The VnExpress Marathon Libera Nha Trang became an opportunity for reunion, bonding, and a testament to the growth of the running community in Cam Lam.

Cam Lam Runners members take photos at the VnExpress Marathon Nha Trang welcome gate. Photo: Duc Dong

Cam Lam Runners members take photos at the VnExpress Marathon Nha Trang welcome gate. Photo: Duc Dong

Cam Lam Runners was established in October 2023, initiated by members who were previously part of Nha Trang Runners. The 35 km distance to Nha Trang made it difficult to participate in joint activities there. They decided to create a dedicated space in Cam Lam, fostering a sense of community for local running enthusiasts.

In the early days, Cam Lam Runners had only a few members and faced challenges in establishing regular club activities. Local residents were accustomed to running individually, with limited community engagement. Moreover, the economic conditions in Cam Lam were less favorable than those in Nha Trang or Cam Ranh, making it challenging to maintain group activities.

However, over time, the members participated in various community races, gradually improving their health and performance. Their persistence helped the club quickly gain recognition among runners in the province and receive support from local authorities.

After nearly two years of operation, Cam Lam Runners now has over 100 members, becoming one of the young but dynamic running communities in Khanh Hoa. "We have received support from the government and, importantly, connections and shared experiences from established clubs," Linh said.

The club's management board considers the VnExpress Marathon Nha Trang a key annual event. As soon as information from the organizers became available in early 2025, over 40 members registered for various distances and maintained a training plan for three months, viewing it as a major test of their limits.

"VnExpress Marathon is more than just a race. For us, it's the culmination of our training, a grand gathering for connection, and a motivation for the club to continue striving," shared Nguyen Quang The, Vice President of Logistics.

Members in red and yellow star flag attire. Photo: Duc Dong

Members in red and yellow star flag attire. Photo: Duc Dong

Beyond participation, Cam Lam Runners also aims to organize well-structured events within their locality. "We look to VnExpress Marathon as a model, learning from their medical system, water stations, and volunteer management. It's the gold standard we aspire to," The explained.

The club's immediate goal is to organize a chip-timed half marathon with a professional identity in Cam Lam. The success of previous events, such as the run commemorating President Ho Chi Minh's birthday, provides a foundation for realizing this ambition.

Cam Lam is a coastal district of Khanh Hoa, situated between Nha Trang and Cam Ranh, approximately 35 km from Nha Trang. The district covers an area of over 540 km² and has a population of over 120,000. It is renowned for Bai Dai Beach, one of the most beautiful beaches in Vietnam, along with a network of resorts and Cam Ranh International Airport. In addition to its coastal tourism advantages, Cam Lam is a fertile agricultural region, famous for its Cam Lam mangoes.

Lan Anh