Runner Nguyen Van Tuan founded the club in 9/2023, after the second VnExpress Marathon Nha Trang. This was a time of booming popularity for running in Vietnam, with a surge in both runners and races. In Khanh Hoa, the Nha Trang Runners club, established in 2019, was already thriving.
However, the more than 40 km distance to Nha Trang left many running enthusiasts in Cam Ranh without a local community. Starting with a few members who regularly ran together on the beach or by the lagoon, Cam Ranh Runner was born.
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Cam Ranh Runners members in their club uniforms. Photo: Provided by the club |
Cam Ranh Runners members in their club uniforms. Photo: Provided by the club
Like many grassroots running clubs, the group faced initial challenges. They lacked training plans, a structured schedule, and expert guidance. Members were busy and inexperienced with long distances, and the group teetered on the edge of disbanding. Tuan took the initiative, finding training plans from experienced runners and adapting them for each member.
The spirit of Cam Ranh Runners began to solidify when some members participated in races in Nha Trang and neighboring areas like Phu Yen, Da Lat, and Quy Nhon. Seeing teammates achieve new milestones in the 5 km, 10 km, and half marathon distances boosted confidence and attracted new members.
"Despite the growing membership, our focus remained simple: running together for fun and fitness. We had no management plan or experience", the club president recalled. Building from scratch, the club encountered numerous obstacles. The management board struggled to create initial branding elements like shirts and a logo.
From its humble beginnings, Cam Ranh Runner expanded. The club now has over 30 official members and more than 20 runners who regularly participate in activities. Their online presence has attracted over 700 followers, becoming a hub for sharing experiences and posting daily training photos.
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The club's first anniversary celebration last 2/9. Photo: Provided by the club |
The club's first anniversary celebration last 2/9. Photo: Provided by the club
"After operating for a while, we realized that to grow and attract local runners, the club needed a distinct identity. This led to the creation of green uniforms featuring Cam Ranh Airport, the bay, the sea – symbols that make Cam Ranh residents proud", Tuan explained.
Having overcome organizational and branding challenges, financial issues emerged. To address this, members contributed an initial 50,000 VND each. Can Nguyen, a management board member, fronted costs for various items, helping the group navigate its challenging early stages. The club then implemented a weekly "distance KPI" to encourage regular training.
To prepare for the fourth VnExpress Marathon in Nha Trang, the group planned to purchase bibs and began training early in the year. The management board kept members updated about the race, and everyone chose a distance based on their abilities. Their training schedule included three main sessions per week, combining endurance runs, speed work, and recovery. New members received personalized guidance to ensure they were prepared.
Most members participated for fun and fitness. Only former Khanh Hoa athletics team member Nguyen Quoc Dung aimed to compete. Before joining Cam Ranh Runners, Dung won the 2022 VnExpress Marathon Nha Trang with a time of 2 hours and 36 minutes.
According to Nguyen Van Tuan, while 50 participants may not be as large as other clubs, having 100% member participation fosters unity and motivates the local running community. "We see this as an opportunity to showcase Cam Ranh Runner and learn from other clubs", he said.
Lan Anh
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