Every weekend morning, starting at 4:30 AM, Song Hau Park in Can Tho comes alive with the yellow shirts of local runners. The atmosphere feels like a small festival, complete with aid stations, volunteers, and cheerful chatter. This is the long weekend run of Hop Luc, the oldest running group in the western capital.

Hop Luc members during a National Day celebratory run. Photo: Hop Luc

Hop Luc members during a National Day celebratory run. Photo: Hop Luc

Hop Luc Running Club was established on 15/3/2017 when the running movement in Can Tho was just emerging. Initially, the group consisted of a few triathlon enthusiasts led by Nguyen Quoc Thanh and Truong Khac Quynh. Their goal was simple: to train together, build endurance, and share their love for sports.

Over nearly a decade, from its initial core, Hop Luc has expanded, becoming a "home" for the running community and helping to establish a running culture in the Mekong Delta.

The name "Hop Luc," meaning "united strength," stems from the nature of triathlon, which combines running, swimming, and cycling. This sport demands endurance and a self-motivated spirit from each team member. Quynh recalls, "We relied on each other heavily, from sharing experiences to equipment support. We knew that only by joining forces could we overcome the challenges."

Later, as running gained popularity, the club focused more on this discipline due to its accessibility and affordability. Long-distance running still provides enough of a challenge to maintain long-term passion.

This shift increased the club's visibility and attracted new members. From a few dozen initially, Hop Luc grew into a community of hundreds of runners of all ages and professions. Swimming and cycling are still maintained as part of the group's heritage, but running has become the main activity, binding members together through weekend training sessions at Song Hau Park. The club's yellow shirts have become a familiar sight at races.

Beyond training, the club emphasizes creating a welcoming environment to retain newcomers. Thuy Trang, the club's manager, explains that the management team always provides water, food for energy replenishment, and encouragement to make everyone feel comfortable.

"There are many reasons why people give up when they first start running. The club helps minimize those reasons so that every member can overcome obstacles and stay motivated on their running journey," she says. This attentiveness is also the key to Hop Luc's longevity.

According to Quynh, the greatest pride lies not in medals or achievements but in the positive changes in each member. "Many members have gone from being shy to confident, from frail to healthier every day. That is the club's most valuable legacy," he shares. This philosophy has made Hop Luc a symbol of community sportsmanship in Can Tho, often cited as a role model by clubs in other Mekong Delta provinces.

At the upcoming VnExpress Marathon Can Tho on 14/9, Hop Luc will participate with nearly 600 members, the largest contingent among local clubs. After nearly a decade of fostering grassroots sports, the club will have the opportunity to showcase its image and Can Tho's running community to runners nationwide.

Trong Trung