The "81-Year Journey - For National Security" race took place on the morning of 2/8 at NovaWorld Phan Thiet, Tien Thanh ward, Lam Dong province. The event featured distances of 5 km, 10 km, 21 km, and 42 km. It is part of the Sports Festival 2026 series, commemorating the 81st Traditional Day of the Vietnam People's Public Security.

Among the approximately 5,000 athletes who participated, over 450 officers from various units also joined the race. They competed across all four distances, running alongside teammates, family, clubs, and athletes from many localities. Their shared goals included promoting physical training, discipline, and a friendly image of the public security force.

Senior Lieutenant Colonel Vu Xuan Truong, Deputy Head of PA04 Department, Ho Chi Minh City Police, was among the participating officers, registering for the 21 km distance with six teammates. He stated that this was his second time participating in a race organized by the Vietnam People's Public Security.

Senior Lieutenant Colonel Vu Xuan Truong (center) with Captain Ho Cong Bac (left) and teammates completed the 21 km distance. Photo: Quynh Tran

To prepare for the race, Senior Lieutenant Colonel Truong maintains a routine of three training sessions per week, covering 3-5 km each, and one long run of over 10 km on weekends. He emphasized that physical training is an essential part of an officer's work, ensuring health for duties and helping relieve pressure after working hours.

"Our unit's goal is to conquer ourselves. On the track, we still have small competitions to create more motivation and finish better together", Senior Lieutenant Colonel Vu Xuan Truong said.

During the race, cheers from locals and support from coordinators along the route helped participants maintain their pace across wet surfaces and inclines. For Senior Lieutenant Colonel Truong, the event not only commemorated the force's traditions but also created a space for interaction between officers and the community.

He believes that running helps officers build endurance, relieve work-related stress, and meet the physical demands of their duties. "I hope there will be more such races so officers can improve physical fitness and meet colleagues and citizens outside of work", Senior Lieutenant Colonel Truong added.

Captain Ho Cong Bac, an officer at PA04 Department, Ho Chi Minh City Police, also conquered the 21 km distance, impressing others with his early morning training habit. To balance work, family, and running, he often wakes up at 4:15h, completing his training before starting his workday.

"Running helps maintain health, trains perseverance and patience, and creates positive energy in work and life", Captain Ho Cong Bac shared.

Instead of focusing on rankings, Captain Bac and his teammates aimed to complete the distance and sustain the sports movement within their unit. He noted that running alongside citizens on a shared course helps narrow the gap between the public security force and the community.

Captain Nguyen Ngoc Tuan Anh's family participated in the race. Photo: Quynh Tran

The spirit of camaraderie at the event was also evident through the participation of many public security officers' families. Truong Thi Tho, who works at the Lam Dong People's Procuracy, joined the 5 km race with her child, while her husband, Captain Nguyen Ngoc Tuan Anh, an officer with the Lam Dong Provincial Police, completed the 10 km course.

Ms. Tho mentioned that this was the first time their entire family had participated in a major sports festival together. Upon learning about the event approximately a month ago, all family members eagerly prepared and maintained a routine of early morning exercise.

The family was particularly impressed by the coastal roads at NovaWorld Phan Thiet, where one side featured resorts and the other offered expansive sea views. For them, the race was both an opportunity to improve health and create a shared experience for their young child.

"Through the race, my family became more connected. This is also an opportunity for our child to train health, interact with friends, and learn many things", Captain Nguyen Ngoc Tuan Anh explained.

From Dong Thap, Captain Nguyen Thi Diem Huong, an officer from the Cybersecurity Department, also joined the race with many teammates. A sports enthusiast, she maintains her fitness by running approximately 2 km in the morning and another 2 km in the afternoon, while actively arranging her training schedule to fit her work commitments.

Captain Nguyen Thi Diem Huong on the 21 km race track. Photo: Quynh Tran

Many of Captain Huong's teammates also participated in the event. According to her, training and completing the race together strengthens unit cohesion and encourages the public to engage in physical activity.

She was impressed by the coastal scenery, the challenging inclines, and the support groups along the route. "I hope the spirit of daily physical training continues to spread within the force and the community. First, for everyone to be healthier, then to have a better foundation to complete work and serve the people", Captain Huong concluded.

Hoang Dan