[Photo series] Athletes compete in the 19km amateur category at the National Cross-Country Mountain-Climbing Tournament “Conquering Ba Ra Peak”

On the morning of January 4, the 31st National Cross-Country Mountain-Climbing Tournament “Conquering Ba Ra Peak” in 2026 was held under the lead organization of Dong Nai Newspaper and Radio - Television, in coordination with the Department of Culture, Sports and Tourism, and the People’s Committees of Phuoc Long and Phuoc Binh wards. The event marked the 51st anniversary of the liberation of Phuoc Long (January 6, 1975 - 2026), the 96th anniversary of the founding of the Communist Party of Vietnam (February 3, 1930 - 2026), and the celebration of the official convening of the 14th National Party Congress.

The championship featured a national amateur category, attracting more than 960 male and female athletes competing in two distances: 6.1km and 19km. The provincial amateur category included 442 athletes competing in the following distances: 6km for men, 5.4km for women, 4.8km for male youths, and 4km for female youths. More than 1,000 runners took part in the event as accompanying participants.

At 5:00 a.m. on January 4, over 330 athletes officially started the 19km race, marking the beginning of the subsequent competition events.

Below are selected images of athletes competing in the 19km distance.

Athletes arrive early to prepare for the race. Photo: Cong Nghia

Competing in the 19km distance for the first time, Dr. Ngo Trung Hieu (far left) from Military Hospital 175 said he learned about the race through the media and invited his mother and colleagues to take part in the meaningful event marking the 51st anniversary of the Liberation of Phuoc Long. Photo: Vuong The

Athletes warm up before competing in the 19km distance. Photo: Vuong The

Athletes warm up ahead of the start. Photo: Huy Anh

Athletes demonstrate determination as they prepare to participate in the race. Photo: Cong Nghia

Athletes demonstrate determination as they prepare to participate in the race. Photo: Cong Nghia

The race attracts athletes from a wide range of age groups. Photo: Cong Nghia

Athletes pose for photos with the organizers before the start. Photo: Cong Nghia

Athletes begin the race at 6:18 a.m. Photo: Huy Anh

Athletes on the 19km course. Photo: Huy Anh

Athletes on the 19km course. Photo: Cong Nghia

By Vuong The, Cong Nghia, Huy Anh – Translated by Huyen Trang, Minho