Eager anticipation for marathon festival

The 2026 Dong Nai Marathon – Truong Tuoi Group Tournament, Dong Nai Newspaper and Radio, Television Cup is a major, prestigious sporting event that strengthens community bonds. A large number of runners have enthusiastically registered for the upcoming third edition. They share a desire to participate, experience a scenic and safe course, and immerse themselves in the vibrant, passionate sporting atmosphere of this dynamic young city.

Duong Chi Thien’s family (from Binh Phuoc Ward) and their friends maintain a consistent daily exercise routine.

Pushing past personal limits

Among the thousands of runners actively preparing for the new season, Tran Thi Thanh Ha, 42, who lives in Binh Phuoc Ward, is a familiar face who has participated in every edition of the Truong Tuoi Group marathon.

Ha took up running in 2023, choosing the area around Binh Phuoc Stadium (now Dong Nai Stadium, Binh Phuoc Ward) as her regular training ground. Initially, she turned to sports simply to improve her physical health after stressful hours at work. However, the more she trained, the deeper her passion grew, leading to a long-term commitment to the sport.

Throughout her training, she was fortunate to meet fellow running enthusiasts who inspired her and readily offered guidance on the fundamentals. Her teammates’ encouragement, support, and dedicated guidance turned every training session into an eagerly anticipated gathering. Running has now become a disciplined part of Ha’s daily life. “Running gives me stamina, perseverance, and positive energy to relieve stress. It instills self-discipline, focus, and enthusiasm in my work,” said Ha.

“Maintaining a consistent daily training routine helped me reduce my weight significantly, from 90 kg to 70 kg. I feel physically invigorated, mentally refreshed, and much more positive after every workout.”

Duong Chi Thien, a resident of Binh Phuoc Ward

Over the past period, Ha has actively competed in various races, including the first edition of the Binh Phuoc Marathon – Truong Tuoi Group Tournament (now the Dong Nai Marathon – Truong Tuoi Group Tournament) in the 10 km category and its second edition in the 21 km category. She also competed in the 18 km race at the National Cross-Country Mountain-Climbing Tournament “Conquering Ba Ra Peak” in early 2026. In addition, she regularly participates in grassroots community runs and virtual charity races.

Each race evokes different emotions for her, from conquering rugged, gravel-covered paths, steep climbs, and steep stairways on Ba Ra Mountain to enjoying the serene beauty along the routes in Dong Xoai. Her most cherished memory remains the 21 km race at the second edition of the Binh Phuoc Marathon – Truong Tuoi Group Tournament. “Right before the start, I suddenly developed a high fever. There were moments when I thought I would have to withdraw, but through sheer perseverance and an unyielding spirit, I pushed through and crossed the finish line safely in 2 hours and 15 minutes,” recalled Ha.

At the 2026 Dong Nai Marathon – Truong Tuoi Group Tournament, Ha is once again challenging herself in the 21 km half-marathon category. To prepare, she wakes up early every morning to build her running base. Each week, in addition to her short runs, she never misses a long Sunday morning run with her teammates to build endurance. Her primary goal this year is to push past her personal limits and fully savor every stride along the roads of her homeland.

Uniting families on running routes

In addition to attracting individual athletes and professional runners, the 2026 Dong Nai Marathon – Truong Tuoi Group Tournament, Dong Nai Newspaper and Radio, Television Cup, offers many families an opportunity to bond. Among the notable families participating this year is that of Duong Chi Thien, 45, who lives in Binh Phuoc Ward.

“Previously, I never thought I would run a marathon. When rapid weight gain left me sluggish and constantly fatigued, I decided to find a suitable sport to improve my health. I started by walking. Then, with support and guidance from some friends, I took up running and have stuck with it for over three years now,” said Thien.

Over the past years, Thien has participated in several races, including the Binh Phuoc Marathon – Truong Tuoi Group Tournament and the Southern Tet Run in Ho Chi Minh City, as well as mountain-climbing races at Ba Ra and Tay Ninh. Without placing much emphasis on competitive performance, he runs primarily for his health, maintaining a relaxed mindset so he can complete every course safely and receive his medal in good physical condition.

Thien’s passion for sports quickly spread throughout his family. Seeing her husband’s improved physique, healthier eating habits and reduced alcohol consumption, Le Thi Kim Cuc decided to take up running with him. Through consistent exercise, Cuc has become slimmer, healthier, and more youthful. Inspired by their parents’ example, their two sons also took up running, one after the other, and the family now maintains a daily running habit.

Looking ahead to the major event, Duong Chi Thien said, “Our entire family has eagerly registered for the 2026 Dong Nai Marathon – Truong Tuoi Group Tournament. I am testing my endurance in the 42 km full marathon; my wife and older son are taking on the 10 km race; and our younger son has signed up for the 5 km distance. Every week, the whole family spends five days running and the remaining two days doing light walking and stretching. Training and competing together not only promote good health but also provide a wonderful opportunity for our family to grow closer and strengthen our bonds.”

By An Nhon – Translated by Minh Hong, Minho