Ba Ra peak: where heroes meet

Ba Ra Mountain – Thac Mo is known not only for its heroic historical legacy and eco-tourism potential, but also for hosting the traditional cross-country race commemorating the Liberation of Phuoc Long on January 6 each year. The event is part of the national competition system.

Author Minh Nhat (left) with experts and journalists at the studio during the live commentary of the 26th season in 2020.

After more than 10 years accompanying the tournament, what stays with me is not the number of seasons completed, nor the times I hosted live broadcasts in front of thousands of spectators. It is the moment at the finish line, where I can most clearly feel and share the effort and the limits that athletes have overcome. It is also at the finish line that I truly understand why this race is regarded as a symbol of determination, not only for the athletes themselves but for everyone involved, from the Organizing Committee and support forces to those of us working in the profession.

Happiness at the finish line

Ba Ra Mountain is the third-highest mountain in the Southeastern region of Vietnam. To reach its summit on foot, climbers must conquer 1,767 stone steps starting from Bang Lang Hill. The journey offered me memorable challenges, as I marked each footprint on the stone slabs and along the steep mountain paths of this forested terrain. As a field host present at the finish line on the mountain summit, I still vividly remember the first time I set foot on the peak. From there, I could take in a panoramic view of a picturesque landscape, return to the embrace of unspoiled nature, and experience a poetic, almost otherworldly beauty. From the summit, the surface of Thac Mo Lake appeared shimmering below, reflecting the surrounding mountains and the sky above.

Above all, this was where I had the privilege of standing closest to the “mountain climbing heroes”, the athletes whose every stride, to me, remains a story worth telling to this day. I have witnessed athletes staggering as they crossed the finish line, their breathing labored and tears welling up in moments of pride and happiness. In those moments, we understood more clearly than anyone the value of what we were doing. We were fortunate to play a part in telling the public a powerful story of sport, of the extraordinary strength shown by very ordinary people in an exceptionally demanding competition.

Journalist Phan Van Thao, former Deputy Director and Deputy Editor-in-Chief of Binh Phuoc Radio, Television and Newspaper, who has accompanied the National Ba Ra Mountain Climbing Tournament since its early seasons, said that running and climbing Ba Ra Mountain is not necessarily about competing for television trophies or chasing prizes, but about challenging oneself and achieving self-conquest. Within each of us, only by stepping out of our comfort zone, embracing challenges, and pursuing what we truly aspire to can we find confidence and pride in every step forward.

Journalist Phan Van Thao shared: “The emotions of climbing a mountain are much like the emotional highs and lows of life. Each step toward the summit resembles the difficulties that every person must overcome. There were moments of exhaustion when I wanted to give up, but if we stop halfway, we will never know the vastness and grandeur awaiting us at the mountain’s peak.”

“I believe that Ba Ra peak will always welcome the most resilient and talented athletes, and that fans will continue to look forward to hearing them carry on the story of individuals who never stop pushing their own limits.”

Reporter Nguyen Tan, Dong Nai Newspaper and Radio, Television

Hoang Nguyen Thanh – the “king” of kings

Interviewing the winners has always left me with strong emotions. Each athlete has a distinct personality and a different racing strategy, but what stays with me most is the shared look in the eyes of the winners. It is the look of someone who has overcome personal limits at all costs and completed a true “test of will” in the most outstanding way. Standing in front of the camera and answering interview questions, I can clearly sense their breathing and the emotional charge in their voices. These are the overflowing emotions of an athlete who has just reaped the rewards of a journey marked by rigorous training, discipline, and perseverance.

MC Minh Nhat interviews “King of mountain climbing” Hoang Nguyen Thanh at the 27th season of the tournament.

Athlete Hoang Nguyen Thanh has claimed the championship title of the tournament nine times. He has also truly reigned in the hearts of fans of this event. Supporters eagerly await the moments when he closes his eyes, looks up at the sky, and stretches his arms wide to savor the sweetness of victory. As for me, I have always been fortunate to witness and experience the most glorious emotions of the “King of mountain climbing”, Hoang Nguyen Thanh, through what he shares with his fans.

A part of youth - a part of a career

Due to the nature of my work, there were times when I was present at the starting line, at the foot of the mountain, in the studio, or at the award ceremony. Regardless of where I was, what has kept me connected to the National Ba Ra Mountain Climbing Tournament for more than a decade is the pride of witnessing the most genuine moments of this demanding sport. Watching the tournament grow stronger and more professional with each season, yet amid all those changes, the emotions of someone in my profession have remained intact: anticipation and excitement when welcoming the first athletes, and deep emotion as the final strides cross the finish line.

That journey has given me so much: experience, memories, friendships, and the pride of accompanying a prestigious Vietnamese sporting event. As the 31st season kicks off on January 4, 2026, filled with the sound of racing footsteps, I realize that I still hold a deep and enduring affection for this tournament.

By Minh Nhat – Translated by Huyen Trang, Minho