National cross-country mountain-climbing tournament  “Conquering the peak of Ba Ra”: More than just a tournament

With less than a month to go, one of Dong Nai Province’s long-standing sports events is preparing to kick off—the 31st National cross-country mountain-climbing tournament  themed “Conquering the peak of Ba Ra” in 2026.

As the lead organizer, Dong Nai Newspaper and Radio, Television will present a tournament that not only preserves its traditional values but also introduces new and appealing highlights. Cao Quoc Sang, Deputy Editor-in-Chief of Dong Nai Newspaper and Radio, Television and Deputy Head of the Race Organizing Committee, shared more details about this event.

Cao Quoc Sang, Deputy Editor-in-Chief of Dong Nai Newspaper and Radio, Television, Deputy Head of the Organizing Committee for the 31st National cross-country mountain-climbing tournament “Conquering the peak of Ba Ra” in 2026. Photo: Tien Dung

What does the 31st National cross-country mountain-climbing tournament “Conquering the peak of Ba Ra” in 2026 mean to the people of Phuoc Long in particular and Dong Nai Province in general?

The National cross-country mountain-climbing tournament “Conquering the peak of Ba Ra” will be held on January 4, 2026 in Phuoc Long ward, Dong Nai province. This is a traditional race held annually to commemorate the 51st anniversary of the Liberation of Phuoc Long (January 6). Since 2017, when the event was elevated to a National Championship Tournament, Binh Phuoc province in earlier years and now Dong Nai province have co-organized the race with the Ministry of Culture, Sports and Tourism and the Vietnam Athletics Federation. However, this year includes a notable change: the National cross-country mountain-climbing tournament “Conquering the peak of Ba Ra” will still take place, but is expected to be held in November 2026 as part of the National Sports Festival. Meanwhile, the traditional annual event (January 6) will still be organized this year, assigned to 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 aim is to maintain the race as a traditional event so that people can remember the victory of Phuoc Long on January 6, 1975 - an event that marked Phuoc Long as the first liberated province in the South and became a decisive basis for the Politburo to be committed to liberating the South in 1975.

This helps citizens, especially younger generations, revisit a proud chapter of national history and strengthen patriotism and love for their homeland.

As the lead organizer, can you share more about the new features of this year’s race?

The 2026 National cross-country mountain-climbing tournament “Conquering the peak of Ba Ra” will retain the format of previous traditional editions. However, this year includes a special addition: besides the elite categories, the race will offer two new distances, 6.1km and 19km, for amateur runners. Race bibs for these distances will be sold to allow more people to contribute and participate. This aims to create an exciting playground for running enthusiasts to challenge themselves, complementing existing elite and amateur categories, while enabling recreational runners to purchase entries and join hands in building a professional, well-organized event.

Do you have any messages for runners and visitors coming to the National Mountain Climbing Tournament “Conquering the peak of Ba Ra” 2026?

The National cross-country mountain-climbing tournament “Conquering the peak of Ba Ra” is a long-standing and reputable event formerly organized in Binh Phuoc province and now in Dong Nai province. Every time participants set foot on Ba Ra Mountain (Phuoc Long ward, Dong Nai province),they are reminded of events more than 50 years ago, how Phuoc Long became the first liberated province in the South, a historic milestone that contributed to the Great Spring Victory in 1975, the liberation of the South, and national reunification. For the people of Phuoc Long, the former Binh Phuoc province, and now Dong Nai, Ba Ra Mountain is not only historically significant but also spiritually and culturally meaningful. This year, athletes, tourists, and running enthusiasts will test themselves by conquering Ba Ra peak, rising more than 723 meters above sea level, one of the three highest and most majestic mountains in the Southeast region. The race route is exceptionally scenic. The natural surroundings are peaceful and pristine, with the picturesque Thac Mo Hydropower Lake nearby. I believe this is a destination worth visiting for both tourists and runners across the country as well as international athletes.

In addition to elite distances for men (7.7km), junior men (6km), women and junior women (5.4km), the 31st National cross-country mountain-climbing tournament “Conquering the peak of Ba Ra” in 2026 features two amateur distances: 6.1km and 19km. The Organizing Committee is currently selling race tickets for these amateur distances on the website Timve365.vn, with attractive discount rates. Group purchases receive additional discounts: 5% for groups of 30 or more, 10% for groups of 50 or more, and up to 15% for groups of over 100 runners.

More than a tournament, the National cross-country mountain-climbing tournament “Conquering the peak of Ba Ra” offers runners an opportunity to push beyond their limits and become part of one of Vietnam’s longest-standing mountain climbing events.

What should athletes keep in mind to ensure a successful and safe 2026 race?

To ensure the event is safe, successful, and professionally organized, the Organizing Committee requests that all athletes strictly observe the following: verify personal information, reconfirm their race time, distance, and starting location, ensure they have fully received the race kit (bib number, timing chip, race shirt, etc.) and check the accuracy of personal details on the bib.

Regarding health and fitness, athletes should maintain proper nutrition and rest schedules. They must absolutely avoid stimulants, alcohol, or any substances on the prohibited list (doping) as regulated.The athletes should immediately notify the medical team or Organizing Committee of any health concerns.

We wish all athletes an all-out performance, outstanding results, and a memorable experience at the 31st National cross-country mountain-climbing tournament “Conquering the peak of Ba Ra” in 2026.

Thank you for your time.

 By Huu Trung – Translated by Thuc Oanh, Thu Ha