Cross-Vietnam marathoner becomes Dare to Run 2024’s ambassador

Especially with the theme “Be A Darrior,” each individual registering for Dare To Run 2024 will become a part of the Darrior community.

This name is a combination of “daring” and “warrior,” representing strong warriors who are unafraid to push beyond their limits.

According to the organizers, the program aims to continue developing the Darrior community after each season, thereby promoting daily physical training, contributing to better health, building a healthy cultural lifestyle, and creating social benefits.

As the representative of a true Darrior, marathon runner Long has been chosen as the ambassador for Dare To Run 2024.

With his courageous spirit and readiness to challenge himself and surpass his own limits, he will be a bridge spreading the positive message to the sports-loving community, especially marathon enthusiasts.

On April 30, Long completed a cross-Vietnam run from Hanoi to the Independence Palace in Ho Chi Minh City in 20 days, covering a distance of over 1,800 km.

Previously, he was recognized as the first Vietnamese to run across Vietnam from Tra Co in Quang Ninh Province to the Ca Mau Cape, covering a distance of 2,656 km in 34 consecutive days, averaging nearly 80 km per day.

Known as one of the top professional marathon runners in Vietnam, Long’s highest achievements include winning the national marathon (42.195 km) in 2009 and 2011, and the Southeast Asian marathon championship in 2007 as part of the Vietnamese national team.

Additionally, over the past 10 years, he has also been a leading coach in the amateur running community.

It is precisely these proud achievements, along with Long’s resilient spirit and determination, he has inspired and motivated countless runners across the country, which led the organizers to select him as the ambassador for this campaign.

Marathon runner Nguyen Van Long at Dare To Run 2024 Opening Event. Photo courtesy of Kusto Home

First organized in 2023, Dare To Run attracted over 2,200 participants in its first run, completing the goal of 100,000 km.

Th campaign raised VND200 million (US$7,909) to fund the construction of a bridge in Song Ma District, Son La Province.

Continuing the meaningful initiative, Dare To Run 2024 launched July 15 and will end Aug. 30, aiming to reach a total of 150,000 km.

Participants can flexibly choose from registration distances of 90 km, 225 km, and 450 km.

Running achievements will be accumulated from the start to the end of the race.

Each kilometer run will contribute VND1,000 to a social fund in cooperation with the Hope Foundation to build a bridge for residents in Tan Lap Hamlet, Tan Quy Tay Commune, Sa Dec City, Dong Thap Province.

A bridge building sponsorship signing ceremony between Kusto Home and Hope Foundation. Photo courtesy of Kusto Home

“Dare To Run 2024, with the accompaniment of Long, will be the perfect foundation for the Darrior community to grow stronger, ensuring that Kusto Home’s sports activities always go hand in hand with philanthropic goals, promoting a healthy lifestyle and contributing to society through the smallest actions and the power of the community,” an event’s representative said.