Runners to join THACO Marathon for Traffic Safety

Marathon

Runners pass by Hill A1 during a route test in preparation for the THACO Marathon for Traffic Safety – Điện Biên Phủ 2024. — Photos of the organisers

HÀ NỘI — The THACO Marathon for Traffic Safety – Điện Biên Phủ 2024 is expected to draw 1,300 runners to discover the mountainous province of Điện Biên on April 14.

The event is jointly held by the local People’s Committee, the National Traffic Safety Committee and Giao Thông Newspaper.

“The race is a practical activity to celebrate the 70th anniversary of the Điện Biên Phủ Victory (May 7, 1954 – May 7, 2024); 115 years since the founding of Điện Biên Province (June 28, 1909 – June 28, 2024); and the National Tourism Year – Điện Biên Phủ 2024,” said Nguyễn Hoàng Hiệp, deputy director of the provincial Culture, Sports and Tourism Department.

“Through the tournament, we push everyone to practise sports and running, to improve the stature and physical strength of the Vietnamese people.

“We also can introduce the land, people, culture, history and tourism to the wider community, bringing Điện Biên closer to domestic and international friends.

“Joining with us, athletes will have the opportunity to visit historical relics and scenic spots, experience the unique beauty of cultural spaces imbued with national identity, and explore beautiful landscape of the Northwest mountains and forests. Meanwhile people will increase their awareness of preserving and protecting the natural environment,” he said.

As many as 1,300 runners will take part in the THACO Marathon for Traffic Safety – Điện Biên Phủ 2024 on April 14 in Điện Biên Province.

Khuất Việt Hùng, vice chairman of the National Traffic Safety Committee, said: “The race themed ‘Traffic Safety – Happiness for every home’ serves as a reminder to organisations and individuals working to ensure traffic safety to be persistent and serious, just like when trying to conquer a marathon distance.

“People must always see the importance of safe traffic in daily life. Everyone should join hands in building a safe traffic culture for the community anytime, anywhere, that is also a lifetime Ultra Marathon,” he said.

Runners will compete in five categories of 5km, 10km, 21km, 42km and 70km, on routes leading them past through notable landmarks such as Him Lam Base, Hồng Cúm, Hill A1, De Castries bunker, among many others. These all are famous locations associated with the world-shaking victory of Điện Biên Phủ.

According to organisers, the 42km will be a challenging category participants will have to overcome 1,360m of climbing, while it will be very tough for the 70km runners with 2,230m of climbing.

Nationally famous runners as well as celebrities will be invited to take part in the run.

On this special occasion, organisers ask a group of athletes to conduct a relay run, carrying the “Determined to Fight, Determined to Win” flag, from the tomb of General Võ Nguyên Giáp, the mastermind of the Điện Biên Phủ Campaign, in Quảng Bình Province, to the memorial site of General Giáp in Điện Biên.

Also, part of the cash collected from the tournament will be given to families of traffic accident victims in difficulties. — VNS