Parents take time off work, travel hundreds of kilometers to take their children to run Kun Marathon

Mr. Hoang Giang and his wife (HCMC) put aside all work and went to Nha Trang for 4 days to help their child fulfill his dream of participating in Kun Marathon with 2,000 other young runners.

Since 7am, runner couple Hoang Giang (47 years old) and Hong Nga (35 years old), living in Thu Duc, Ho Chi Minh City, have been taking their two children to 2/4 Square to wait for the Kun Marathon Nha Trang race-kit distribution time. They arrived in the coastal city last night, saying they had arranged their work well since last month to be able to accompany their two children in the second race of their lives. The excitement and eagerness were still evident on the faces of Hoang Quan (7 years old) and Hoang Thanh (6 years old). "I want to put on my running shoes right away," the two children said.

Hoang Giang and his wife check in with their two children. Photo: Quynh Tran

Runner Hoang Giang revealed that his two children love soccer, rollerblading, and swimming, but rarely run. At the tournament in Ho Chi Minh City in February, he and his wife persuaded their children to join the children's race because they wanted them to be healthier, more confident, and to interact with many friends their age.

"After finishing Kun Marathon in Ho Chi Minh City, the children were very happy because they made new friends and got medals to show off to the whole class. The two children asked their parents to register them for the next races, including the Nha Trang race on August 12. Kun Marathon has promoted the running movement among children, making them happier and healthier. Parents like us will definitely encourage and support our children in similar races," said Hoang Giang.

According to him, a few months ago, after only running a few dozen meters, the two children were tired and out of breath. He guided them to warm up properly, balance their breathing, maintain speed in the beginning and then gradually increase it in the later stages. Now the two children consider themselves professional runners, running a few kilometers without getting tired.

Ms. Hong Nga said the family is more connected thanks to the shared passion for running. The two children are willing to share their feelings, joys and sorrows in class with their parents. She and her husband do not impose, force or order their children, instead always listen to their opinions, ready to accompany them anytime, anywhere. "My husband and I will accompany our children in the next Kun Marathon. Hopefully tomorrow, they and their friends will conquer the 700 meters along the coast safely and happily," she said.

In addition, Hoang Giang said he has been active in the Van Phuc Runner Club since 2022, having conquered the 42km distance of the VnExpress Marathon in Ho Chi Minh City and Hue . In Nha Trang this time, he still registered for the full marathon, aiming to finish sub 4.

Runner Hoang Giang helps her child wear the junior runner uniform. Photo: Quynh Tran

Parent Thu Huyen (37 years old, Ngoc Hiep ward, Nha Trang) also shares the same opinion with Hoang Giang and his wife, stating that Kun Marathon has a positive impact on both adults and children and is a useful playground, promoting the spirit of exercise in children.

"My child is in second grade and loves to exercise, dance and participate in outdoor activities. When I learned that the children's race was held in my hometown, I immediately registered him. He was excited, asking every day 'when can we run', 'when will we get our Bib'... For the past month, he has been waking up early to practice running, maintaining his form for the weekend race. Knowing that he would receive his race kit this morning, he was excited all night," Thu Huyen recounted.

Mr. Vo Van Phuc (38 years old, Ly Nam De street, Nha Trang) learned about the children's race through social networks, learned about the methods and rules to register his 8-year-old daughter - Khanh Chi. According to him, at home, the child often plays sports alone, because of busy work, the parents rarely play with the child, only when free, the father and daughter run together. Kun Marathon Nha Trang is an opportunity to connect parents and children, encourage the child to love exercise and participate in more social activities.

"I think that to study well, children must be physically fit. Good health leads to good thinking. Thanks to sports, children's spirits are more positive. Next year, I will continue to support my child in running Kun. Both father and son are participating in the running challenge to accumulate points," Phuc said.

After hearing her father's confession, little Khanh Chi smiled brightly and continued: "I was very happy and excited to participate in the running challenge game. I really look forward to running with my friends tomorrow."

Mr. Vo Van Phuc supports his daughter Khanh Chi in participating in the children's race. Photo: Quynh Tran

Similarly, Thanh Tung (39 years old, Vinh Hai ward, Nha Trang) and his 8-year-old son - Thien Nhan - eagerly went to receive his Bib on the morning of August 11. He revealed that he learned about the contest through many information channels, and his friends praised it as interesting, so he wanted his son to participate regularly to improve his health.

For the past two months, he has encouraged his son to run, swim, and eat nutritious food to increase his resistance. In class, Thien Nhan is the class monitor, often telling his friends about the competition and calling on the whole class to register for Kun Marathon.

"There are many classmates of Thien Nhan on this occasion. My family has a small child, who will participate next year. The international running competition helps the sports movement in Nha Trang in particular and the whole country in general to become stronger. Every morning when I exercise, I notice that the running track is very crowded, not only men, but also women, children, and even large families," added Mr. Tung.

Mr. Thanh Tung and his son Thien Nhan show off their Bib on the morning of August 11. Photo: Thanh Tung

Kun Marathon is a side event of the VnExpress Marathon Nha Trang 2023, attracting young runners from all over the country to compete. Last year, when coming to this coastal city, the tournament became a colorful festival, awaited by both parents and children. 2,000 children were divided into many runs, taking turns conquering the 700-meter coastal route. The running course was arranged with many challenges to stimulate the runner's spirit of movement.

Thi Nguyen

Source link: https://vnexpress.net/phu-huynh-nghi-lam-vuot-hang-tram-cay-so-dua-con-di-chay-kun-marathon-4640616.html