Young runner runs 300km to participate in Kun Marathon Hanoi with the goal of winning the championship

Having participated in Kun Marathon 4 times and won second place 3 times, Nguyen Viet Phu (Ha Tinh) is confident that he will win first place in the 8-year-old race tomorrow.

On the morning of November 24, Phu and his parents took an early bus, traveling more than 300 km from Ha Tinh to Hanoi to receive the Kun Marathon Hanoi Bib on time. Arriving at the Bib counter at 9:00 a.m., the 8-year-old boy was not tired after traveling a long distance but excitedly received his race kit and Bib with his mother before participating in the children's race held in Hanoi for the first time.

Before the Hanoi race, the 8-year-old runner had followed his parents to many races in the VnExpress Marathon system. Phu had run twice at the Kun Marathon Hue, once at the Kun Marathon Quy Nhon in June and once in Nha Trang in August. Of which, the young runner had twice finished second in the tournaments held in Hue and once in his age group in Nha Trang. "Before the race, I wanted to continue to be first in the Hanoi race," Phu said.

Nguyen Viet Phu received Bib with three friends in Ha Tinh to participate in Kun Marathon Hanoi 2023. Photo: Tung Dinh — Nguyen Viet Phu (in black shirt) received Bib with three friends in Ha Tinh to participate in Kun Marathon Hanoi 2023. Photo: *Tung Dinh*

The 8-year-old boy set himself the goal of coming first, but did not feel pressured before the race because Phu practiced running every day at the school stadium. Phu ran 4 laps around the stadium, a distance of about 1km. In his free time, he and 5 of his friends practiced to improve their performance. "I always come first," the 8-year-old boy excitedly boasted.

Phu’s love of running was also inspired by his family. All five members of Phu’s family love running and are members of the Ha Tinh Runner Club. In the race held in Hanoi, his parents ran 42km, his two sisters ran 21km, and he set a goal of finishing first in the Kun Marathon.

Although he loves running and exercises regularly, Nguyen Viet Hoai does not put too much pressure on his son to achieve results. "The goal for Phu to participate in the race in Hanoi is to have fun and be healthy. This time the whole family went to Hanoi to enjoy the late autumn and early winter weather in the capital, it's wonderful," said Mr. Hoai.

Therefore, besides running, Phu's parents still let him participate in any activities he likes. For many years, Phu has achieved the title of excellent student in addition to maintaining his love of running every day.

Viet Phu expressed his desire to run for fun and health when participating in Kun Marathon Hanoi 2023. Photo: Tung Dinh — Viet Phu expressed his desire to run for fun and health when participating in Kun Marathon Hanoi 2023. Photo: *Tung Dinh*

On the morning of November 25, Viet Phu and 1,000 young runners will participate in Kun Marathon Hanoi to conquer the nearly 1 km long race. On the race track, there are challenges that are suitable for the runners' ability and stimulate their movements. After completing the race, the children will receive medals. Young runners with good results in each race will have the opportunity to receive valuable prizes.

Earlier, on the morning of November 24, many families also came to the Bib receiving counter on Dinh Tien Hoang Street, Hanoi to complete procedures for their children before the race. Many parents brought large bags and sacks to receive dozens of Bibs for their children.

Thao Van