Not only is it an amateur sports activity, the race also becomes a journey to experience nature and culture of the highlands in the midst of Sa Pa entering the most beautiful season of the year.
The running routes are designed to pass through many typical landmarks of Sa Pa such as Muong Hoa valley, Cat Cat village, pristine highland villages or terraced fields that are in the sowing season.
Amidst the majestic scenery of mountains and forests, the footsteps of the athletes seem to harmonize with the rhythm of working life of local people in the new harvest season.
According to the organizers, the preparation for the race has been deployed methodically for many months. In addition to building a unique experience route, communication activities have also been promoted on digital platforms to promote the image of Sa Pa tourism during the flood season to a large number of tourists.
This year, the organizers also integrated digital technology and artificial intelligence in the management and communication of the tournament, contributing to increasing interaction and spread on social networks.
Mr. Cao Ba Quy - Chairman of Ta Van Commune People's Committee said - the "Sa Pa flood season" race is gradually becoming a typical sports - cultural - tourism event of Sa Pa National Tourist Area.
The tournament not only attracts thousands of athletes to directly participate but also spreads to the sports-loving community at home and abroad. Thereby contributing to promoting Sa Pa's image closer to tourists," Mr. Quy said.
The special feature of this year's season is the large participation of amateur running groups, marathon clubs and many families choosing to combine sports experiences with resort tourism.
Many athletes said that running in the middle of the flood season brings very different emotions compared to ordinary running events.
Mr. Vu Xuan Nguyen - a tourist from Hanoi shared: "Participating in the race in the middle of the flood season of Sa Pa is a very special experience. Running while admiring the majestic nature, the terraced fields sparkling in the sun really impressed me. I think sports tourism will be one of the most attractive types of Sa Pa in the near future.
Unlike the delta, ethnic minorities in Sa Pa only cultivate one rice crop per year due to specific terrain and climate conditions. The process of draining water and preparing soil for the crop season has created the magnificent beauty of the flood season - one of the most attractive tourist seasons of the year.
Organizing the race right in the flood season not only creates new experiences for athletes but also contributes to promoting the national scenic spot of Sa Pa terraced fields, promoting the development of sports tourism associated with cultural and natural experiences in the highlands.
Through the race, the image of Sa Pa during the flood season continues to spread widely, contributing to attracting domestic and international tourists to Lao Cai this summer.
