On the morning of March 7, at 7/5 Square (Dien Bien Phu ward), Dien Bien Department of Culture, Sports and Tourism organized the cycling and cross-country race "Returning to Hoa Ban - Dien Bien Phu region", within the framework of sports activities at the 2026 Hoa Ban Festival.
The race is organized on an expanded scale, attracting a large number of cyclists and runner lovers to participate in many distances.
In the cross-country running event, the 5 km distance had more than 400 athletes participating in the competition, starting from 7/5 Square, moving along Vo Nguyen Giap street to the red light intersection of the Provincial Police and turning around to the finish line.
The 10 km distance had nearly 100 athletes trying their hand, moving to the intersection turning into Him Lam Eco-tourism Area and circling along Vo Nguyen Giap street to the finish line.
Just completing the 5 km race in the cheers of the audience, Mr. Lo Van Thu (Tuan Giao commune, Dien Bien) said: "I personally feel very happy and excited to participate in the race in my homeland. I also regularly practice and run cross-country running, everywhere is an opportunity to interact, learn and improve my health".
In the cycling event, the 10 km distance had more than 100 cyclists starting, sharing the same route as the 10 km running distance. In particular, in the 20 km challenge distance, more than 60 athletes started from 7/5 Square, moving along National Highway 279 to Km 31 before turning around to the finish line.
According to the Organizing Committee, all distances chose 7/5 Square as the starting point and finish line to create favorable conditions for people and tourists to gather to watch and cheer.
According to records, along both sides of Vo Nguyen Giap street, thousands of spectators cheered and enthusiastically encouraged, adding strength to the athletes on each kilometer of competition.
Leaders of Dien Bien Department of Culture, Sports and Tourism said that the cycling and cross-country race "Returning to Hoa Ban - Dien Bien Phu" is a practical activity to celebrate the success of the 14th National Party Congress; towards the election of National Assembly deputies of the 16th term and People's Council deputies at all levels for the 2026-2031 term. At the same time, the event is also to celebrate the 80th anniversary of Vietnam Sports Day (March 27).
The activity not only strengthens solidarity and exchange between units and localities inside and outside the province, but also creates a joyful and excited atmosphere among the people of ethnic groups, contributing to promoting the image of Dien Bien people and homeland" - the Department leader emphasized.
