More than half of the challenge
On the morning of August 14, when the streets were still foggy, Mr. Nguyen Van Long (Pleiku ward, Gia Lai province), who was affectionately called "man" by the running world, put on a backpacking stick, continuing his third journey across Vietnam.
His starting point was the Martyrs' Cemetery in Ho Chi Minh City, where he sent his condolences before leaving. This time's destination is the capital Hanoi, right on the days when the whole country celebrates the 80th anniversary of National Day.
This is not the first time Mr. Long has tried this challenge. He conquered across Vietnam in 2022 and 2024. But the third time has a special meaning, the journey of more than 1,600 km, expected to last 20 days, is considered by him as a song to offer to the country during the Great Festival.
"Closing the 14th day in Quang Tri, I have completed more than half of the journey. Although each day is different in terms of terrain, weather, and time off, the goal of getting to Hanoi on September 2 always burns in me" - Mr. Long confided.
To go the entire journey, Mr. Long had to practice his ability to adapt to the harshness: the sun, showers, and even the wind in Laos. Her feet were swollen and covered with blood, and each finger had to be covered with a medical ban issue. However, he regularly travels dozens of kilometers every day, a number that even professional runners admire.
Accompanying the runner community
The special thing is that this unique journey is not alone. Each step of Mr. Long is followed by thousands of people through live broadcasts on social networks. comments of encouragement and cheers became an invisible source of energy to help him move forward firmly.
In each land, he received a warm welcome from the local runner community. They learned the route, then suddenly appeared, joined the army, and strolled along familiar roads with him. Sometimes just a few kilometers, sometimes dozens of kilometers, but all of them leave him with a sense of emotion and gratitude.
"I carry a light burden on my shoulder, but I carry the companionship of many people in my heart. It is the affection of the community that makes me more convinced that I am not alone" - Mr. Long shared.
Mr. Hoang Quang Ly, a member of the Quang Binh Runners Club, emotionally said: "Today we were accompanied nearly 100 km with Mr. Long. That is not only an encouragement for him, but also a motivation for us to practice and persevere with running".
This cross-co country journey, for Mr. Long, is not only a physical or will test, but also a way of gratitude. He started from the resting place of heroic martyrs, and then stepped foot by foot as a silent incense to send to the generation of people who sacrificed for peace today.
He believes that on September 2, when he reaches the finish line in Hanoi, every drop of sweat, every drop of blood on his feet will become the most beautiful memory, connecting him with millions of hearts looking forward to National Day.
On the road across Vietnam, amidst the rain, sunshine and dusty wind, a 40-year-old man still walked persistently. And behind him, there is an entire community that is giving each other inspiration: daring to commit, daring to strive, daring to contribute.
Because that journey, in the end, is not just a cross-court race. It is a journey of pride, responsibility and love for the country, written from the feet and heart of a person.
