No need for large stadiums, expensive equipment or professional athletes,grassroots runningare still quietly making positive changes in the community. In every province, from urban to rural areas, people, families put on their shoes, hit the road and run for many reasons – health, connection, charity or simply for the feeling of freedom.sex gay
For those new to running or new to community events, this article will help you access that vibrant world more easily, and understand why.grassroots runningnot just a sport, but is increasingly becoming a catalyst for a healthier, more active and socially responsible lifestyle.
Why are grassroots running events becoming more and more popular in Vietnam?
Over the past 5 years, Vietnam has witnessed an unprecedented explosion in the number ofgrassroots running, both in scale and quality. From a few dozen participants in the early years, there are now competitions attracting tens of thousands of people, becoming an annual event eagerly awaited by the whole community.
The reason why grassroots running is booming in Vietnam is not simply because of the trend, but comes from the real need for health, connection and community meaning.
Changes in health awareness
After the COVID-19 pandemic, Vietnamese people began to pay more attention to physical exercise. Running – a simple, inexpensive and accessible sport – quickly became the top choice. Therefore, grassroots running competitions flourished as an inevitable consequence, when the community wanted a collective playground, mainly fun but still challenging enough.
Social media factors promote the growth of the running community
Platforms like Strava, Facebook Running Groups or apps of running races like V-Race (VnExpress), iRace, 84Race… have contributedConnecting tens of thousands of runners nationwide, helping them track results, compare progress and motivate each other. This makes the competitive spirit, although not professional, still very passionate.
Investment from businesses and local governments
Not a fewgrassroots runningCurrently organized by large enterprises, in conjunction with provinces and cities such as Hanoi, Hue, Ho Chi Minh City, Da Nang… This helps running events not only become more systematic but also expand in scale, communicate more strongly, and especially integrate social messages, environmental protection, charity fundraising…
Typical grassroots running races are leading the current trend
Below are races that have made their mark not only in terms of the number of participants, but also in terms of creativity, community contribution and spreading positive spirit in society.
VnExpress Marathon – A series of amateur races with a strong professional touch
Organized by VnExpress electronic newspaper, this can be considered asThe largest series of grassroots running races in VietnamCurrently, it takes place annually in many provinces and cities such as Quy Nhon, Hue, Ha Long, Hai Phong, Ho Chi Minh City…
Each stage attracts 6,000 – 12,000 runners, including semi-professional athletes, celebrities and even the elderly. Although still a movement, VM has a professional spirit: electronic timing chips, beautiful routes, dense water stops and cool gifts and medals.
In particular, VM awards alsopromote local factors: promote tourism, cuisine and local culture, making each run an experience of discovering new lands.
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HCMC Marathon – Sports symbol of Ho Chi Minh City
Held since 2013, this is one of the oldest grassroots running tournaments in Vietnam. By 2025, the tournament had reached its 13th year with more than 13,000 participants.
HCMC Marathon is popular for its unique route across Phu My Bridge – rarely open to pedestrians – and the enthusiastic cheering from the residential areas along the road. The race is also famous forKid Dash category for kidsand Family Run for the whole family to participate in.
UpRace – When running means social contribution
UpRace is one of theThe most technological and community-oriented running event todayOrganized by VNG, the event allows users to run in groups (businesses, clubs, schools…) and record the distance using the app. Each kilometer will be converted into money and donated to social organizations such as Newborns Vietnam, GreenViet, Operation Smile…
In 2024, UpRace recordedNearly 5 million km run, donated more than 5 billion VND, with the participation of more than 300,000 people. In particular, the tournament takes place within 3 weeks, with no location restrictions, making it easy for anyone to participate – from beginners to veteran runners.
The numbers speak for themselves: The grassroots running competition is changing dramatically.
Statistics from Running Vietnam Community show:
| Year | Total number of amateur tournaments held | Estimated number of participants | Number of provinces and cities that organize tournaments |
| 2019 | 46 | 75.000 | 22 |
| 2022 | 73 | 170.000 | 38 |
| 2024 | 105 | More than 320,000 | 52 |
From the above table, it can be seen thatRunning is really becoming a lifestyle., not only helps improve physical fitness but also connects communities in a natural, positive and accessible way.
The popular running simulation game is making waves.
In addition to the real-life football field and track, many games are also exploiting the theme.grassroots runningin a fun and creative way. This is a fresh approach for young players – especially those who are looking for inspiration to start running.
RunTogether – Social network game for Vietnamese runners
This is a collaborative product between Vietnamese programmers and the runner community, where you can create a personal avatar, participate in virtual races with friends, and perform daily tasks such as “run 3km on Monday morning” or “invite friends to run 5km together on the weekend”.
The game has rankings by district, province, age and group achievements, thereby creating a very high level of interaction and competition.
PaceMaster VN – Game simulating real-life running races at famous landmarks
The game allows you to choose VM Hue, UpRace, HCMC Marathon… to “virtually run” through a 3D environment that recreates real scenes. Combined with a treadmill and a smart watch, the game brings an experiencelike playing in real life, and helps beginners understand the feeling of each milestone, water stop and how to control heart rate during competition.
The game also has a “train before race” mode that helps players practice according to the training plan of each specific amateur tournament.
Conclude
Amidst the hustle and bustle of urban life and increasing work pressure,grassroots running like a cool breeze to help people regain a balanced, healthy life and connect more with the community. From a few dozen people to tens of thousands of people, from personal goals to social messages, each race carries its own stories – inspiration, motivation and positive changes.
If you’re still hesitating, remember: you don’t have to run fast, just start. And who knows, at some upcoming grassroots race, you might find yourself among the crowd of people walking for a better quality of life.
