Running 800 km to the city named after Uncle Ho: Journey to conquer yourself

At 3:00 a.m. on August 11, at Pham Van Dong Square ( Quang Ngai ), when the streets were still immersed in darkness, Mr. Nguyen Tan Cu (49 years old, from Quang Ngai) began his running journey, traveling 800 km towards Ho Chi Minh City.

Chạy bộ 800 km về thành phố mang tên Bác: Hành trình chinh phục bản thân- Ảnh 1. — Mr. Cu (4th from left) with friends at Pham Van Dong Square (Quang Ngai)

As a journalist working at Quang Ngai Newspaper and Radio and Television Station, a Vietnamese photographer, and also a passionate runner, Mr. Cu determined that this trip was not only a physical challenge but also a journey to train his will and conquer himself.

"Many people asked me why I didn't run to the capital Hanoi , or chose April 30 to coincide with the atmosphere of the National Reunification Day festival. But I think, anywhere is my homeland, anywhere is my Fatherland. For me, this time the destination is the city named after Uncle Ho, which is also a sacred place for me to entrust my wishes," Mr. Cu shared.

Chạy bộ 800 km về thành phố mang tên Bác: Hành trình chinh phục bản thân- Ảnh 2. — Mr. Nguyen Tan Cu

Starting from my hometown Quang Ngai

On the departure day, Mr. Cu completed 38 km from the center of Quang Ngai to Duc Pho Ward, rested, then continued another 25 km to Sa Huynh.

"Actually, I had planned this a year ago. This 800 km journey is not to prove that I am better than anyone else, but just to affirm that I can surpass myself. It is also to tell my children that in life, any difficulty can be overcome if you persevere and have determination," Mr. Cu expressed.

Chạy bộ 800 km về thành phố mang tên Bác: Hành trình chinh phục bản thân- Ảnh 3. — Mr. Nguyen Tan Cu jogs on Highway 1, heading towards the city named after Uncle Ho.

Accompanying Mr. Cu were three close friends from the same hometown, Mr. Pham Cong Son, Mr. Tran Hoanh and Mr. Nguyen Thanh Duy. They supported each other by motorbike, brought water, snacks and were also a great source of spiritual encouragement on the long journey of Mr. Cu's self-conquest.

In the early days, the Central region's hot and windy weather made the whole group tired. There were days when it rained heavily in the morning and the afternoon was scorching hot. But regardless of the weather, Mr. Cu still kept a steady pace of about 50 km per day.

One of the most difficult "passes" is Ca Pass, a pass over 12 km long with nearly 100 sharp turns, at an altitude of nearly 333 m above sea level. That morning, heavy rain poured down, seemingly slowing down the journey. But as the group began to climb the slope, the rain gradually stopped, revealing the majestic mountain scenery.

Deo Ca was once called "Cuc Kich Pass" because of its ruggedness, but today it still retains its majestic beauty. Standing in Vung Ro, a historic blue sea area, where unnumbered trains once marked, Mr. Cu was moved: "Every step here is like touching the source of history. Our country is so beautiful. I feel like I have more strength to continue."

Chạy bộ 800 km về thành phố mang tên Bác: Hành trình chinh phục bản thân- Ảnh 4. — Mr. Cu's journey overcame many weather challenges.

At the end of that day, the group completed 43 km, stopping at Dai Lanh ( Khanh Hoa ). Mr. Cu shared: "That day, my health was still enough to run more, but the road was deserted, there were no motels so we stopped. Deo Ca was the biggest worry, but when I passed it, I saw the city named after Uncle Ho was so close".

Determined to the end

During the journey, Mr. Cu ran over 500 km, from Quang Ngai through Binh Dinh, Phu Yen, Khanh Hoa, Ninh Thuan... to Ca Na, the final destination of the old Ninh Thuan province. "This running journey is a challenge for myself, a passion experience, and at the same time, it is also an experience of traveling on my own two feet. Going through the lands, I was able to see the landscapes, cultural and historical relics and experience the lives of people in the regions," said Mr. Cu.

Chạy bộ 800 km về thành phố mang tên Bác: Hành trình chinh phục bản thân- Ảnh 5. — Friends who accompanied Mr. Cu to support him running back to Ho Chi Minh City

He still remembers the time he ran from Sa Huynh (Quang Ngai) to Hoai Nhon (Binh Dinh). An accident on the road caused him to dislocate his ankle, and it seemed like the journey would have to stop halfway, and the preparation work of the past year would be in vain. "At that time, I was very worried, because I had not gone far and was injured. But I thought, if I gave up, I would regret it for the rest of my life. So I endured the pain, took each step slowly, and gradually recovered," Mr. Cu said.

Or like the Van Gia - Ninh Hoa (Khanh Hoa) section, when it suddenly rained heavily and then became very sunny. At that moment, a truck driver with a Hanoi license plate stopped and gave me two bottles of water. "It was just a small gift, but on a long journey, it was a huge source of encouragement. It made me feel that I was not alone," Mr. Cu confided.

What is special is that along the way, many units and sponsors contacted him to join, but Mr. Cu refused. "I do not want to turn this journey into a brand promotion campaign for any company or unit. This is a personal matter, a challenge, and my own passion. I want to spread the spirit of sports and health training, not for any other purpose," Mr. Cu affirmed.

Chạy bộ 800 km về thành phố mang tên Bác: Hành trình chinh phục bản thân- Ảnh 6. — Mr. Cu took a souvenir photo next to the milestone on National Highway 1.

Before the departure day, his family tried to stop him because they were worried about the danger. But with careful preparation and determination, he only had one choice: "Only forward, no back."

He also sent a message to his children: "I have overcome the most difficult times, so you should also try your best when facing challenges. Nothing is impossible if you are determined enough."

Finish on National Day

According to calculations, if he maintains a pace of 50 km/day, Mr. Cu will arrive at the Reunification Palace (HCMC) on September 2. For him, this is not only a sporting milestone, but also a spiritual mark.

"Maybe I'm just a casual runner, without any professional achievements. But I believe that every step brings energy. If this journey inspires someone to start exercising and live healthier, then that's already the greatest success. Thank you to my three companions and those around me for encouraging and sharing my spirit to give me more strength on the difficult journey ahead," said Mr. Cu.

Chạy bộ 800 km về thành phố mang tên Bác: Hành trình chinh phục bản thân- Ảnh 7. — Mr. Nguyen Tan Cu (first runner) is on the journey from Quang Ngai and Ho Chi Minh City.

The bustling footsteps from Quang Ngai are getting closer and closer to the city named after Uncle Ho. On that 800 km long journey, there is not only sweat and tears, but also will, faith and humanity - the lasting values that Mr. Nguyen Tan Cu wants to convey.

Message from runner Nguyen Tan Cu:

"There is only forward, no backward. This is not simply running, but a journey to overcome one's own limits. I want to send a message to my children that no matter what difficulties they face, they can overcome them, as long as they persevere. This journey is not for sponsorship, not for fame. I just want to spread the spirit of healthy living, positive living. Every step towards the city named after Uncle Ho is also a step for me to affirm that the greatest strength lies in willpower."