Blue Dragon Running Club at VTM 2024
Among the thousands of VTM runners this year, there was a very special group of younger runners: nearly 50 kids from the Blue Dragon Children’s Foundation. With lungs filled with fresh air and determination in their hearts, they were ready to tackle distances ranging from 10 km to 21 km!
The children of the Blue Dragon Running Club traded the bustle of Hanoi for the beautiful trails of the Vietnam Trail Marathon, showing once again there’s no obstacle they cannot conquer!
Nearly 50 kids lined up at the start. With lungs filled with fresh air and determination in their hearts, they were ready to tackle distances ranging from 10 km to 21 km!
Even as prepared as the kids were, the event would not be without its challenges. Their journeys would see them scale mountains and navigate thick jungle.
For 12-year-old Thi, it would be the most demanding run of her life. Over the course of 10 km, the steep slopes and breathless climbs would put her spirit to the test.
“Many times I wanted to give up,” she confessed. “My legs were burning, my lungs were aching, and I wished there was a motorbike taxi around!”
But Thi’s desire to accomplish her athletic ambitions was strong. Fuelled by the cheers of her fellow runners and sideline supporters, she pushed through the doubts and emerged triumphant at the finish line.
“I was exhausted,” she said, “but also incredibly happy. I beat the race and my own self-doubt.”
Well done to all the kids and also the great Blue Dragon staff who made their trip to join us at VTM possible.
If you would like to make a donation to support the club or the great work of the Blue Dragon Children’s Foundation generally, please visit their website here.
Blue Dragon has been working in Vietnam for over 20 years to end human trafficking and provide care to Vietnamese children and families in crisis. Today, Blue Dragon is working directly with over 20,000 children and families from around Vietnam, transforming the lives of kids in crisis.