The launching ceremony of the Olympic Run for National Security

Delegates perform the flag-raising ceremony.

Officers and soldiers of the Son La provincial Department of Public Security participate in the launching ceremony.

In recent years, the physical training and sports movement across Son La province has continued to grow. Sports facilities have been invested synchronously, while sporting activities are regularly organised in line with the practical conditions of each locality and unit, contributing to improving the quality of life for local residents.

Leaders of the Vietnam Olympic Committee present flowers to the coordinating units.

Delegates take part in a warm-up session before joining the run.

Delegates participate in a mass aerobic performance.

After the launching ceremony, delegates, along with more than 3,000 participants including officials, civil servants, public employees, armed forces personnel, teachers, students and local residents from To Hieu, Chieng Coi, Chieng An and Chieng Sinh wards, took part in a mass aerobic performance and collective physical games, and joined a 2km response run around Tay Bac Square.

Delegates join the response run along a 2km route starting from Tay Bac Square.

Delegates set off for the response run.

Athletes join the race route at Tay Bac Square.

The annual nationwide event aims to promote and encourage people from all walks of life to actively engage in physical exercise following the example of President Ho Chi Minh, in association with the movement for national security.

The event contributes to improving physical fitness, spiritual well-being and determination among officers, soldiers and the public, meeting the requirements of the cause of national construction and defence.

The first runner crosses the finish line.

Art performance at the launching ceremony.

Within the framework of the programme, the Son La provincial cross-country and half marathon race 2026 also took place, featuring 208 athletes from the provincial Department of Public Security, Tay Bac University, Thuan Chau Ethnic Boarding Secondary and High School, To Hieu ward, and clubs such as R26, Thuan Chau Runners and Chieng Sinh Runners.

Runners set off from the starting line.

Runners competed in men’s and women’s events across two age groups, from 12–17 and 18 and above, in distances of 5 km, 7 km, 10 km and 21 km. The race route started from Tay Bac Square, passed through Nguyen Van Linh and Vo Nguyen Giap streets, and finished at Tay Bac Square.

A runner on the race course.

Athletes on the race course.

The first male athlete finishes in the 21km event.

The first female athlete finishes in the 21km event.

At the end, the Organising Committee awarded six first, six second and six third prizes to male and female runners across the distances. On this occasion, the provincial Vietnam Youth Federation presented certificates of merit to six individuals for their outstanding achievements in the race.

The Organissing Committee awards prizes to winners in the men’s 21km event.

The Organising Committee awards prizes in the women’s 21km event.