Opening Of The 41st Ap Bac Cross-Country Race - 2026

(DTO) On the morning of January 1, the 41st Ap Bac Cross-Country Race - 2026 officially kicked off at Tet Mau Than Park (Dao Thanh Ward). The event featured a solemn yet vibrant atmosphere, drawing a large crowd of athletes and local spectators.

Attending the opening ceremony were Mr. Huynh Minh Tuan, Vice Chairman of the Provincial People’s Committee and Head of the Organizing Committee; Ms. Ngo Thi Ngoc Hanh, Editor-in-Chief of Dong Thap Press, Radio and Television and Standing Deputy Head of the Organizing Committee; Ms. Nguyen Thi Kim Chi, Deputy Director of the Department of Culture, Sports and Tourism; Ms. Tran Thi Thu Hien, Deputy Director of Tien Giang Lottery One Member Limited Company; Mr. Trinh Quoc Khanh, Deputy Director of VNPT Dong Thap, along with representatives of relevant agencies and units.

The race is co-organized by Dong Thap Press, Radio and Television, the Provincial Department of Culture, Sports and Tourism, and relevant agencies. The event aims to celebrate the 63rd anniversary of the Ap Bac Victory (January 2, 1963 – January 2, 2026) while creating a traditional sporting arena to promote physical training following the great example of Uncle Ho.

Speaking at the opening, Mr. Huynh Minh Tuan emphasized that the race holds even greater significance as Dong Thap, along with the entire country, enters a new stage with a more open development space, maximizing the province's potential and advantages to create momentum for a comprehensive breakthrough.

Everything is ready for Dong Thap to rise and welcome the new year 2026—the first year of implementing the 5-year plan (2025-2030) in accordance with the Resolution of the 1st Provincial Party Congress and looking towards the 14th National Party Congress.

The Opening Ceremony was held in conjunction with a series of New Year events in Dao Thanh Ward and, notably, alongside the 2nd Sa Dec Flower and Ornamental Plant Festival (taking place from December 27, 2025, to January 4, 2026). This joins the joyful and excited spirit of localities across the province currently organizing activities to celebrate the Party and the Lunar New Year (Year of the Wood Horse 2026).

On behalf of the Organizing Committee, Mr. Tuan commended the agencies, units, and localities for their close coordination, shared responsibility, and active preparation for the race.

The Organizing Committee also expressed deep gratitude for the long-standing support from VNPT Dong Thap, Tien Giang Lottery One Member Co., Ltd, and other sponsoring enterprises. Special thanks were extended to the Tien Giang Motorcycle Club for their continuous accompaniment in ensuring route safety and creating an exciting atmosphere for the race on the first day of the year.

This year's race brought together nearly 1,000 athletes competing in various categories and distances ranging from 1 km to 10 km, suitable for all age groups: children, teenagers, youth, middle-aged, and seniors.

The athletes competed on familiar routes featuring urban landmarks, with the finish line located at Tet Mau Than Park.

Immediately following the opening ceremony, the 3 km, 4 km, 5 km, 7 km, and 10 km categories officially commenced, marking the start of a vibrant and emotional sporting festival that spreads the spirit of community health and fitness.

BY REPORTING TEAM
Translated by X.QUANG