Organized by the Lơ Pang Commune People’s Committee, the race marked the return of the “Conquering Pyâu Peak” event after three previous editions held at the former district level.
It was also the first edition organized under the new two-tier local government model, attracting runners from across Gia Lai province and neighboring areas.
Heavy rain fell early in the morning around the starting area, turning red dirt paths near the bib distribution point into mud and making concrete sections slippery.
As the rain eased, however, the starting area filled with excitement as runners prepared for the mountain challenge.
The 4 km runners set off at 6 a.m., followed by the 11 km field at 6:35 a.m. The longer course finished at Pyâu Waterfall.
The race quickly tested the competitors’ endurance. Just a few hundred metres after the start, steep inclines began to separate the field. While runners with stronger physical preparation accelerated on gentler sections, many chose to maintain a steady pace to conserve energy.
For experienced trail runners, the course offered an opportunity to test their limits and sharpen their skills. For others, it provided a chance to leave behind the bustle of urban life and experience the mountains and forests of Pyâu.
Hoàng Hải Hà, who competed in the 4 km category, said completing the course was a personal achievement after an earlier attempt had left her struggling on the mountain.
“Although I wasn’t the first to finish, I feel like I’ve overcome myself,” she said. “This time, with better fitness, I completed the course smoothly, without the fatigue or shortness of breath I felt before”.
She said her previous experience on the Pyâu route had motivated her to continue training and return to challenge the mountain again.
The course featured a series of steep slopes, winding paths and views of the surrounding countryside. The lush mountain scenery provided runners with moments to pause and take in the landscape despite the physical demands of the race.
Passing through Pyâu hamlet, runners were greeted by schoolchildren waving red flags with yellow stars. Their cheers, along with support from volunteers and organizers at various points along the route, helped maintain the athletes’ spirits.
Nguyễn Thị Duyên, who competed in the 11 km category, said the wet conditions added another challenge but praised the organization and support along the course.
“Although it rained this year, the organizers did a great job setting up water stations and the support staff were very enthusiastic,” she said.
The rain made some sections slippery, Duyên said, but also created a different experience. She particularly enjoyed passing the school, where students lined both sides of the road to cheer on the runners.
After crossing the finish line, many participants headed to Pyâu Waterfall, where the cool water and forested surroundings offered a chance to recover from the demanding course.
Nguyễn Nguyên Văn Quan, who competed from Cửu An Commune, said the race allowed him to experience both the physical challenge and the scenery of Pyâu.
“Some of the slopes were quite challenging, but the scenery on both sides was beautiful and the air was fresh,” he said.
After the race, he visited Pyâu Waterfall, crossed the bamboo suspension bridge and relaxed in the cool water amid the mountains.
“It was truly enjoyable. It’s an unforgettable experience,” he said.
Beyond the sporting challenge, the race gave Lơ Pang commune an opportunity to introduce its landscapes, culture and way of life to visitors.
Local authorities aim to develop the event into an annual race that combines sport with tourism promotion while creating opportunities for residents to participate in tourism-related services, find employment and increase their incomes.
Lê Lợi, chairman of the Lơ Pang Commune People’s Committee, said organizing the first edition at commune level had presented challenges, but the authorities planned to build on the experience.
“In the future, we plan to make this an annual event, proactively preparing plans from the start of the year and seeking more resources and sponsors to improve the organization,” he said.
The commune will also consider expanding the race, potentially adding a 21 km category, surveying additional routes and working with neighboring communes to provide more options for runners.
Lợi said the goal was not only to strengthen the local sports movement but also to promote Pyâu’s landscapes and culture and create more opportunities for local people to participate in service activities, gain employment and increase their incomes.
In the final results, for the women’s 4 km category, Nguyễn Thảo took first place, followed by Nguyễn Thị Kim Chi in second and Văn Chu Quanh in third. In the men’s 4 km, Trịnh Minh Tâm won first, Trần Văn Quế second, and Võ Long Nhật third.
In the women’s 11 km, Nguyễn Thị Duyên finished first, with Nguyễn Thị Phương Hiền second and Nguyễn Thị Hồng Lam third. In the men’s 11 km, Nguyễn Thành Đạt claimed first place, followed by Hà Quang Thằng in second and Trần Minh Tú in third.
Additionally, the organizers awarded five encouragement prizes, five age-group first prizes for both men and women in both distances, and a special prize for the most impressive cosplay costume.
