21km Race Review: Ha Long Bay Adventure
Ha Long Bay is renowned for its breathtaking views, and the 21km race here promised a unique way to experience its beauty. However, what began as an exciting challenge turned into one of the toughest physical tests I’ve ever faced. This race was as breathtaking as it was brutal. The scenic beauty of Ha Long Bay provided a stunning backdrop, but the intense heat and unrelenting sun made every kilometer a battle. Blisters set in early, adding an extra layer of difficulty.
The Course
The route was undeniably scenic, winding through lush green hills and offering glimpses of the iconic limestone karsts that make Ha Long Bay so famous. But this beauty came at a cost. The course was demanding, with long, long, long straight roads and stretches that felt endless under the blazing sun. Hubby and I stayed at Paddy Hotel, just about 500m from the race venue. We took a slow walk to the race venue.
The Starting Line: 21km in Ha Long Bay
The atmosphere at the starting line was electric, buzzing with a mix of excitement and nervous energy. Runners of all shapes, sizes, and levels of experience were lined up, their determination written all over their faces.
Bright colors filled the scene, with athletes donning vibrant running gear that seemed to reflect the optimism of the moment. Neon shirts, patterned leggings, and sleek high-performance gear turned the starting area into a dynamic sea of motion.
Models and fitness influencers, clearly in their element, struck poses for cameras while stretching gracefully, effortlessly blending style with athleticism. Their confidence was inspiring, and their energy seemed to uplift the crowd around them.
Meanwhile, the rest of us were in action too—warming up, shaking out nervous jitters, and doing last-minute stretches. The hum of the crowd, the rhythmic sound of feet tapping against the pavement, and the occasional shout of encouragement from spectators created a pulse that matched my own racing heartbeat.
As the countdown began, the excitement peaked. My heart was pounding, not just from anticipation but from the sheer energy of being surrounded by so many passionate runners. When the starting horn blared, it was like releasing a floodgate—an explosion of movement and determination as we surged forward, ready to tackle the challenge ahead.
It was a moment to remember: vibrant, alive, and full of promise.
The 2km Mark: A Battle Already
By the time I reached the 2km mark, my legs were already throbbing. The initial adrenaline rush had worn off, and reality was setting in. My pace slowed as the fast runners surged ahead effortlessly, leaving me in their wake. They moved with a sense of purpose, their strides strong and determined. It was clear—this race wasn’t for the faint of heart, and no one was here for leisure.
I glanced around, hoping to find someone in the same struggle, but it felt like I was alone in a sea of relentless competitors. The gap between me and the pack grew wider, and an unsettling sense of being left behind crept in.
Each step felt heavier than the last, and doubt began to whisper in my mind. Was I already falling too far behind to catch up? But even as I felt the weight of the challenge, I reminded myself: every runner has their own journey. This was mine to conquer, no matter the pace.
Water Station: A Lifeline on the Course
Reaching the first water station felt like stumbling upon an oasis in the desert. The volunteers, cheerful and encouraging, held out cups of water and electrolyte drinks like lifelines. Their energy was infectious, and their shouts of “You’ve got this!” were small but powerful motivators.
The station was a hub of activity. Some runners snatched their drinks mid-stride, spilling half the contents as they powered through, while others, like me, slowed down to savor a brief moment of relief. I splashed some water on my face, trying to cool down under the relentless heat.
Brightly colored markers nearby displayed the distance covered, but instead of relief, the “4km” sign reminded me just how far there was to go. The realization was humbling, but the volunteers’ smiling faces and the small crowd of spectators clapping and cheering gave me the push I needed to keep moving.
These moments of pause at the water stations became mental checkpoints—small victories in a race that was testing every ounce of my endurance. They weren’t just places to hydrate; they were places to reset, refocus, and find the strength to tackle the next stretch of road.
The Long Stretches and Endless Loops
As the race wore on, the course opened up into long, seemingly endless stretches. The road stretched far ahead, unbroken and daunting, with no shade in sight. The monotony of the straight path was mentally draining, each step feeling heavier as the distance seemed to stretch further with every glance ahead.
The loops were even worse. Seeing the same landmarks for the second or third time felt like a cruel joke. My mind battled the fatigue, trying to silence thoughts of how much longer I had to endure. It wasn’t just my legs that ached—it was the slow, creeping doubt that I might not make it.
Runners ahead became distant specks, and those behind were nowhere in sight. I felt stranded in a race that seemed to repeat itself over and over. The heat radiated off the asphalt, amplifying the challenge.
Still, I kept going. One step at a time, focusing on the rhythmic sound of my shoes hitting the pavement. I told myself that every loop completed and every stretch behind me was a victory in itself. It was a slow grind, but I refused to stop moving.
The Challenges
The heat was relentless. Even early in the race, the sun beat down mercilessly, draining energy faster than expected. Despite drinking plenty of water, staying hydrated felt like an impossible task.
Around the halfway mark, blisters started forming, and with every step, they grew more painful. Each kilometer felt like a mental and physical war, as the discomfort combined with the oppressive weather.
The Final Push: A Husband’s Lifesaver Moment
By the time I reached the last stretch, I was running on fumes. My legs felt like lead, my blisters stung with every step, and the heat had drained all my energy. Mentally, I was teetering on the edge of giving up.
That’s when my husband stepped in. Seeing him waiting for me near the course was like a beacon of hope. He didn’t just cheer from the sidelines—he jogged alongside me for 1.5 km, urging me to keep going. His words were exactly what I needed: “You’ve come too far to stop now. You’ve got this!”
If it hadn’t been for him, I’m not sure I would’ve made it. His encouragement reignited a spark in me, giving me the strength to push through the exhaustion and pain. Step by step, with his voice echoing in my mind, I crossed the finish line.
It wasn’t just my race—it was ours. That moment reminded me that even in individual challenges, having someone believe in you can make all the difference.
Despite these hurdles, I pushed through and managed to finish in the nick of time—every step feeling harder than the last. My husband was my ultimate cheerleader, stepping in to rescue me when I needed encouragement the most.
The Finish Line
Crossing the finish line felt like a mix of triumph and exhaustion. I barely made it within the cutoff time, but I did it. The sense of accomplishment outweighed the pain, and despite the challenges, I felt proud of persevering.
Takeaways
This race taught me the importance of preparation—not just physically but mentally too. Better sun protection, smarter pacing, and perhaps a more thorough pre-race shoe check could have made a difference.
Would I recommend this race? For the views and the experience, absolutely. But be ready for a test of endurance like no other.
Final Thoughts
The 21km in Ha Long Bay was one of the hardest races I’ve run. The heat, the sun, and those blisters pushed me to my limits, but they also made crossing the finish line that much sweeter.
While it was far from easy, crossing the finish line was worth every ounce of struggle. It reminded me that sometimes, the toughest races teach us the most about ourselves.
Would I do it again? Maybe after the blisters heal and I invest in some better sun protection!
chrisywong.com 