[Run For Love] Age 77 and Happy Strides at Run For Love

Maintaining an active spirit at age 77, Mrs. Mao enthusiastically agreed when her children proposed running together at Run For Love. To her, this was an opportunity to exercise and spend more quality time with her children and grandchildren.

The initiator of the idea was Mr. Nguyen The Du, Mrs. Mao's son, who currently works at VASCO, a member unit of Vietnam Airlines Group. Mr. Du shared that this was the family's first year participating in Run For Love, right as the race reached its fifth season. He hoped the event would become a special memory where three generations could share the joy of sports together.

Days ò Training Together as a Family

To ensure everyone could participate, Mr. Du's family selected distances suited to each member's age and fitness level. Mrs. Mao registered for the 5 km distance—an encouraging challenge at age 77.

"I wanted to create beautiful, memorable memories for my family. In particular, my mother is 77 this year but remains very active. What touched me most was seeing all three generations hold hands on the track and cross the finish line together. That was the main goal of this trip," Mr. Du recounted.

To him, achievements or speed were not the main priorities. What he looked forward to was seeing his mother happy on the track, family members encouraging one another, and preserving a cherished moment together.

The family's memories of Run For Love 2026 actually began days before the event took place. Right after registering, the members spent time practicing together. Fast walking and light running sessions became shared family activities, helping everyone prepare physically for their chosen distances.

That was also the period Mr. Du remembered most. From a single-morning sports event, Run For Love granted his family many days of shared physical activity and companionship.

Those training sessions became even more meaningful with the participation of their 77-year-old mother. Despite differences in health and athletic capacity, members constantly offered care and encouragement so each person could step onto the track with confidence.

One Finish Line, Three Generations and Complete Love

On the morning of October 25, amidst the lively atmosphere of Run For Love 2026, Mrs. Mao together with her children and grandchildren embarked on the journey they had awaited for days. Among the cheering crowds and pink shirts lining the track, her joy radiated through her glowing smile.

"What impressed me most was how energetic Vietnam Airlines' race was. I continuously received encouragement from my children and grandchildren throughout the course. I feel immensely happy that my family and children are healthy and joyful," Mrs. Mao expressed.

After finishing the 5 km distance, Mrs. Mao excitedly shared photos on her personal Facebook. She proudly mentioned becoming the oldest runner at the event, receiving her finisher medal, and feeling blessed to be accompanied by her family.

"Sharing one starting line, sharing one finish line, and filled with complete love," she wrote.

That was precisely what Mr. Du hoped for when bringing his family to Run For Love. After days of training together, all three generations gained a shared memory marked by strides, encouraging words, and the moment of holding hands as they crossed the finish line.

For Mr. Du, the joy was even more meaningful as he joined an event organized by Vietnam Airlines alongside his family. As a staff member of Vietnam Airlines Group, he expressed pride in the race and hoped Run For Love would be maintained annually, giving more families the opportunity to exercise, connect, and build cherished memories.

Entering its fifth season, Run For Love 2026 continues to bring heartwarming stories. Alongside athletes striving for personal records are families running together, young children experiencing their first track, and seniors steadfastly maintaining an athletic spirit.

Among them, the image of 77-year-old Mrs. Mao with her children and grandchildren stands out as an endearing symbol of family affection. The 5 km medal is a proud personal keepsake for her, while the training days and finish-line moments are shared memories for the entire family.

As the race concluded, what remained for Mrs. Mao's family was the joy of being together, moving together, and achieving their shared goal. A finish line was passed, but the memory of that morning by West Lake will be cherished across generations for years to come.