Over 600 people run for wildlife protection

>>> Cross-country run to be held to call for wildlife protection

Themed “Run for Wildlife – Take Action against Extinction”, the tenth Red River Run 2016 was held jointly by the Red River Runners (RRR) Club and the non-governmental Education for Nature-Vietnam (ENV).

Unlike previous events, participants at this year’s run could choose to run in teams to affirm their support for the protection of bears, tigers, rhinos or pangolins, with different distances of 5km, 10km and a half-marathon distance of 21km, as well as a children’s category. The four mentioned endangered animals are at risk of extinction because they are hunted and used in traditional medicine.

ENV Deputy Director Nguyen Thi Phuong Dung called for action against wildlife extinction, saying that one of the meaningful and practical actions each person could do to stop the slaughter of wildlife in the nature was choosing modern medicine instead of using traditional medicinal products derived from endangered species.

In addition to individual runners, the run also drew the participation of teams from several foreign embassies in Hanoi, the European Union Delegation in Vietnam, the US Agency for International Development and a number of businesses.

This is the fourth consecutive year the money raised from the tournament will be used to support activities to tackle illegal wildlife trade in Vietnam.

Richard Leech from RRR Club said that the event offered a good opportunity for runners to exercise and help contribute to the protection of endangered wildlife species.

Leech also expressed his hope that the message of the event would inspire others in the community to act together to protect wildlife.

After joining the run with her daughter, Hoang Phuong Hoa, a resident of North Tu Liem District said that it was a significant activity which helped participants to make exchanges and get some physical exercise, while urging the community to raise awareness and take action to protect wildlife.

Last year, the Red River running competition brought together more than 500 individuals and groups.

Nhan Dan Online reported at the event:

The 10th Red River Run 2016 gathered more than 600 individuals and groups.

Runners in this year's event can choose to participate in teams running for pangolins, bears, tigers or rhinos in various distances of 5km, 10km, 21km (half marathon) and a children’s run.

The run was not only for exercising and interacting with others who share a passion for sport, but also offered an opportunity for the community to voice support for efforts to protect wildlife.

The organisers also received multiple applications to participate in the event from runners from foreign embassies, international organisations and businesses.

Fundraising and wildlife protection activities were also held on the side lines of the event.

One of the first runners to reach the finishing line.

All participants who completed various distances received a medal for their enthusiastic response and support for action to prevent the extinction of wildlife.

Finishing the run together.

Mother and son completing the run are cheered on by volunteers.

Spread the message of joining hands for wildlife.

All of us are winners.

Youngsters share posters and stickers to raise awareness for the protection of wildlife.