As the dawn broke on the Nhat Tan bridge, Hanoi it was raining and we were alone, then out of the grey morning came a long line of cyclists and runners, friends and supporters from the Hanoi cycling clubs and beyond to take the Isla climbing challenge on Giong. In Da Nang over 100 cyclists, and runners completed the steep 6.1 km Monkey Mountain hill climb on Son Tra.
They filled the morning air with buzzing energy, some athletes completed the hill four times! The annual Isla Climbing Challenge organised by David Lloyd is a very special event, it brings us together to challenge ourselves to do one climb or many climbs to raise awareness and funds to support young Vietnamese doctors and nurses as they challenge themselves to complete international standard training in English and go on to become the future leaders.
We are united by our shared passion, a Vietnam in which there are no preventable newborn deaths. The warmth pride and generosity of all the participants was heart warming and a joy to be part of. Huge thanks to all the riders, runners and clubs, Sam Wilson for the great photos www.samwilsonvisuals.com.