Competitors prepare for the race

The event is held in the pine hill area of Lao Va Chai commune in Yen Minh district.

Participants will include both professional and amateur racers from home and abroad. They will compete in motor control demonstrations, natural terrain conditions, time trials, adventure tracks as well as take part in exchanges.

Speaking at the opening ceremony, Vice Chairman of the Ha Giang People’s Committee Tran Duc Quy said the race, the first of its kind, is designed to promote cultural values of 19 ethnic groups and the Dong Van Karst Global Geopark to domestic and foreign visitors.

The event also offers a rendezvous for people who love off-road motor race, he said.

According to the organising board, the two-day competition draws the participation of 63 racers, with total prize worth 837 million VND (about 36,000 USD).

The race is also hoped to expand the province’s cooperation, cultural and sport exchanges, and tourism with other localities of Vietnam and foreign countries, while raising public awareness of environmental protection.

Ha Giang records an upward trend of tourist arrivals over the years, which is attributable to the province’s policies to attract events which are closely linked with activities of local ethnic groups.-VNA