One challenge in the race will be wading through the stream running in the deep jungle in the central province of Quang Binh. - Photo courtesy of Deb Limbert

Visitors are invited to join the Tu Lan Adventure Race, which will be held from April 28 to May 1 and give them a chance to race through the caves. The Tu Lan system is similar to Son Doong, though a bit smaller.

According to Oxalis Adventure Tours, the only company providing trips to Son Doong and Tu Lan, the race would raise funds for schools hit by a flood in 2010 in the nearby Tan Hoa commune.

Nguyen Chau A, Oxalis' director and the race's organiser, said race participants would get the chance to travel through places that have not been touched by mass tourism.

"The race programme will include clearing rubbish in a local community," he said. "The pristine places and the rubbish collection are expected to increase awareness about nature conservation."

Keen adventurers are encouraged to register their racing groups with Oxalis by March 30. There will be five people per group, and adventurers are required to have good health and trekking experience.

The race rules require each group achieve to compete in running, trekking, kayaking and caving. The winners will receive VND30 million (US$1,400).

Dang Dinh Si, one of the first to sign up for the race, said his keenness came from the race's charitable cause. This was a good chance to promote adventure tourism in Quang Binh, his hometown. 

Source: VNS