HANOI, Vietnam – Despite typhoon-strength winds and rain, athletes from around Asia embarked on the Action Asia Challenge marathon in Vietnam in October to raise funds for community development.  

Ford Vietnam supported the 90-km (55.8-mile) marathon that spanned three days by providing two robust Ford vehicles – Everest 4x4 MT and Escape 4x4 MT – to follow the runners through all terrain, and transport the race directors, media and rescue staff.

Nearly 100 participants of all ages completed the marathon. While the race was originally planned to be held in Quang Nam, the destruction left by Typhoon Ketsana last month required a change of location to Rung on Son Tra island. The new marathon route wound along mountain roads and past beautiful coastal areas.

''Our marathon raised nearly US$3,000 for the Action Asia Fund. The money will be used to construct a bridge in the mountainous area of Quang Nam province," said Michael Maddess, race director, Asia Action Challenge.

After the marathon, the Asia Action Challenge participants visited an SOS orphanage in Da Nang and helped clean up beaches after the typhoon. The Asia Action Challenge marathon was covered by local and international media, and received support from local authorities. 

The goals of the Action Asia Fund include creating opportunities for young people in Asia by organising outdoor adventure activities and raising the quality of life in Asia by funding health clinics, schools and activity centres. The Action Asia Fund promotes cultural interchange through adventure programmes and events.

Ford Vietnam's participation is part of its corporate responsibility initiatives in Vietnam. To assist victims in central Vietnam from the floods brought by Typhoon Ketsana, Ford Vietnam donated US$10,000 for relief efforts in Quang Nam and Quang Ngai provinces. This funds were donated through Red Cross Vietnam and the Education Department of Quang Nam province to affected families in Quang Ngai and the five most impacted schools in Quang Nam.