From 15h on 20/12, runners from outside Hai Phong arrived at the race expo in To Huu flower garden. Organizers estimated that 7,000 runners collected bibs that afternoon.

To manage peak demand, organizers divided the bib collection area into multiple gates. At one point, runners queued for over 300 meters.

Hai Phong's cool weather provided favorable conditions for bib collection. While queuing, participants discussed the next day's race.

Inside the expo, hundreds of volunteers were on hand to assist runners at every stage. Despite the record number of participants, the VnExpress Marathon team, drawing on their experience from organizing large-scale races, effectively managed runner flow and provided clear directions.

Many women runners were seen in the bib distribution area. Phan Thi Tuong Vy from Gia Lai, a popular amateur athlete with tens of thousands of followers, also collected her race-kit on the afternoon of 20/12. A familiar face at many VnExpress Marathon events, Vy arrived in Hai Phong a day early to acclimate to the weather. She hopes to achieve a new personal best at this year-end race.

Ho Khanh Huyen (left) and her friends chose the VnExpress Marathon Hai Phong as their final race of the year, aiming to combine sport with culinary experiences. According to Huyen, the favorable weather and diverse food options were key factors in their decision to participate. Huyen plans to complete the 10 km distance in just over one hour.

Tran Manh Cuong, head of the Tuyen Quang Runner Club, stated that 40 members are participating this year, marking the club's second appearance at VnExpress Marathon Hai Phong. Cuong noted that the race's appeal lies in its flat, scenic course and cool weather, which are ideal for athletes to achieve personal bests. All club members aim to improve their personal records.

Ngo Ngoc Anh and Nguyen Thi Hai (right), a married couple, shared that they have participated in many VnExpress Marathon events, with Hai Phong being their second consecutive year. According to Ngoc Anh, they choose VnExpress Marathon for its professional organization, diverse race-kits, and scenic course, which are suitable for achieving personal bests. This year, both are running the 10 km distance, aiming to finish in under one hour, while also promoting the spirit of "run for fun, run for health".

The event also attracted international visitors. Dudweezid Staelens from Belgium shared that he chose to participate in VnExpress Marathon Hai Phong 2025 as part of a two-month travel itinerary in Vietnam with friends. "This city is beautiful, the food is delicious, and I am excited for race day", he said.

A runner dressed as the character Sun Wukong collected a bib on the afternoon of 20/12.

Archer Do Thi Anh Nguyet, known as a "hot girl" in archery, interacted with fans at the Herbalife Vietnam booth within the VnExpress Marathon Hai Phong expo.

After collecting their race-kits, runners could explore the VnExpress Marathon Hai Phong expo area, which featured various booths for shopping and prize games. Runners could purchase gels and salts for the race at the Long Chau pharmacy booth, shoes from the Goya brand booth, or watches from the Garmin booth.

Minh Ngoc

_VnExpress Marathon_