The VnExpress Marathon Quy Nhon 2026 recorded 7,000 registrations following its Super Early Bird phase, which offered the most preferential prices and concluded on 14/8. The race will take place on 13/9 in Quy Nhon, Gia Lai, featuring three distances: 5km, 10km, and 21km.

A notable aspect of the registration breakdown is the overwhelming proportion of local runners. Registrants from Gia Lai account for 80.8%, meaning four out of every five participants are local. This figure reflects the robust growth of the local running movement. Quy Nhon served as the inaugural location for the VnExpress Marathon system. Since its first event in 2019, the race has become an eagerly anticipated annual gathering for the Gia Lai running community.

Athletes start at VnExpress Marathon Quy Nhon 2025. Photo: Organizers.

TP HCM ranked second in registrations with 8.5%. Other localities represented smaller proportions: Dak Lak with 2.1%, Khanh Hoa 1.7%, Da Nang 1.3%, and Ha Noi 1.2%.

Regarding distances, the 5km race attracted the most participants, accounting for 49.1% of registrations, nearly half the total. The 10km and 21km distances shared the remaining registrations, with 25.7% and 25.2% respectively. This season, the 42km distance was not included to innovate the event model, and the schedule was shifted from June to September.

The strong preference for the 5km distance highlights the event's community-oriented nature, making it suitable for new runners and families. Meanwhile, the 21km half-marathon distance continues to attract approximately one-quarter of participants, including many elite runners.

The age distribution of registrants is broad. The 25-34 age group is the largest, making up 32.8%, followed by the 35-44 age group at 27.2%. Notably, the 6-17 age group constitutes 12.4%, indicating the participation of children and families on the course.

Regarding gender, women comprise 42.4% of registrants, a high proportion compared to typical marathon events. The majority of participants are domestic runners, accounting for 99%. The remaining registrants come from countries such as the Philippines, India, Singapore, Japan, South Korea, Ukraine, and Russia, adding an international dimension to the race.

The VnExpress Marathon Quy Nhon 2026 marks the 7th season of the oldest event within the VnExpress Marathon system, which originated in 2019. This year, the race schedule was moved from June to September, and the 42km distance was temporarily suspended.

Following the conclusion of the Super Early Bird phase, the event transitioned to the Regular registration period, which runs until 25/8, before moving to the Late registration tier. Interested runners can register here.

Minh Khang