Day 1: Bib collection and city exploration

Flights from Ho Chi Minh City and Hanoi to Da Nang take about an hour, making it convenient for runners to travel and manage their schedules. Accommodation around Nguyen Van Thoai, Vo Nguyen Giap, or Pham Van Dong streets are popular choices due to their proximity to the beach and easy access to the expo area.

Tien Son Sports Palace - the race-kit distribution point for VnExpress Marathon Da Nang. Photo: Nguyen Dong

Tien Son Sports Palace - the race-kit distribution point for VnExpress Marathon Da Nang. Photo: Nguyen Dong

The VnExpress Marathon Da Nang expo is located on Phan Dang Luu Street, in front of Tien Son Sports Palace, and is open from 18/7 to the end of race day, 20/7. This is where runners need to go to collect their bibs, race shirts, and other race items. After completing this, runners can shop for accessories and electrolytes at the sponsor booths, and take photos with fellow runners.

The afternoon is a good time for a light warm-up run to familiarize oneself with the coastal route. In the evening, runners can enjoy Mi Quang (turmeric noodles) and Banh Trang Cuon Thit Heo (rice paper rolls with pork), then stroll across the Love Bridge and admire the Han River from rooftop bars like Horizon Bar in the Four Points by Sheraton hotel, a popular spot among young people for its panoramic view of the city at night.

Day 2: Race day and beach recovery

Race day begins early in the morning, with the first race starting at 2:30 a.m., taking runners along coastal routes and across the Dragon Bridge, Tran Thi Ly Bridge, and Thuan Phuoc Bridge. Runners will have the opportunity to watch the city transform from night to dawn, an unforgettable experience in every race season.

After completing the race, runners receive their medals, replenish fluids and electrolytes, and rest at the finish area. In the afternoon, runners should choose relaxing activities like a recovery massage or swimming at My Khe Beach or Bai Rang Beach, pristine beaches with plenty of food and beverage services right on the shore.

My Khe Beach was voted among the top 10 most beautiful beaches in Asia in 2023. Photo: Ngo Anh/Instagram

My Khe Beach was voted among the top 10 most beautiful beaches in Asia in 2023. Photo: Ngo Anh/Instagram

Dinner could be a seafood feast with fellow runners, trying Mi Quang with shrimp and pork, or enjoying coffee by the Han River, listening to the city at night, concluding a day of both conquering challenges and enjoying complete relaxation.

Day three: Local breakfast and city sightseeing

On the last morning, runners can enjoy a local breakfast such as Bun Mam (vermicelli noodles with fermented fish sauce) or Banh Xeo Da Nang (crispy pancake), and then visit the Cham Sculpture Museum, the Con Ga Church (Chicken Church), or the Dragon Bridge. These locations are close to the city center and easily accessible by taxi or rented motorbike.

Before heading to the airport, runners should visit Han Market or Con Market, where a variety of local specialties like rimmed squid, Tre (fermented pork skin), and sesame crackers are sold, to buy gifts for loved ones. Da Nang Airport is only a 15-20 minute taxi ride from the city center, making it convenient to leave the city on the same day.

Con Market offers a wide variety of Da Nang specialties. Photo: Huynh Nhi

Con Market offers a wide variety of Da Nang specialties. Photo: Huynh Nhi

Summer, the peak tourist season, is an ideal time for runners to combine running with a vacation. The coastal race route, diverse accommodation options, and comprehensive tourism services make the VnExpress Marathon Da Nang a popular choice for families and groups of friends. For many runners, this is not just a journey to conquer achievements but also an opportunity to recharge, explore the local cuisine, and connect with the community. See more race news here.

Lan Anh

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