To achieve this, on 13/4, the organizers collaborated with a specialized agency to conduct an actual measurement of the entire course and review its parameters before the official competition day.

During the process, Mr. Nguyen Truong Giang, a federation expert, used a calibrated bicycle and specialized equipment to review all technical parameters. The items checked included distance accuracy, start and finish positions, turning points, kilometer markers, and the shortest valid route within the racecourse.

Mr. Nguyen Truong Giang measures the VnExpress Marathon Green Paradise Can Gio course. *Photo: VnExpress Marathon*

After completing the documentation and review, all four distances of the event were certified by the Federation as meeting standards. This is a crucial step in finalizing the route for the race, which will be held for the first time in Can Gio, the newest location to join the VnExpress Marathon system.

"Certification from the Vietnam Athletics Federation is an important professional step, demonstrating that the course has been thoroughly reviewed before race day," an organizer's representative stated. "On this basis, VnExpress Marathon Green Paradise Can Gio has further grounds to affirm the meticulousness of its organization in the inaugural season."

Accurately measuring technical markers is fundamental to ensuring athletes compete on a standard course, minimizing errors and enhancing fairness in performance. It also provides a basis for the organizers to refine the operational plan along the entire route, from placing signs and water stations to coordinating at turning points and important intersections.

A corner of Can Gio with its forest, river, and sea ecosystem. *Photo: Thanh Tung*

According to the organizers, about 80% of the Can Gio course passes through green areas or open spaces, including mangrove forests and coastal areas, which is the highest percentage within the current VnExpress Marathon system.

For the 21 km and 42 km distances, runners will traverse the Rung Sac axis, a prominent highlight of the course, flanked by the characteristic green of Can Gio's mangrove forests. For the 5 km and 10 km distances, the journey primarily takes place on Dai lo Thoi Dai (Boulevard of the Eras) within the 2,870 ha Vinhomes Green Paradise eco-supercity, which combines coastal advantages, open spaces, and natural cool breezes.

Coinciding with the 30/4-1/5 holiday, the race quickly attracted over 5.000 runners. Beyond the experience of competing on the coastal and mangrove course, athletes can also use the long holiday to relax and explore Vam Sat, Monkey Island, or local seafood cuisine. Thus, the journey to Can Gio becomes not just a race, but a complete resort vacation.

Hai Long

The VnExpress Marathon Green Paradise Can Gio is organized by VnExpress newspaper, FPT Online Services Joint Stock Company, and Vinhomes Green Paradise.

Vinhomes Green Paradise spans 2,870 ha, planned as an international coastal, ecological, smart, and multi-functional eco-supercity, aiming for ESG++ standards. The urban area integrates residential, accommodation, commercial, tourism, medical, and educational spaces. It is also a suitable environment for runners, expected to become a new tourism symbol attracting 40 million visitors annually.