The VnExpress Marathon All-Star is a prestigious selection event, attracting approximately 1,500 athletes, including numerous international runners. In the men's marathon, Ethiopian runner Wendwesen Tilahun Damte, previously seen as a formidable competitor for Vietnamese elite athletes, withdrew around the 10km mark due to a hamstring injury.

In contrast, Cambodian runner Vann Pheara emerged as a standout in the leading pack, maintaining a consistent pace throughout the race. He finished 4th with a time of 2:22:46, following Hoang Nguyen Thanh (2:19:45), Huynh Anh Khoi (2:22:02), and Nguyen Van Lai (2:22:31).

Vann Pheara raising the Cambodian flag after finishing the VnExpress Marathon All-Star 2026. Photo: VnExpress Marathon

The Khmer Amateur Athletics Federation (KAAF) officially confirmed Pheara's achievement as a national marathon record. His time surpassed the previous Cambodian record of 2:23:29, set over more than mot decade ago by Hem Bunting at the 2012 Paris Marathon.

This achievement at the VnExpress Marathon All-Star has generated significant pride within the Cambodian running community. It has also spurred tangible support, with many fans in the "land of pagodas" (Cambodia) contributing funds to help Pheara continue his professional training and compete in future major events.

"Pheara's diligent and disciplined training enabled him to establish a new milestone for our national athletics," a KAAF representative stated. "This is a memorable moment and sets a new standard for Cambodian athletes."

Anh Khoi, Nguyen Thanh, Trinh Minh Tam, and Vann Pheara running in the rain at the VnExpress Marathon All-Star 2026. Photo: VnExpress Marathon

On his personal Facebook page, Pheara expressed his pride in this historic achievement. "The dream of breaking the national record has come true," he wrote. "I hope to receive more support in the future." He also thanked his companions for providing him the opportunity to compete in a major event like the VM All-Star and meet many elite Vietnamese runners.

An international athlete setting a national record in Vietnam highlights the competitive environment and professional conditions of major domestic running events. These events provide athletes with optimal opportunities to maximize their potential and achieve new records.

Hai Long

Born in 1996, Pheara has maintained consistent performance in numerous regional races. He secured consecutive victories at the Angkor Empire Marathon in 2024 and 2025, and finished 2nd at the Viettel Marathon Siem Reap 2024. Earlier this year, at the TP HCM Marathon, Pheara recorded a time of 2:27:25, just mot minute 36 seconds behind Huynh Anh Khoi.

Beyond road racing, Pheara also holds the Cambodian national record in the 10,000m event, with a time of 32:52.13. This record was set at the Asian Games in Hangzhou, China, on 30/9/2023.