Beyond its favorable terrain for achieving personal bests, the VnExpress Marathon Can Tho 2026 offers a journey to explore the central urban areas of the Mekong Delta. Along each section of the route, athletes can experience the vibrant riverine lifestyle, cultural heritage, and green spaces integral to the lives of local residents.

A view of Cai Rang Floating Market in the early morning. Photo: Trung Pham

Hau River Park

Situated along the Hau River, this park offers a characteristic open space of a riverine city, with wide vistas and the familiar riverside activities of local people. It is also a common venue for community events and the city's cultural and sports programs.

For the marathon, this location serves as the start and finish area for all distances. Runners will begin and conclude their journey by the Hau River, amidst expansive river views, fresh morning breezes, and the lively cheering atmosphere at the central event area.

Cai Rang Floating Market

When mentioning Can Tho, Cai Rang Floating Market is one of the most iconic images, closely associated with the river culture of the Mekong Delta. Here, visitors enter a bustling trading space on the water, filled with boats, goods, and the unique buying and selling rhythm of the Mekong Delta region.

Along the 42 km route, runners will pass through this area just as the market begins to bustle, clearly experiencing the essence of Can Tho's Mekong Delta charm in the early morning, before returning to the urban thoroughfares of the race.

Hung Kings Temple

Located on Vo Van Kiet avenue, the Hung Kings Temple is a prominent cultural landmark of the city, built on an area of nearly 4 hectares. Construction began in 6/2019, the temple was inaugurated in 4/2022, and subsequently won a bronze award at the 2024-2025 National Architecture Awards in the public architecture category.

The temple's highlight is its main sanctuary, inspired by the image of a bronze drum, featuring 18 arches representing the 18 generations of Hung Kings. The main temple block is circular, set upon a square foundation, evoking the traditional concept of Heaven and Earth in Vietnamese culture.

For runners participating in the 42 km distance, the section passing this area is not just a check-in point; it also evokes a sense of solemnity, connecting the athletic journey with a spirit of ancestral reverence.

Hung Kings Temple from above. Photo: Cuu Long

Luu Huu Phuoc Park

Situated on Hoa Binh boulevard, Luu Huu Phuoc Park is one of the familiar green spaces in the city center and a training spot for many local running enthusiasts. The park spans about two hectares, notable for its design resembling a guitar when viewed from above, creating a unique mark within the urban landscape.

This distinctive shape was incorporated into last year's medal design as a distinctive element identifying Tay Do within the VnExpress Marathon series.

Can Tho City Museum

Located at 1 Hoa Binh boulevard, Ninh Kieu ward, Can Tho City Museum covers an area of nearly 3,000 square meters. It displays numerous artifacts and documents about the land and people of Can Tho across historical periods, reflecting the economic, cultural, and social life of the Kinh, Hoa, and Khmer communities in the area.

The museum's presence along the route adds cultural depth to the runners' competitive journey. Striding through this area, athletes can experience a historical glimpse of Tay Do amidst the modern athletic pace.

Luu Huu Phuoc Park is designed in the shape of a guitar when viewed from above. Photo: Huy Phong

Thoi Long Co Tu Pagoda

As one of Can Tho's oldest pagodas, established in 1844, Thoi Long Co Tu Pagoda possesses an ancient and contemplative beauty amidst urban life. The structure stands out with its curved tiled roofs, traditional Buddhist decorative details, and green spaces that create a sense of tranquility in the city center.

On the race course, the pagoda creates a distinct moment of quiet contrast to sections passing through parks, riverbanks, or main streets. Running through this area, athletes can experience another layer of Can Tho's spiritual life, where traditional beliefs remain vibrant amidst urban development.

The route also takes runners through various facets of Can Tho's daily life, from green spaces like Hung Vuong, Binh Thuy, My Khanh, and Do Chieu Parks to local markets such as An Binh and My Khanh. These points ensure the journey includes not only cultural landmarks but also reflects the daily rhythm of local residents.

Interspersed along the route are various bridges, including Ninh Kieu, Dau Sau, Cai Son, and Binh Thuy 2, along with many crossing smaller canals like Rach Ngong, Rach Suc, Rach Chanh, and Rau Dam. These offer views of the waterways and riverside homes, creating the distinctive character of a Mekong Delta city.

Hai Long

VnExpress Marathon Can Tho is currently selling Late phase tickets at prices of 990,000 VND for 10 km, 1,250,000 VND for 21 km, and 1,490,000 VND for 42 km. Athletes registering in groups will receive additional discounts from 5% to 25%, depending on group size. Runners can register here.