Elite Vietnamese runners gather ahead of VnExpress Marathon All-Star 2026

Hoang Nguyen Thanh, Edwin Kiptoo, Doan Ngoc Hai, and many familiar faces of Vietnamese running appeared at the expo for Vietnam's only selection-based race on 7/2.

Organizers began distributing bibs and race kits from 9h at The LinC shopping center, ParkCity Hanoi urban area. This year's event attracted 1,500 domestic and international athletes who met stringent performance standards to qualify for the All-Star race.

To secure a spot in the race, male athletes needed to complete 42km in under 4 hours or 21km in under 2 hours. Female athletes required under 5 hours for the full marathon or under 2 hours 30 minutes for the half marathon. Therefore, an All-Star entry is a recognition of a runner's dedicated training efforts.

Leading contenders Edwin Kiptoo and Hoang Nguyen Thanh checked their race-kit information at the expo area. While the Kenyan runner is determined to compete for the top spot in the men's 21km distance, Vietnam's "marathon king" considers this a highly selective event, bringing together the running community's finest.

Doan Ngoc Hai participated in the event for the first time, aiming to complete the 42km distance in approximately 4 hours 10 minutes to 4 hours 30 minutes. This veteran runner noted that VnExpress Marathon All-Star is helping to establish new standards for Vietnam's running movement, from participation requirements to organizational quality.

Elite athletes Hong Le, Doan Thu Hang, Huynh Anh Khoi, and others received their bibs together. In last year's All-Star season, Hong Le made an impression by winning the women's 42km title with a time of 2 hours 44 minutes 45 seconds, two minutes faster than her previous best.

Athlete Le Thi Lai (Anna Le) radiated joy as she received her race-kit with teammates, having traveled from Nha Trang to Hanoi a day early. A familiar face with many successes in the VnExpress Marathon series, she hopes to set a new personal record (PR) for the 21km distance on the Capital's course this time.

Female runner Trang Nguyen checked in with her 42km bib for the race. In this event, female athletes face a very challenging cut-off time (COT) for the full marathon: 4 hours 30 minutes, meaning they must run at a pace of 6 minutes 24 seconds per km.

Doan Thi Nhung and members of the Duong Noi Runner club were impressed by the professionalism of the organization at the expo area. She shared that her goal was to enjoy the health benefits and have the opportunity to run alongside major idols in the running world.

The expo area also featured booths for runners to purchase competition gear and nutrition, preparing for the race the next day.

Carolyn Jeziorski, an American teacher living in Hanoi, eagerly prepared for her personal challenge. She chose this race to experience conquering one of Vietnam's most prestigious courses, which gathers many strong competitors.

Tran Duc led a group of 10 members from the Yen Bai Runner club to conquer the "temple of speed" All-Star. According to him, the ideal race course and the presence of elite runners are strong motivations for amateur runners to achieve new personal records.