The VnExpress Marathon Hue 2026 bib distribution, held on 17-18/4 at Nghenh Luong Dinh by the Perfume River, was marked by a unique display of cultural appreciation. Instead of sportswear, many female runners chose to wear traditional Vietnamese attire, such as ao dai and co phuc (ancient costumes), when collecting their race bibs. This choice aimed to capture special moments and express their deep affection for Hue, the ancient capital city.

Female members of Quang Binh Runner (QBR) posed for photos in Nhat Binh ao (a type of ancient Vietnamese court attire). QBR is a prominent running club, with a large contingent of members participating in the race, primarily in the 21km distance.

Runner Tran Thi Ngoc was photographed in an ao dai featuring the VnExpress Marathon Hue logo, which is inspired by the 'khanh' – a distinctive decorative motif commonly found on temple doors, mausoleums, and screens within the Nguyen Dynasty heritage sites. Ngoc, who will run the 21km race tomorrow morning, stated that her focus is not on achieving a personal best but on immersing herself in Hue's unique atmosphere.

Ngoc Lan, a female athlete from Quang Binh, expressed her desire to use the time before the race to explore famous tourist attractions. During this period, runners receive free admission to several sites, including the Imperial City (Dai Noi) and various mausoleums.

Two female 5km runners posed together in traditional ao dai.

A child, dressed in an ao dai and a man (traditional headpiece), accompanied parents to visit the race expo.

A female runner in sportswear collected her bib on the morning of 18/4.

A group of 21km runners posed for a photo in their race shirts, which featured Hue's distinctive purple hue, with Nghenh Luong Dinh in the background.

Vy Phan, a strong contender for the 21km championship, visited the expo on the morning of 18/4. She shared that Hue remains a favorite destination due to its tranquil, romantic pace of life and rich culture.

Runner Thuy Duong gracefully posed in pastel-colored attire. She will compete in the 21km distance. This year, with the 42km distance removed, the event has attracted a significant number of half marathon runners.

Runner Trinh Phuong Anh traveled from TP HCM to Hue to run the 21km. Phuong Anh shared that Hue holds many cherished memories for her. In 2022, running in Hue inspired her to embark on personal transformation. By 2025, she completed her first 42km race, also at VM Hue. Consequently, each return to the ancient capital evokes a sense of familiarity and warmth for her.

Runner Linh Tran expressed excitement upon receiving her 21km bib. She noted that this year's course is more scenic, with adjustments made to sections within the imperial city, guiding runners past numerous heritage structures. Her goal, she added, is to "finish gracefully".

Runner Nga Nguyen posed for a photo with a board displaying the names of the 10km athletes.

The VnExpress Marathon Hue 2026 will commence at 4h on 19/4, drawing 8,000 runners. The race course guides participants through heritage routes, offering views of ancient structures steeped in the cultural history of the ancient capital, including Hue Imperial City, Dai Noi (the Imperial City), and Truong Tien Bridge.

Linh Lam