In marathons, the point after 30 kilometers is when runners are most likely to give up. At this stage, the body's glycogen stores are depleted, leading to mental fluctuations, a sudden drop in speed, heavy legs, and thoughts of quitting. The running community calls this phenomenon "hitting the wall".

Runners stride along the 42km route of VnExpress Marathon Can Tho 2025. *VnExpress Marathon*

Recognizing this, VnExpress Marathon Can Tho designed the 42km route to pass through Cai Rang floating market around kilometer 30-34, aiming to motivate runners. Most participants in this distance will run through this area between 5:30 AM and 7:00 AM, when the market is busiest.

"We expect the lively market scene, with boats docked on the river, vendors' calls, the aroma of agricultural products, and the sunrise over the Hau River, to be a 'tonic' to revive runners' spirits", a representative from the organizing committee stated. After this section, athletes will return to the city center to prepare for the finish line.

This change significantly enhances the race experience. In the previous season, the Can Tho riverside section was placed at kilometer 10-14. With a 2:30 AM start time, most runners passed through while it was still dark and commercial activities had not yet begun, diminishing the scenic value.

Boats carrying fruits and agricultural products gather on the Can Tho River in the morning. *Roman Babakin*

This year, moving the riverside section to the end of the route and delaying the 42km start time to 3:00 AM allows runners to fully experience the vibrant life of Tay Do. Can Tho may not have many architecturally impressive landmarks, but it often attracts tourists with its Mekong Delta lifestyle.

According to sports science research, in addition to physical fitness and nutrition, the racecourse scenery greatly impacts psychological recovery. Designing a unique spatial highlight to appear after the 30-kilometer mark will act as a mental "aid station", motivating runners to push past their limits.

"We want the race to become part of Can Tho's way of life. The sweat of the locals' labor and the runners' sweat are similar images, representing a spirit of overcoming challenges. Through this route, we hope runners will fully experience the lives of Can Tho residents, and conversely, the locals will learn more about the race", the organizing committee representative shared.

Hai Long

The VnExpress Marathon Can Tho 2026 will take place on 10/5 at Hau River Park, gathering 10.000 athletes. The race features four distances: 5km, 10km, 21km, and 42km, with the message "Riding the Tay Do Waves", guiding runners through central roads, riverside areas, and the city's unique cultural landmarks.