Over five seasons, each medal design has chosen a distinct symbol to portray Hue, ranging from court art and historical structures to cultural hallmarks of the Nguyen Dynasty.

Five VnExpress Marathon Hue medals from different seasons. *Hai Long*

**2020: the court dance**

The first season in 2020 began Hue's story with inspiration from the Vu Phien dance, a renowned court art form of the Nguyen Dynasty. The image of a fanned-out fan from the dance was incorporated into the design, evoking the soft and nostalgic essence of imperial culture.

Familiar city landmarks such as Thien Mu Pagoda, Dai Noi, and Quoc Hoc School also appeared, recalling the historical depth of the ancient capital. Through these details, Hue emerged as a heritage city where art and architecture together create a unique identity.

**2022: historical structures**

After a hiatus due to the pandemic, the race returned in 2022 with a design featuring prominent landmarks. Hien Nhon Gate, Thien Mu Pagoda, and Truong Tien Bridge were intricately interwoven, recreating structures long associated with Hue's development. These are also familiar sights runners encounter directly along the route through the city center.

VnExpress Marathon Hue 2023 medal. *VnExpress Marathon*

**2023: Nguyen Dynasty artifacts**

While the first two seasons focused on landmarks, the 2023 medal delved into the depth of imperial court culture. The design evoked `kim bai` (golden tablets) and `kim khanh` (golden bells) - artifacts associated with rituals and honor during the Nguyen Dynasty.

Ancient capital symbols such as Ngu Phung Pavilion and Phuoc Duyen Tower were combined with imperial cloud patterns, alongside the image of frangipani flowers against moss-covered walls – a familiar scene in Hue each spring. This portrayal recalled the atmosphere of an ancient imperial city, where cultural imprints remain present in today's life.

**2024: imperial architecture and aesthetics**

By 2024, Hue's story expanded to an architectural perspective. The season 4 medal drew inspiration from Dai Noi, a convergence of characteristic imperial architecture and aesthetic elements.

Details such as `binh phong` (decorative screens) – a familiar architectural feature in Hue's garden houses – along with paired command tablets, were incorporated into the design, evoking the solemn grandeur of the ancient imperial city. This approach allowed Hue's image on the medal to be seen not just through individual landmarks, but as a unified architectural space where heritage elements connect within a cohesive whole.

VnExpress Marathon Hue medals for 2024 and 2025. *VnExpress Marathon*

**2025: the legend of the phoenix and the parasol tree**

For the 2025 season, the medal continued to capture runners' attention by featuring symbols rich in ancient capital culture. The image of a phoenix combined with a parasol tree from Dai Noi became the medal's highlight.

The parasol tree is considered a sacred species in East Asian culture. It typically blooms in late spring with elegant pinkish-purple hues, creating a distinctive feature for Hue's Imperial City. In ancient beliefs, the parasol tree is associated with the phoenix – a bird symbolizing good fortune, royalty, and prosperity.

"Looking back at five seasons, each medal is like a slice of the ancient capital. We always strive to incorporate familiar symbols into the designs so runners take home not just race memories, but also the spirit of this land," a representative from the organizing committee shared.

From court dances and heritage sites to cultural symbols, many runners anticipate the new 2026 season design will offer another perspective on Hue, becoming a cherished memento for those conquering the race along the Huong River next April.

Hai Long

VnExpress Marathon Hue is currently offering Super Early Bird bib sales until 13/3, priced at 370,000 VND for the 5km distance, 490,000 VND for 10km, and 720,000 VND for 21km.

This year, the organizing committee has paused the full marathon (42km) distance, focusing instead on developing the half marathon (21km) and shorter distances to optimize the course and enhance the race experience for athletes.