At 2:30 a.m. on 20/7, around 1,500 runners embarked on the VnExpress Marathon Danang 42km race. The race featured prominent names representing two generations of Vietnamese marathon runners, including Huynh Anh Khoi, Dang Anh Quyet, Pham Thi Binh, Nguyen Van Long, Vy Phan, Le Minh Tuan, and My Duyen.

Huynh Anh Khoi, representing the younger generation of Vietnamese marathon runners, claimed victory at the 2025 VnExpress Marathon Danang, outpacing veteran Nguyen Van Long, a former national team athlete with extensive racing experience.

Huynh Anh Khoi (purple) competes with Nguyen Van Long (pink) in the early kilometers. Photo: VM

Huynh Anh Khoi (purple) competes with Nguyen Van Long (pink) in the early kilometers. Photo: VM

From the starting line, the two athletes engaged in a fierce battle for the lead. They remained neck and neck until kilometer 7. However, by kilometer 16, as the weather grew hotter, Nguyen Van Long began to experience fatigue and nausea, prompting him to slow down. The seasoned runner ultimately decided to withdraw from the race after assessing his physical condition. From that point onward, Huynh Anh Khoi held the lead unchallenged.

The 22-year-old runner continued solo toward the finish line. At kilometer 32, he reached the Thuan Phuoc bridge, the most challenging obstacle on the 42.195km course, with an elevation of over 30 meters. After conquering the bridge, he headed straight towards Vo Nguyen Giap street along My Khe beach, closing in on victory.

Khoi maintained a steady pace throughout the race. He crossed the finish line in 2 hours and 40 minutes, with an average pace of 3 minutes and 48 seconds. Throughout the course, he not only ran but also interacted with fans, waving to the camera, high-fiving supporters, and taking photos with fellow runners going in the opposite direction.

In a post-race interview, Khoi mentioned the hot weather necessitated frequent hydration. He also noted that the relatively empty Vo Nguyen Giap street made him feel isolated, but the cheers from spectators and other runners quickly lifted his spirits.

Accompanying Huynh Anh Khoi in this victory were the newly released Puma Fast-R Nitro Elite 3 shoes. According to Puma, the Fast-R3 was developed using real-world data, validated in lab testing, and refined based on feedback from professional athletes.

Huynh Anh Khoi breaks the tape to win. Photo: VM

Huynh Anh Khoi breaks the tape to win. Photo: VM

According to the company, the shoes weigh 170 grams and improve running performance by 3.15%. "Our tests show that the Fast-R3 can save a marathon runner over 4 minutes and 30 seconds in a 3-hour race," Puma announced. The latest version is 95 grams lighter than its predecessor, features enhanced cushioning with the new generation Nitrofoam Elite, and an extended PWRPLATE carbon plate for maximum propulsion with each stride.

Huynh Anh Khoi shared that he has been using these shoes for over two months and finds them well-suited to his running style. "The carbon fiber in the toe area provides excellent support when climbing the Thuan Phuoc bridge. These shoes help me run faster and more consistently," he said.

Huynh Anh Khoi ascends the Thuan Phuoc bridge. Photo: VM

Huynh Anh Khoi ascends the Thuan Phuoc bridge. Photo: VM

This is the 2003-born runner's third VM victory this year, reclaiming the title after losing to Kenyan Victor Kipkemei in Quy Nhon last month. Dang Anh Quyet overtook Shohei Miyamoto (Japan) in the final 3km of the race. Miyamoto led for most of the race but faltered in the final stretch, finishing with a time of 2 hours, 47 minutes, and 50 seconds, about a minute behind Dang Anh Quyet. Quyet also used the Puma Deviate Nitro Elite 3 in the race on the morning of 20/7.

Lan Anh