Self-nomination - everyone has a chance to be honored.

Unlike the first season, this year, athletes, clubs, and key opinion leaders (KOLs) can nominate themselves or their teams online from 1 to 21/10. After this period, the judging panel will review and select the official nominees for public voting from 1/11 to 31/12. The organizers say allowing runners, clubs, and KOLs to self-nominate is a step forward that brings many benefits to the community.

This new mechanism increases democracy and fairness as all individuals and groups have the opportunity to introduce themselves, encouraging the spirit of actively sharing achievements, inspiring stories, and social contributions. Through this, the community can recognize and honor the diversity, from amateur athletes and local clubs to influential figures on social media, enriching the running landscape.

Vo Kinh (center) receives the Inspirational Runner award at the Runners of the Year 2024 awards gala. Photo: Hieu Luong

In addition, the public voting process after the judging panel's review will allow runners and readers to participate directly, helping to connect the community and create consensus and pride when an individual or group is honored thanks to widespread support.

Expanding categories, recognizing many values of the movement

ROTY 2025 also expands its scale with 19 categories, divided into two main groups: Runner - Club - KOL and Product - Accessories. Among them are many new categories, such as Outstanding Veteran, which honors athletes over 50 years old with consistent achievements and an overcoming spirit; and Running KOL of the Year, recognizing those who have a positive influence on social media and in real life.

According to a representative of the Organizing Committee, this season's criteria not only focus on race results but also on the runner's journey, story, and community impact. The appearance of categories such as Outstanding Veteran and Running KOL of the Year reflects the diversity of the community, from older athletes who still persevere in conquering the track to young faces with strong influence on social media.

"This is not only a personal honor but also sends a message: every running journey that transcends age limits or inspires the community deserves to be recognized. This approach makes the movement more accessible, encouraging participation from many walks of life, affirming that running is a positive lifestyle capable of connecting and spreading human values," the representative assessed.

Meaningful accompanying program

A special feature of this year's ROTY is the combination of sports and social responsibility. The accompanying program called Race To ROTY, launched by vRace, takes place from 15/11 to 31/12. Participants can register individually or as a club, accumulating points through completed kilometers to exchange for medals, finisher shirts, race-kits, or team trophies.

Each kilometer run is converted into a newly planted tree with support from the Hope fund, bringing community value and aiming for sustainable development.

"From a community perspective, this is a practical call for the movement to become part of a green lifestyle, turning races into something more than just running. This approach makes the Runners of the Year 2025 award more unique and meaningful than ordinary sporting events.

In addition, the Runners of The Year 2025 awards gala is likely to be held at the same time as a race in the VnExpress Marathon system, allowing runners to combine their schedules.

ROTY, organized by VnExpress, starts on 1/10, aiming to honor outstanding athletic achievements, the spirit of overcoming limitations, and positive contributions to the community. The awards ceremony is scheduled for 25/1/2026 in Hanoi.

Lan Anh