The VnExpress Marathon All-Star 2026 is set to take place on Sunday, 8/2, at Hoa Lac Hi-Tech Park. Due to complete road closures, runners are advised to use the organizer's shuttle service or arrange their own transport to arrive at the event before 3h30. This strict timing and venue choice aim to ensure the professional quality of the "All-Star" race, attracting 1,500 runners through a stringent selection process.

Race-kit collection is scheduled for 7/2, from 9h to 17h. Athletes can pick up their kits at The Linc Commercial Center, ParkCity Hanoi Urban Area (Le Trong Tan, Ha Dong). Runners must bring their registration confirmation QR code and personal identification (citizen ID/passport) to complete the procedure.

The race day schedule begins at 3h30 with the opening of the event area and baggage drop-off. Athletes have over one hour to prepare and warm up, with the warm-up period starting at 4h45. The 42 km race will start promptly at 5h. Thirty minutes later, 21 km runners will begin their race. The awards ceremony is scheduled from 9h to 12h at the National Innovation Center (NIC).

To maintain the competitive standards of the event, organizers apply cut-off times (COT) aligned with entry performance standards. For the 42 km distance, the first COT is at km 21 (at 7h15), and the course will close completely at 10h. For the 21 km distance, the finish gate closes at 8h. Runners who do not complete their respective distances within these times will not receive an official result (DNF).

The VnExpress Marathon All-star organizers will arrange shuttle buses to transport athletes to the competition venue. Photo: VnExpress Marathon

As the race venue is approximately 30-40 km from central Hanoi, organizers will provide two-way shuttle buses for runners. Pick-up points are expected in the city center and the ParkCity area. Shuttle times and registration methods will be communicated via email to each athlete next week.

This scale of 1,500 runners ensures maximum professional quality and creates an open competition environment. This allows athletes to focus on achieving personal records (PRs) without congestion.

Early February is typically the coldest and driest period in the North, with temperatures forecast between 12-20 degrees Celsius, ideal for a marathon. The Hoa Lac course, often called the "Temple of Speed" by many runners, features low gradients, good asphalt, few sharp turns, and is fully closed. Athletes will start in waves, supported by numerous water, gel, and electrolyte stations designed to aid high-speed running.

Hai Long