According to the organizers, half of the participants are from Ho Chi Minh City and other southern provinces. The 21km distance remains the most popular, accounting for over 60% of registrations.

"This is encouraging. For a brand new event to achieve registration numbers comparable to established races in its first year demonstrates Can Tho's strong appeal to the running community," a representative said.

5km runners at the start of VnExpress Marathon Libera Nha Trang in August. Photo: VnExpress Marathon

5km runners at the start of VnExpress Marathon Libera Nha Trang in August. Photo: VnExpress Marathon

This marks VnExpress Marathon's expansion into the Mekong Delta, following successful events in nine other provinces and cities across Vietnam. Choosing Can Tho is a strategic move to bring running closer to the river region's community.

"We hope that VnExpress Marathon's arrival in Can Tho will inspire thousands of new runners and create opportunities for both amateur and professional athletes to connect and learn," the representative added.

While the race route is yet to be officially announced, the organizers have revealed it will showcase Can Tho's beauty. Runners will pass by Ben Ninh Kieu Wharf, the iconic Can Tho Bridge, riverside streets, and local residential areas, experiencing a blend of modern urban life and the Mekong Delta's tranquility.

Scheduled for mid-September, the race will benefit from Can Tho's pleasant weather, with temperatures typically ranging from 26-31 degrees Celsius, providing ideal conditions for runners to challenge themselves.

VnExpress Marathon Can Tho 2025 is expected to become a prominent sports tourism product for the region. The city boasts infrastructure, scenery, and a unique culture suitable for creating a distinctive experience for runners.

Cai Rang Floating Market in Can Tho. Photo: Huy Phong

Cai Rang Floating Market in Can Tho. Photo: Huy Phong

Can Tho has an international airport with direct connections to Hanoi, Ho Chi Minh City, and Da Nang, along with convenient transport links to neighboring provinces. The city offers nearly 640 accommodation options, including riverside homestays, catering to the diverse needs of runners and tourists.

Beyond the race itself, runners and their families can visit Cai Rang Floating Market, savor local delicacies like banh tet la cam (sticky rice cake wrapped in magenta leaves) and grilled snakehead fish, or explore the orchards with their year-round fruit harvests.

"We want every runner visiting Can Tho not just to compete, but also to experience the Mekong Delta's hospitality and lifestyle," the representative said.

The inaugural VnExpress Marathon Can Tho will begin on the morning of 14/9.

Lan Anh