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The route through Libera Nha Trang is a new addition to this year's VnExpress Marathon. An estimated 6,000 runners in the 42km and 21km races passed through the 44-hectare coastal city. The route traverses the iconic Do Theater, rows of townhouses, Trong Dong Square, and the developing La Tien Villa area. |
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KDI Holdings, the investor, illuminated the routes throughout the night for the runners. The course within the city is flat, wide, and well-maintained. |
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Tra Giang (bib 90193), a top 42km runner, strides through Libera Nha Trang. In addition to the existing lighting, organizers installed additional lampposts along the route to ensure a good racing experience during the night. |
21km champion Nguyen Khanh Ly ran past the Do Theater at approximately 4:40 a.m. Runner-up Tran Duyen followed closely behind.
Inspired by the fishing gear of local fishermen, the Do Theater is considered one of Khanh Hoa Province's most striking new architectural landmarks. It hosts various art performances, notably "Roi Mo" (Dream Puppetry), which attracts tens of thousands of viewers monthly.
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A male 42km runner passes through the urban area near 6 a.m. The buildings in this area become more prominent as daylight breaks. |
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For the majority of runners, who are recreational runners, dawn began to break as they passed Libera Nha Trang. From the coastal city, the route continues directly to the Luong Son Pass, which has an elevation of over 50 meters. This section is challenging, but it also rewards runners with panoramic views of the sea and sky in the early morning mist. |
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A 42km runner ascends Luong Son Pass at sunrise. Nha Trang Bay on one side and the cliffs on the other create a magnificent landscape rarely seen in Vietnamese races. |
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A female runner celebrates conquering Luong Son Pass. |
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An aerial view of Libera Nha Trang coastal city. |
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In addition to being part of the race route, the coastal city also hosted the expo and race kit distribution for 13,000 athletes on 22/8 and 23/8. |
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During the event, the urban area offered various discounts on dining, accommodation, and cultural entertainment for the runners. |
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Runners also had the opportunity to watch several shows at the Do Theater. The theater recently premiered the Chum Show, a journey exploring Khanh Hoa's local culture through a contemporary artistic lens. The performance connects three distinct cultural streams: the profound mystique of Cham culture, the robust and free spirit of the Central Highlands ethnic groups, and the elegant and refined community life of the Kinh people.
According to a representative of KDI Holdings, partnering with VnExpress Marathon helps promote the free and diverse experiences offered by the coastal city. They hope Libera Nha Trang will become a hub for sports, entertainment, and arts for locals and tourists, contributing to tourism and making Nha Trang and Khanh Hoa a desirable bayside destination.
Linh Lam
