The VnExpress Danang International Marathon Herbalife Cup 2026, held from 17-20/7, culminated in the main race on 19/7. Throughout the event, Da Nang experienced clear, sunny, and hot weather, with temperatures reaching 39 degrees C around midday and early afternoon. This hot weather made skin protection a key concern for many of the approximately 13,000 domestic and international runners participating in the event. Beyond physical training and nutrition, numerous athletes dedicated time at the Expo area to explore sunscreen solutions.

Products at the La Roche-Posay booth. Photo: La Roche-Posay

At the La Roche-Posay booth, many tried Anthelios UVAir, a lightweight sunscreen La Roche-Posay describes as "0 gram". This product is fast-absorbing, provides 16 hours of oil control, and targets individuals frequently active outdoors.

Nguyen Minh Hoang, a 21km runner from Ho Chi Minh City, emphasized that sun protection is essential for runners, especially with race distances extending until 9:30. In the coastal city, the sun begins to shine around 5:30, and prolonged exposure can affect the skin. "The product absorbs quickly, so it doesn't feel greasy when applied before running", Hoang stated.

Runners queue to try the product. Photo: La Roche-Posay

In addition to the product trial area, La Roche-Posay provided a UV Cam machine to analyze skin conditions. This allowed runners to observe signs of UV damage and receive direct consultation from a team of experts. Many athletes noted that this activity offered further insights into skin care during outdoor training.

Hoang Anh Thu, a runner from Da Nang, expressed surprise after her skin scan, seeing areas affected by sunlight that are usually hard to detect. "After the consultation, I better understood how to choose suitable sunscreen for long runs", she said.

Runners participate in minigames at the booth. Photo: La Roche-Posay

The atmosphere at the booth became more vibrant when singer Orange appeared to interact with fans. Many runners took the opportunity to take photos, participate in minigames, and receive gifts from the program.

A brand representative stated that partnering with the VnExpress Marathon system is an opportunity to spread the message of skin protection to those who maintain outdoor exercise routines. Besides product experiences, attendees also had the chance to receive special offers and gifts by participating in activities at the booth.

Orange appears at the booth. Photo: La Roche-Posay

During the two Expo days prior to the race, partner brands offered various experiential activities, contributing to a lively atmosphere before runners began the official race.

Hoai Phuong