Runners queue for bibs at VnExpress Marathon Libera Nha Trang

The VM Libera Nha Trang expo was crowded as over 10,000 runners arrived on Wednesday (23/8) to collect their bibs and explore the booths.

Despite the rather hot weather, around 32 degrees Celsius, runners queued patiently, eager to enter.

Bib distribution for the VnExpress Marathon Libera Nha Trang began at 1 p.m. on 22/8. Around 3,000 runners picked up their bibs on the first day. The remaining 10,000 arrived on Wednesday.

The expo is located within the 44-hectare Libera Nha Trang coastal urban area in Bac Nha Trang ward. Long queues of runners formed from the morning, waiting to receive their bibs and race kits.

Security personnel checked QR codes at the entrance. Only registered runners were allowed inside and had to follow designated routes for security reasons.

This year's VM Libera Nha Trang expo has a different layout compared to previous races. Bib distribution is divided into two separate lines for the 21-42 km and 5-10 km races. This arrangement aimed to reduce congestion and allow runners to receive their bibs more quickly. The organizers mobilized over 100 volunteers to assist runners.

Nguyen Van Khang, a contender for the championship, smiled as he collected his 5 km bib. Khang is a member of the Ho Chi Minh City athletics team and has frequently participated in races to gain experience. He noted that the VnExpress Marathon attracts strong competitors. In the 5 km and 10 km races, many teams send young athletes to gain experience. Competing against these rivals helps him improve quickly.

Jan Vicha, one of the first runners to receive a bib, said this was his first time running a 21 km race in Nha Trang. The route mainly follows the coastline, allowing international runners to easily admire the city's beauty.

Runner Phan Hong Tam and her friend also chose the 21 km race. According to Tam, this is the best distance in the event as it stays close to the beach. Therefore, it's an ideal distance for achieving a personal record while enjoying impressive views.

The organizers set up a large backdrop with the national flag for runners to check in and celebrate the 80th anniversary of National Day.

More than 10 staff members from Tui Blue Nha Trang hotel participated in the race. A representative said the activity helps to build teamwork and energize the staff. Most runners participated in the 5 km and 10 km races, with the route mainly passing through Tran Phu Street.

The event also connected families and groups of friends. Many families in Nha Trang chose to compete together in the 5 km race to strengthen bonds and foster a love for sports.

Besides collecting bibs, runners also participated in activities at sponsor booths, exploring sports products and playing mini-games with prizes.

International runners participated in games at the sponsor booths. This year, the sponsor area features over 10 sponsors from various sectors: nutritional supplements, apparel, sports accessories, technology, healthcare, insurance, and more.