More than a week before race day, distinguished artist Quang Hao said he is ready for the event, which will bring together 11,000 participants on 20/7. He's not aiming to break his personal best of 2 hours and 13 minutes, instead targeting a sub-2:30 finish as he has recently resumed training after a break.
Hao has run the 21km distance in several local races, but this is his first VnExpress Marathon. He registered due to the event's scale and reputation. He sees it not as a competition but as a personal reward, combining physical training with mental rejuvenation after intense work.
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Quang Hao checks in with members of Da Nang Runners after a run. Photo: FBNV |
Quang Hao checks in with members of Da Nang Runners after a run. Photo: FBNV
Born in 1980, Quang Hao won second prize at Sao Mai 2005, first prize at the Quang Nam Singing Contest 2003, first prize at the Da Nang Television Singing Contest 2005, and a gold medal at the National Singing and Dancing Festival 2009. In 2017, he was appointed director of the Trung Vuong Theater in Da Nang, one of central Vietnam’s largest performing arts institutions.
Hao started running about two years ago with friends after cycling. He enjoys running and has stuck with it, running along the Han River twice a week. Recently, his training was interrupted due to work. He had to rebuild his training plan to ensure he has the stamina for the 21km race.
"Sports bring health, clarity, and inspiration to art," he said. After each run, he feels energized and relaxed, ready for demanding and creative tasks.
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Quang Hao on a cycling trip with friends. Photo: FBNV |
Quang Hao on a cycling trip with friends. Photo: FBNV
The theater director compares running to a "relaxing" piece of music, not overly strenuous but still rhythmic. He wants to inspire healthy living among his colleagues through running. Many of his staff join him for morning runs.
"With today's high workload, regular exercise is essential. I believe if young people maintain a daily 3-5km run, their work efficiency can improve significantly," he said.
Hao's long-term goal is to conquer the 42km marathon. He considers it a "must-achieve dream" and will plan more serious training after completing the Da Nang VM next week.
The VnExpress Marathon Da Nang 2025 will take place on the morning of 20/7, with the route passing by iconic tourist spots: the Dragon Bridge, the Thuan Phuoc Bridge, the Han River, and the Vo Nguyen Giap coastal road. This year, the starting time has been changed to 2:30 a.m. The finish line for the 42km race has been moved to Bien Dong Park to expand the cheering area and enhance the runners’ experience.
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