The 42km race at the VnExpress Marathon Libera Nha Trang 2025 is highly anticipated by many runners, not only because it's the only route that crosses Luong Son Pass (nearly 8km), but also because it brings together many top amateur runners.

Last year's top finishers at VM Nha Trang included Trieu Tien Luyen (Bib 90292), Kipchumba (next to Luyen), followed by Dan Quyet and Hua Thuan Long. Photo: VnExpress Marathon

Last year's top finishers at VM Nha Trang included Trieu Tien Luyen (Bib 90292), Kipchumba (next to Luyen), followed by Dan Quyet and Hua Thuan Long. Photo: VnExpress Marathon

This is the second consecutive year that Trieu Tien Luyen returns to Nha Trang as the defending champion. Last year, he finished first with a time of 2 hours 39 minutes and 27 seconds, surpassing Kipchumba with a decisive surge on the Luong Son Pass climb – a section that demands not only endurance but also strategic pacing. His long-term training in Phan Thiet, a region with a similar climate and terrain to Nha Trang, helped Luyen adapt well to the race conditions, especially when high humidity can challenge runners unfamiliar with central Vietnam's climate.

Kipchumba, a Kenyan runner with many years of experience in the VnExpress Marathon system, is still seeking his first title. He has frequently been among the leaders but has yet to reach the top spot. At Nha Trang 2024, Kipchumba closely followed Trieu Tien Luyen for most of the race but faltered on Luong Son Pass, ultimately finishing behind him.

Over the past year, he has continued to perform consistently in the VnExpress Marathon Hue and Quy Nhon, but has faced fierce competition from increasingly strong Vietnamese amateur runners, including Dan Quyet and Hua Thuan Long.

Hua Thuan Long (white shirt) and Trinh Quoc Luong approaching the finish line at the Nha Trang 2023 race. Photo: VM

Hua Thuan Long (white shirt) and Trinh Quoc Luong approaching the finish line at the Nha Trang 2023 race. Photo: VM

Dan Quyet exemplifies the group of amateur runners who have made significant strides in the last two years. He surpassed Kipchumba at the VnExpress Marathon Quy Nhon 2024 and recently finished second at the VnExpress Marathon Da Nang. While not a professional, Dan Quyet is highly regarded for his pacing and mental fortitude, particularly in races with varied terrain like Nha Trang.

Hua Thuan Long, the two-time champion of the VnExpress Marathon Hai Phong, is another formidable contender. Despite not focusing on races earlier in the year, he has maintained his fitness through training in Da Lat. Having participated in Nha Trang for three consecutive years, Long has ample experience conquering Luong Son Pass. Although he has not yet won here, he is expected to deliver a surprise performance if he maintains a steady pace in the second half of the race.

Another name in the competition is Le Van Huong, a young runner who only started running full marathons in 5/2025 but has shown remarkable progress. Although this is his first time competing in the VnExpress Marathon Nha Trang, his consistent performance in northern races and thorough preparation could lead to a surprise finish among the leaders.

Nguyen Van Lai with Kipchumba (far left) and Kiptoo (center) at VM Hue 2024. Photo: VM

Nguyen Van Lai with Kipchumba (far left) and Kiptoo (center) at VM Hue 2024. Photo: VM

Meanwhile, SEA Games champion Nguyen Van Lai, who delivered an impressive performance at the VnExpress Marathon Hue, remains uncertain about his participation due to personal commitments. If he participates, he is a top contender for the 42km title. Van Lai raced in Nha Trang in 2022, so he is familiar with the course.

The VnExpress Marathon Libera Nha Trang 2025 will host 13,000 runners. The race takes place on the morning of 24/8, along the coastal road, crossing Tran Phu Bridge, Tram Huong Tower, and Luong Son Pass. The event concludes the VnExpress Marathon's summer series, catering to runners who enjoy combining tourism with sports.

Lan Anh