21km runners were the first to cross the finish line on the morning of 20/7. Vong Vanh Long, the men's champion, was ecstatic with his first victory. He repeatedly raised his hands to the sky, gesturing towards the spectators for greater cheers.

After breaking the tape, the Lam Dong native knelt down and kissed his knee, which bore a "Run" tattoo.

Edwin Kiptoo, a Kenyan runner who dominated Vietnamese races in 2024, finished second. He offered a military salute, a familiar celebration among Vietnamese runners, but less common for international athletes.

"Running teacher" Tran Duyen struck a pose as she finished third overall in the 21km race. Doan Oanh and Le Thi Bich finished ahead of her.

10km champion Le Hoang Tan finished to the cheers of hundreds of spectators and volunteers, waving in response.

Beyond the elite runners, the VnExpress Marathon Da Nang was a journey of personal achievement for recreational runners. The scorching heat forced runners to douse themselves with water repeatedly, making the finish line moments even more triumphant.

Singer Ai Phuong completed the 21km in about three hours. Her initial goal was 2 hours and 45 minutes, but the heat affected her plans. Despite this, she inspired many runners who filmed themselves running alongside her. Ai Phuong was friendly, smiling, and posing with them.

Ho Tan Truc made a strong impression with his butterfly-inspired outfit. He ran the 21km in 2 hours and 34 minutes.

A young runner's joy was evident as they finished the 5km race.

Runner Thu Phuong brought her pet along for the 21km race.

Two young runners competed in the 10km, open to runners aged 12 and above.

A runner wearing a dragon shirt carried a dragon model. The dragon is a symbol featured on Da Nang's iconic bridge and the race medal.

A female runner from Quang Tri attracted attention at the finish line with her elaborate boat featuring the VnExpress Marathon logo. Many participants in the 2025 VnExpress Marathon Da Nang said they were regulars at the system's central region races in Hue, Quy Nhon, and Nha Trang.

Nguyen Nhu Vinh and his son raised their hands and posed for photos after completing the 10km.

The 2025 VnExpress Marathon Da Nang attracted 11,000 athletes, a 50% increase from last year. The race showcased Da Nang's landmarks: the Han River, My Khe Beach, and the Dragon, Thuan Phuoc, and Tran Thi Ly bridges. Over 2,000 local runners participated.

Hoai Phuong