According to the organizing committee, all four distances – 5, 10, 21, and 42 km – will start and finish on Dai Lo Thoi Dai, in the Vinh Tien area of the 2,870-hectare Vinhomes Green Paradise ecological super-urban area.

Green elements are a consistent highlight in this year's course design. For the two longer distances, runners will traverse routes rich in the local ecological character. For the 21 km race, athletes will cross Thanh Thoi road before entering the Rung Sac Forest axis, then return to the internal area to finish. In the 42 km distance, runners will pass through Duyen Hai route in the first half of the journey, then continue into Rung Sac Forest before returning to the internal area to complete the race.

Rung Sac road is a highlight of the 21 km and 42 km VnExpress Marathon Green Paradise Can Gio courses. Photo: Thanh Tung

The 42 km race course.

The 21 km race course.

The 10 km race course.

The 5 km race course.

"Connecting most of the route with green spaces, mangrove forests, and open roads is expected to give athletes a sense of closeness to nature, more physical comfort, and added inspiration throughout their challenging journey," a representative from the organizing committee shared.

Another advantage of the course, according to the organizers, is its largely flat terrain. The entire route's elevation above sea level is consistently below 20 m, with very few sharp turns. This design helps runners maintain a more stable pace, reduces fatigue from constant changes in direction, and benefits both those aiming for personal bests and those prioritizing the experience.

For the shorter distances, the race is designed mainly within the Vinhomes Green Paradise project's internal area. The 5 km distance starts on Dai Lo Thoi Dai, runs straight for 2,5 km, then turns back along the same route to finish at the starting point. The 10 km distance has a similar structure, with a 5 km straight section before turning back into the internal area.

A special feature of these shorter distances is the wide-open coastal space, high density of trees, and natural cool breeze for most of the competition time. Combined with the flat surface, the 5 km and 10 km distances are suitable for new runners, families wanting to enjoy the event's atmosphere, and also provide favorable conditions for runners aiming for personal records.

This year's race schedule is also designed to optimize the athlete experience. Specifically, the 42 km race starts at 4h, 21 km at 5h, 10 km at 6h, and 5 km at 6h15. The estimated course closing times are 10h30 for the marathon, 8h30 for the half marathon, 8h for the 10 km, and 7h30 for the 5 km.

The later start times, compared to some other races in the system, aim to give runners more flexibility to travel to Can Gio, an area known for requiring ferry crossings. This arrangement also allows athletes to better utilize natural light on sections of the road without complete lighting systems, ensuring a safe race and allowing them to fully enjoy the green environment.

The presence in Can Gio demonstrates the VnExpress Marathon system's expansion strategy to distinctive destinations with rich local character. Can Gio offers runners the chance to run through a unique ecological landscape, where green elements are not just part of the scenery but also the overarching spirit of the race.

Hai Long

The race is currently open for Super Early Bird registration until 31/3. Ticket prices are: 330.000 dong for the 5 km distance, 450.000 dong for 10 km, 600.000 dong for 21 km, and 790.000 dong for the 42 km distance.

Runners can register here.