This unique marathon, known for its strict entry standards, will maintain the same attractive prize money as last year. The male and female full marathon champions will each receive 100 million dong. The next four finishers in the top 5 will be awarded 40 million, 30 million, 20 million, and 15 million dong, respectively. In addition to the cash prizes, athletes will also receive non-cash awards from the organizers and event partners.

Nguyen Thi Oanh won the 21km distance at VnExpress Marathon All-Star 2025. Photo: VnExpress Marathon

The 21km race also promises a thrilling competition, with the winner receiving 30 million dong. Finishers in the second through fifth positions will earn 20, 15, 12, and 10 million dong, respectively. The total cash prize fund for both distances amounts to 584 million dong, exclusively for the top-performing athletes.

Age group winners (under 30, 31-39, 41-49, and over 50) will receive trophies and non-cash awards from the organizers in recognition of their efforts.

According to the organizers, the decision to maintain this prize structure, which focuses on top finishers, aims to elevate the professional standards of the event. "We believe that not only the champions, but also those who secure a spot in the top 5 of a speed-focused race, deserve to be recognized with valuable awards," stated an event representative.

Scheduled for 8/2, the VnExpress Marathon All-Star will gather around 1,500 athletes. Qualification standards require male runners to complete the 42km distance in under 4 hours or the 21km distance in under 2 hours. Female runners must finish the full marathon in under 5 hours or the half marathon in under 2 hours 30 minutes. The race course in Hoa Lac is a specialized track. The 42km distance comprises two loops, featuring long straightaways, minimal sharp turns, and a flat asphalt surface, which the running community has dubbed Vietnam's "temple of speed" for marathons.

Last April, the inaugural VnExpress Marathon All-Star attracted leading domestic and international runners. The 42km race saw participation from Hoang Nguyen Thanh and Nguyen Van Lai, two of Vietnam's top full marathon athletes. However, the championship title ultimately went to Kennedy Njogu Muhia of Kenya, who set a time of 2 hours 16 minutes 52 seconds – the best marathon performance recorded in Vietnam at that time.

In the women's event, Pham Thi Hong Le secured the championship, breaking her personal record with a time of 2 hours 44 minutes. She outpaced Hoang Thi Ngoc Hoa, who holds Vietnam's second-best personal record. Nguyen Thi Oanh, the Vietnamese marathon record holder, registered for the half marathon and achieved an easy victory. The men's 21km championship was claimed by Nguyen Trung Cuong, aligning with expert predictions.

With its sustained attractive prize money, the VnExpress Marathon All-Star is expected to continue drawing top runners to compete in early February in Hoa Lac, Hanoi.

Lan Anh