The VnExpress Marathon Can Tho 2026 boasts a total prize pool exceeding 1 billion VND, distributed across 108 awards. This structure, a hallmark of the VnExpress Marathon series, includes both overall and age group categories. Organizers aim to motivate runners of all levels, providing competitive opportunities for elite athletes and realistic goals for amateur participants in the 42 km and 21 km distances. This ensures a diverse field and allows more athletes to achieve recognition.

Overall prize structure for the 42 km distance at VnExpress Marathon Can Tho 2026. *Graphics: VnExpress Marathon*

The 42 km distance features the most comprehensive prize structure. In the overall category, organizers award prizes to the top 5 men and women, with prize packages valued from 17,8 million to 26,8 million VND. The champion receives the top prize package, including 15 million VND in cash, PUMA Deviate NITRO Elite 4 shoes, and product sets from Duoc Dong A and Herbalife. The second to fifth positions receive prize packages valued at 23,8 million, 20,8 million, 19,3 million, and 17,8 million VND respectively, including cash and sponsor-provided items.

In addition to the overall category, organizers also award age group prizes for 42 km runners, covering groups aged 30 and below, 31-39, 40-49, 50-59, and 60 and above. The three groups under 50 years old are awarded up to the top 5 men and women, with the highest prize package valued at 12,9 million VND. The two groups aged 50 and above also honor five ranked positions, with the top three receiving cash along with in-kind gifts, and the remaining positions receiving gifts from sponsors.

For the 21 km distance, organizers award prizes to the top three men and women overall, with prize packages valued from 16,8 million to 19,8 million VND. The champion receives the highest prize package, including 8 million VND in cash, PUMA Deviate NITRO Elite 4 shoes, and product sets from Duoc Dong A and Herbalife.

The next two positions receive prize packages valued at 18,3 million and 16,8 million VND respectively, including 6,5 million and 5 million VND in cash. In the age group category, the top three men and women in five groups are also honored, with the highest prize package valued at 11,6 million VND, comprising 4 million VND in cash and in-kind gifts from sponsors.

Masaki Kusumoto won last year's Can Tho race with a time of 2 hours 37 minutes 31 seconds. *Photo: VnExpress Marathon*

For the two shorter distances, prizes go to the top three men and women. In the 10 km distance, the champion receives a prize package valued at 14,8 million VND, while second and third place receive 14,3 million and 13,8 million VND respectively. In the 5 km distance, the top three positions receive prize packages valued at 14,3 million, 13,8 million, and 13,3 million VND respectively. All categories include cash and sponsor gifts.

Athletes can find detailed prize information here.

VnExpress Marathon Can Tho 2026 takes place on 10/5 at Hau River Park, featuring four distances: 5 km, 10 km, 21 km, and 42 km. The race, themed "Riding the Waves of Tay Do", guides 10,000 athletes along a course featuring the most bridges in the VnExpress Marathon system – eight bridges with a total elevation gain of only about 70 m.

A highlight of the 42 km distance is the section passing through the Cai Rang floating market around km 34, when the market begins to bustle. This unique course experience allows athletes to conquer the marathon challenge while immersing themselves in the early morning rhythm of Mekong Delta river life.

Hai Long