The medal draws inspiration from Da Nang's iconic landmarks: the Love Bridge and the Dragon Bridge. A prominent feature is a sunrise over Son Tra peninsula, with the dragon's eye ingeniously transformed into a red heart. This design symbolizes both the challenging journey of the race and the athletes' affection for this coastal city.

Da Nang is a popular summer destination for runners, known for its flat courses, characteristic coastal weather, and diverse scenery. Participants will navigate scenic coastal routes, cross several symbolic bridges, and traverse central city roads.

The heart-shaped medal for the VnExpress Da Nang International Marathon Herbalife Cup 2026. Photo: VnExpress Marathon

According to the organizers, the stylized heart represents the memorable experiences and emotions runners gather during their visits to Da Nang. These can include morning runs along the coastline to catch the sunrise, admiring the Han River by night, or savoring local cuisine after completing their race distance.

At the heart of the design is an embossed dragon's head facing the open sea, inspired by the city's iconic Dragon Bridge. This detail embodies the strong, resilient spirit and the athletes' ambition to push their limits on their journey to the finish line.

Medals are awarded to all athletes who complete their chosen distance, serving as a distinct part of each race's identity. Many runners participate specifically to collect these locally themed medals, preserving memories of combining sport with leisure after each season.

The embossed dragon head on the medal symbolizes the Dragon Bridge – an iconic structure of Da Nang city. Photo: VnExpress Marathon

In recent years, the VnExpress Marathon series has consistently integrated cultural symbols, landscapes, or regional characteristics into its race kits and medal designs. For Da Nang, the organizers chose images of bridges, the sea, and a heart to project the city's youthful, modern, yet culturally rich spirit.

The VnExpress Da Nang International Marathon Herbalife Cup 2026 is expected to attract thousands of domestic and international athletes, reinforcing its status as one of Vietnam's largest summer running events. Beyond the competition, organizers continue to focus on developing the event experience as a sports festival blended with tourism. Investments in race items, jerseys, medals, and complimentary post-race photos aim to enhance the overall experience for participants.

Thy An