The race is scheduled for the early morning of 21/12. The 42km distance will start first at 2:30 h, 30 minutes earlier than in 2024. The cut-off time (COT) has also been reduced to 6 h from 6 h 30 minutes. Organizers have set five cut-off points at kilometer 5, 15, 21, 32, and 40, corresponding to times from the start of 1 h 25 minutes, 2 h 55 minutes, 3 h 50 minutes, 4 h 55 minutes, and 6 h respectively.
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Doan Thu Hang competes with American runner Mary Brooke Connarcher at VnExpress Marathon Hai Phong 2024. *VnExpress Marathon*. |
The 5km course. *VnExpress Marathon*
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The 10km course. *VnExpress Marathon*
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The 21km course. *VnExpress Marathon*
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The 42km course. *VnExpress Marathon*
For the 21km distance, runners will start at 3:30 h and must finish before 7 h. The two cut-off points in the Le Hong Phong – Trung Hanh and The Lu – Cao Thang areas remain unchanged from the 2024 season. The 10km distance starts at 5:30 h and closes at 7:30 h, with one cut-off point at the 7:10 h mark. The 5km distance starts at 6:30 h and closes at 7:45 h.
According to the organizers, the decision to adjust start times is based on the significant increase in athlete numbers across all distances this year. Widening the start intervals between groups helps reduce runner density on the road, ensuring safety and preventing congestion in narrow sections. This adjustment also aims to manage traffic, as many roads on the 42km course are main arteries of the city in the morning.
"Many roads on the 42km course are important traffic routes in Hai Phong. Closing the race course early (before 8:30 h) demonstrates the event's commitment to quickly restoring clear traffic flow in the city, minimizing disruption to residents' morning routines," a representative from the organizing committee stated.
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Beyond traffic considerations, the earlier start times offer performance advantages. In the cool december weather of northern Vietnam, runners can maintain stable body temperature, reduce dehydration, and sustain a better heart rate, thereby increasing their chances of achieving personal records (PRs). Finishing the race before 8:30 h also gives athletes more time to rest and enjoy Hai Phong's cuisine and tourism on sunday.
The course structure for all four distances has not changed significantly. All distances start at Nha Ken Flower Garden and finish at Kim Dong Flower Garden on Tran Hung Dao Street. The 42km distance specifically runs towards Do Son, with organizers' shuttle buses providing transport back to the start area. The overall design of the VnExpress Marathon Hai Phong course received praise in the two previous seasons. Maintaining the same elevation and route helps runners plan their strategies.
The number of water stations has increased to 22, two more than last year. Station density will be higher in the latter half of the 42km course, near Do Son, to help runners maintain stamina. Medical and sanitation stations are interspersed according to VnExpress Marathon system standards. Each course has QR codes linking to GPX files for runners to download and study in advance.
VnExpress Marathon Hai Phong 2025 will take place on 21/12, bringing together over 14,000 athletes, including 5,000 registered for the 42km distance. All information regarding the course, venue, and athlete guidelines will be updated on the event's fanpage and website in the coming period.
Lan Anh
