The VnExpress Marathon has been organized in 11 provinces and cities across Vietnam. Vung Tau was selected as a new location at this time for several reasons.

Vung Tau recently completed a major investment in renovating its coastline. The organizers aimed to leverage this opportunity to offer Southern runners a beautiful coastal route within their region. This event is the first large-scale race, expected to draw over 6,000 to 7,000 participants, in the area since the coastal renovation. This, combined with Vung Tau's inherent beach beauty, is expected to attract not only runners but also their families and friends.

Additionally, Vung Tau boasts a vibrant running community. Many local running clubs were established nearly ten years ago, producing elite amateur athletes. A professional event like this will further boost Vung Tau's running movement and create an opportunity for local runners to invite fellow runners nationwide to participate and interact.

Fireworks light up Bai Sau beach, Vung Tau ward on 2/7. Photo: Dinh Van

The 21km VnExpress Marathon Vung Tau course offers advantages for runners aiming for personal records.

The route combines two key elements: scenic views and conditions conducive to achieving high performance. This coastal course is very flat, with only minor inclines. Runners who train and prepare well can certainly achieve their personal bests here.

Some runners express concern about the late summer temperatures in the Southern region. However, Vung Tau's weather is more favorable than other coastal cities like Da Nang, Quy Nhon, or Nha Trang for long-distance running. During this period, the city's morning weather is pleasantly cool, avoiding the intense sun experienced in other Central localities.

The Bien Hoa - Vung Tau Expressway shortens travel time from TP HCM to Vung Tau to about 70 minutes. Photo: Phuoc Tuan

This event targets specific groups of runners and differs from other races in the system.

The running community in the Southern region, extending from the South Central provinces, will be most interested in the race. Vung Tau is a popular tourist destination in the South, but since the renovation of its coastline and public infrastructure, the locality has not hosted any major running events.

One of VnExpress Marathon's goals is to support host provinces and cities in expanding their tourism products, attracting visitors who enjoy combining relaxation with sports and physical activity. Following its integration with TP HCM, we expect the event to help promote Vung Tau's new image.

Furthermore, as we move towards an international model, the organizers hope to attract and encourage foreign runners to participate. We have high expectations for Asian markets such as Japan, South Korea, and China, as the event timing coincides with the late-year travel season in many countries.

European runners from Germany, France, Italy, and the US also frequently participate in VnExpress Marathon events. Vung Tau's proximity to TP HCM ensures convenient travel and lower costs compared to many other locations.

Duong Hai Anh, VnExpress Marathon Race Director, speaks at a press conference. Photo: Quynh Tran

With tens of thousands of people expected, including runners and their families, the organizers have coordinated closely with local authorities to meet the needs of participants for both competition and sightseeing.

Vung Tau's services and unique cultural tourism features are comprehensive, ensuring participants have a quality experience. Regarding licensing, the city facilitated quick and thorough processing of all procedures. Departments and agencies received directives to coordinate with the organizers for timely solutions, including functional forces, medical personnel, environmental sanitation, and urban lighting. The city organized separate meetings to review information from the organizers and direct relevant departments to take action.

Several factors make this race worth dedicating a weekend to participate in.

The course offers almost continuous sea views, cool morning weather, comprehensive services, and is just over an hour's drive via expressway from TP HCM. This marks the first time Vung Tau hosts a large-scale coastal race after its comprehensive coastal investment. It provides an opportunity for the Southern running community to experience a coastal race on home ground with an entirely new route.

Minh Khang

VnExpress Marathon Vung Tau 2026, taking place on 30/8, is a large-scale international running event within the VnExpress Marathon system. The race's coastal route is expected to pass famous landmarks such as Vung Tau Lighthouse, Christ the King Statue, and Nghinh Phong Cape. Super Early Bird tickets are currently on sale until 15/7, offering the best discounts, and interested runners can register here.