The race will take place on 30/8, featuring three distances: 5 km, 10 km, and 21 km. This marks the first time VnExpress Marathon is held in Vung Tau, making it the 12th destination in the system and the 7th event organized in coastal cities after Ha Long, Da Nang, Quy Nhon, Nha Trang, Can Gio, and Hai Phong.

Registration opened on 25/6. During the super early bird phase, which lasts until 15/7, participation fees are at their most preferential rate: 460.000 VND for the 5 km distance, 580.000 VND for the 10 km distance, and 780.000 VND for the 21 km distance. After this period, ticket prices will increase in subsequent phases.

VnExpress Vung Tau International Half Marathon Herbalife Cup ticket prices:

(25/6 – 15/7)

(16/7 – 29/7)

(30/7 – 12/8)

(13/8 – 19/8)

*unit: VND

To encourage community participation, the organizers apply group discount policies, similar to other VnExpress Marathon events. Groups of 20-50 athletes receive a 5% discount, 51-100 people get 10% off, and 101-500 people receive a 15% discount. The corresponding discount rate is 20% for groups of 501-1.000 people and 25% for groups of 1.001 people or more. This program cannot be combined with other promotions.

Located just over one hour's drive from TP HCM, Vung Tau has long been a familiar destination for the southern running community. The city boasts a long coastline of approximately 42 km and wide coastal roads, making it favorable for outdoor sports activities. The provisional race route is expected to pass through prominent landmarks such as Bai Sau (Back Beach), Bai Truoc (Front Beach), Mui Nghinh Phong, Vung Tau Lighthouse, and the Christ the King statue area.

Athletes participating in the 5km distance start at VnExpress Marathon Can Tho on 10/5. Photo: VnExpress Marathon

Vung Tau is one of the localities with a strong running movement nationwide. Typical clubs include VBRC - Vungtau Beach Running Club, with a Facebook group of over 11.000 members, VungTau Trail Runners with over 5.000 members, and Ba Ria Running Club (BRRC) with nearly 1.000 members. These groups maintain regular training schedules, and many of their athletes have achieved high results in major races.

In late august, temperatures in Vung Tau typically range from 26-30 degrees Celsius. Rain primarily occurs in the late afternoon and evening, while mornings – the main race time – are relatively cool and favorable for athletes. Beyond the competition, runners and their families can combine this with exploring famous local destinations such as Long Hai, Ho Tram, or Vung Tau Lighthouse, while enjoying distinctive dishes like banh khot, stingray hotpot, and fresh seafood.

A corner of Bai Sau, Vung Tau in 9/2025. Photo: Truong Ha

According to tourism department data, by the end of 2024, the Ba Ria - Vung Tau area had approximately 1.360 accommodation establishments with over 22.500 rooms. Among these, 76 one to five-star hotels provide over 8.400 standard rooms. During peak tourist seasons, province-wide room occupancy often reaches 80-85%, with many coastal hotels reporting full occupancy. This diverse accommodation system is deemed sufficiently capable of meeting the needs of thousands of athletes and their families during the event.

Launched in 2019, VnExpress Marathon is currently the largest running event system in Vietnam, with nearly 200.000 participating athletes. In addition to running races, the system also operates the Aquaman Vietnam duathlon event. Besides creating a playground for the running community, the system contributes to promoting the local image through race routes that pass through scenic spots, iconic structures, and cultural destinations.

Thai Anh