Around 4 AM, heavy rain began to fall in Hoa Lac Hi-Tech Park (Hanoi). Many early-arriving runners wore raincoats and started their warm-ups to maintain body heat. Despite the conditions, one hour later, the 42 km race began with an enthusiastic atmosphere.

Despite the adverse weather, many athletes meeting the sub-4 male and sub-5 female standards still aimed for new personal records. Le Thanh Tung noted that the cold rain required thorough preparation from athletes, but the low temperature helped the body conserve energy, maintaining a lower heart rate, and also fueled runners' determination.

Huynh Anh Khoi (leading) demonstrated his prowess by pulling ahead in the initial kilometers amidst the pouring rain. Behind him were record-holder Hoang Nguyen Thanh, veteran Nguyen Van Lai, and other international runners.

The heavy rain created numerous puddles on the Hoa Lac road surface, transforming the race into a true "water battle." Athletes needed intense focus to control their speed and avoid slipping, especially with their clothes soaked.

The 21 km race started 30 minutes after the full marathon. Kenedy Njogu and Edwin Kiptoo from Kenya quickly accelerated, breaking away from the pack in the 21 km event. The two Kenyan runners maintained a high pace, facing almost no competition in the early kilometers despite the slippery road.

Runners formed small groups, running closely together to "draft" through open stretches of road. This critical strategy helped them support each other in maintaining pace and conserving energy against strong winds that depleted their stamina.

Despite striding through heavy rain, many runners smiled and posed for photographers. For them, conquering All-Star 2026 under such harsh conditions was an unforgettable athletic experience.

Conversely, headwind and the cold, rainy weather in Hoa Lac presented many challenges for international runners. These conditions directly impacted their ability to maintain pace and execute race strategies. In the photo, Wendwesen Tilahun Damte from Ethiopia is seen struggling before withdrawing at the 10th km.

The team of volunteers and crew endured the rain for many hours to ensure water stations and medical support were available. The resilience of this support team allowed athletes to compete confidently throughout the long course.

Elite female runners showcased their form on the way to the finish line. All-Star 2026 set a strict time limit for female athletes, at 4 hours 30 minutes. Despite this, many female runners accepted the challenge.

According to some athletes, completing the 42 km within the regulated time was already a victory. "The All-Star 2026 medal is perhaps the most special memento in my running journey because it proves the spirit of daring to accept challenges," shared Nguyen Tri Kiet.

Champion Hoang Nguyen Thanh finished with the best recorded performance by a Vietnamese athlete in a domestic marathon – a testament to the event's high professional standards.

Minh Ngoc

Photos: VnExpress Marathon