Scheduled for 1/5, the VnExpress Marathon Green Paradise Can Gio is not just a new race in the series; it also offers a distinctive race-cation experience. Runners can participate in a race set amidst a "forest-meets-sea" landscape, combining the holiday with multi-faceted eco-tourism.

With its convenient proximity to the city center and bib collection points within the city, the race attracts both performance-driven runners and those seeking a unique experience.

The greenest 'forest-meets-sea' course in the system

The primary appeal of VM Green Paradise Can Gio lies in the unique character of its course. All four distances, 5, 10, 21, and 42 km, start and finish at Dai Lo Thoi Dai, Vinh Tien area, within the 2,870-hectare Vinhomes Green Paradise ecological mega-city. The expansive coastal area, abundant greenery, and natural cool breezes ensure a pleasant experience from start to finish.

Pink trumpet trees and bougainvillea bloomed along Rung Sac road last March. Photo: Kha Thien Loc

Unlike many urban races that often pass through residential areas and busy intersections, this course takes runners through the Rung Sac axis, a prominent ecological highlight of the entire route. This area features characteristic mangrove forests with sprawling green landscapes, fresh air, and scenery often likened to the green lung of Ho Chi Minh City (TP HCM).

Beyond its scenic beauty, the course offers clear advantages for competition. According to the organizers, the terrain along the entire route is almost flat, with an elevation fluctuating under 20 meters above sea level and very few sharp turns. These technical characteristics allow runners to maintain a stable pace, minimizing energy loss from constant changes in direction, benefiting both those aiming for personal bests and those prioritizing the experience.

Held during a long holiday weekend

VM Green Paradise Can Gio takes place on 1/5, coinciding with the 30/4 and 1/5 holidays. This year, these two days fall on a Thursday and a Friday, connecting with the weekend to create a four-day holiday. This is a significant advantage for the race, as runners have extra time to combine competing, resting, and exploring Can Gio without rushing back home immediately.

During this period, participants can also visit Chien khu Rung Sac, a historical site associated with the Rung Sac special forces during the war and one of Can Gio's prominent historical landmarks. Amidst the 30/4 and 1/5 commemorations, the journey to the race thus carries not only sporting significance but also expands into a trip connected with history, nature, and local experiences.

A group of tourists kayaking at an eco-tourism area in Can Gio. Photo: Kha Thien Loc

Diverse eco-tourism experiences

The extended holiday also opens opportunities for runners to combine the race with diverse travel experiences. Athletes can explore the local area through various characteristic activities such as river tours, mangrove forest visits, kayaking, trips to Dao Khi, exploring Khu du lich sinh thai Vam Sat—home to many wild birds like egrets and night herons—or experiencing community-based tourism in Thieng Lieng, Thanh An.

The destination's appeal also lies in its distinctive coastal cuisine. After crossing the finish line, runners can enjoy local dishes such as oysters, slipper lobsters, common periwinkles, along with unique specialties like nipa palm fruit, sand mango, and dried pineapple fish for lunch or dinner. This combination of sport, eco-tourism, and local gastronomy makes the race-cation journey even more fulfilling.

Grilled oysters with scallion oil at Can Gio beach. Photo: Kha Thien Loc

Convenient travel

Can Gio is approximately 50 km from Ho Chi Minh City's center, allowing runners to easily plan their schedules. From the city, visitors can travel by personal vehicle towards the Binh Khanh ferry, then enter the Rung Sac road to reach the competition area. This manageable distance makes the race a convenient choice for runners who wish to return quickly, as well as for those combining the race with relaxation and exploration.

The organizers also facilitate runners' schedules by arranging bib collection points in Thao Dien on 29/4 and at the competition area on 30/4. This arrangement allows runners living and working in the inner city to collect their race kits early, while those traveling to Can Gio closer to race day can still complete procedures at the event site.

The race medal is a souvenir commemorating the journey of exploring Can Gio. Photo: VnExpress Marathon

Unique medal featuring mangrove characteristics

For many runners, a medal bearing the distinctive mark of the host location can be the deciding factor for participating in a race. At VM Green Paradise Can Gio, the finisher's medal holds a unique appeal for participants.

Inspired by the Can Gio mangrove ecosystem, the medal design depicts the image of a mangrove tree with widespread roots, symbolizing enduring vitality and the interface between land and sea. Surrounding it are embossed details such as egrets, monkeys, and ripples, recreating the characteristic nature of this region. This design also highlights biodiversity values and spreads an environmental protection message to participants. For tourists combining the race with travel, this medal is a perfect souvenir to conclude their race-cation journey in Can Gio.

Hai Long

VnExpress Marathon Green Paradise Can Gio took place on 1/5, attracting over 5,000 athletes. The event was organized by VnExpress newspaper and FPT Online Services Joint Stock Company, in coordination with Vinhomes Green Paradise.

Vinhomes Green Paradise spans 2,870 hectares and is planned as an international, ecological, smart, multi-functional coastal mega-city, aiming for ESG++ standards. The urban area integrates residential, accommodation, commercial, tourism, healthcare, and educational spaces, making it ideal for running enthusiasts. It is expected to become a new tourism icon, attracting 40 million visitors annually.