Da Nang has what it takes to be a regional running paradise

Diverse terrain, complete infrastructure, and tourism appeal make Da Nang an ideal destination for large-scale races, according to the city's tourism association president.

"Da Nang's terrain allows for diverse running routes, converging the sea, rivers, bridges, and mountains within a compact area. This is a feature that few cities in Vietnam or the region possess," said Cao Tri Dung, President of the Da Nang Tourism Association, assessing the city's advantages in hosting running events.

Elite runners compete at VnExpress Marathon Da Nang 2024. Photo: VnExpress Marathon

Elite runners compete at VnExpress Marathon Da Nang 2024. Photo: VnExpress Marathon

The combination of sports and tourism is becoming a global trend. Strava's Year in Sport 2024 report noted a 9% increase in global marathon and ultramarathon events last year. Along with that, the number of running clubs increased by 59% and group runs of 10 or more people increased by 18%. "Runners now not only need a race, but also a comprehensive experience of the location, services, and culture," the report stated.

In Vietnam, the effect of running events combined with tourism has been clearly demonstrated. During the week of the VnExpress Marathon (VM) in mid-April, Hue City welcomed approximately 109,000 visitors, achieving a revenue of 221 billion VND; while in early June, Ha Long recorded more than 246,000 tourists, earning over 690 billion VND from tourism during the VM event.

With available conditions, Da Nang is considered a locality with outstanding advantages to exploit the race-cation model. According to Mr. Dung, My Khe beach, once honored by Forbes as one of the six most beautiful beaches on the planet, has a flat surface and fresh air, suitable for running groups. Meanwhile, when running across the Dragon Bridge, Han River, and Tran Thi Ly Bridge, runners can admire iconic landmarks, convenient for promoting the city's image.

"The slopes on the Son Tra Peninsula create conditions for athletes who love trail running. From a single starting point, runners can access four types of terrain without having to travel far - a rare advantage in the region," Mr. Dung added.

Son Tra forest - the green lung of Da Nang is a favorite destination for trail runners. Photo: Le Phuoc Chin

Son Tra forest - the green lung of Da Nang is a favorite destination for trail runners. Photo: Le Phuoc Chin

In addition to the terrain factor, Da Nang also has the ability to expand the space for organizing events thanks to its close connection with Quang Nam. Designing inter-provincial routes through Hoi An and My Son Sanctuary not only increases the attraction for international runners but also creates opportunities to develop specific tourism products such as craft village tours and local experiences.

According to UNWTO estimates, sports tourism currently accounts for about 10% of total global tourism spending and is growing at an average rate of 17.5% per year. The scale of this market is expected to reach nearly 870 billion USD by 2025, creating great opportunities for destinations like Da Nang when properly combining sporting events and tourism services.

Transportation infrastructure is also an advantage of the city. Da Nang International Airport welcomes approximately 55 international flights and hundreds of domestic flights daily. National Highway 1A, the North-South railway, and the central location in Central Vietnam make it easily accessible from Hanoi, Ho Chi Minh City, and neighboring provinces.

Foreign tourists play sports on My Khe beach. Photo: Nguyen Dong

Foreign tourists play sports on My Khe beach. Photo: Nguyen Dong

Regarding accommodation services, Da Nang city alone has more than 1,300 establishments, from high-class resorts to 3-4 star hotels and homestays. Food services also flexibly meet nutritional needs before and after the race. In addition to local specialties such as Mi Quang and Banh Trang Cuon Thit Heo, the city also has many cafes and restaurants serving international cuisine, catering to the needs of carb-loading and post-race recovery meals. "This diversity allows runners to choose the type of vacation that suits their budget," Mr. Dung assessed.

In particular, the safe environment and support from local authorities are factors that help runners feel secure in training and competing. "Da Nang is one of the safest cities in Vietnam. Runners can practice early in the morning or late at night without worrying about security. This is very important, especially for female athletes or international visitors traveling alone," he said.

"Organizing a running event is not only a sporting activity but also an effective way to promote the destination. With advantages in terrain, infrastructure, and the right development strategy, Da Nang can completely become a leading sports tourism center in the region," affirmed Cao Tri Dung.

Lan Anh