International runners captivated by fresh fruit when visiting Can Tho for a run

Many visitors are impressed by banh canh and the abundant fresh fruit of the 'Tay Do' region when attending the VnExpress Marathon.

Held in the early morning of 10/5 at Song Hau Park, the VnExpress Marathon Can Tho 2026 attracted over 10,000 athletes, both domestic and international, competing in four distances: 5km, 10km, 21km, and 42km.

British runner Daniel Upegui Alvarez arrived two days early to explore the local culture and cuisine. Having lived and worked in TP HCM for seven years, Daniel regularly registers for races in various provinces and cities to discover Vietnam.

Daniel on the VnExpress Marathon Can Tho race course. *Photo: VnExpress Marathon*

"I like the feeling that each race gives me an opportunity to discover a new city in a different way. You don't just come to compete; you truly live in that place", Daniel said.

Upon arriving in Can Tho, the dish he remembered most was banh canh cua (crab noodle soup). "I've tried many Vietnamese dishes, but banh canh cua is my favorite noodle soup. The flavor is rich, easy to eat, and very distinctive", he shared.

Previously, Daniel completed the 10km distance at the TP HCM Night Run 2026. He missed the VnExpress Marathon Hue on 19/4, so he was determined to arrange his schedule to come to Can Tho. Daniel stated he would continue to register for the VnExpress Marathon Da Nang, a race opening registration today.

Furthermore, the British runner also has a particular fondness for tropical fruits. In early May, Can Tho enters its peak fruit season, offering visitors a wide selection from mangoes, mangosteens to durians and rambutans. Daniel appreciates the ease of finding an abundance of fresh, delicious fruits simply by visiting a market or a roadside stall.

Meanwhile, Alejandro Latif Prados, a Spanish lecturer, has lived in Vietnam for about three years and considers it his second home. His busy work schedule limits his travel time, making each "race-cation" (running combined with travel) a valuable opportunity to explore more of the country.

Alejandro posing while running over Ninh Kieu Bridge. *Photo: VnExpress Marathon*

Despite having only two days in Can Tho, Alejandro made sure to try many local fruits such as bananas, passion fruit, and acerola cherries. "What I like most is the feeling that everything here is very close-knit, from the people to the food. The fruit is very fresh, and the taste is distinctly different from anywhere else I've tried before", he said.

Both Daniel and Alejandro chose the 10km distance, which suited their personal schedules while still allowing them to experience the race's unique atmosphere. They highly praised the spacious running course, the fresh air, and the moment of watching the sunrise over the Hau River.

"Can Tho has a very different energy from TP HCM. Everything is slower, gentler, but still very lively. Running here brings a sense of relaxation rather than performance pressure", Daniel commented.

Alejandro was impressed by how the local residents cheered along the race course. Everyone was friendly, always smiling and waving to the runners. This created a sense of intimacy that not every race offers.

After completing the race, Daniel's plan was to continue trying more types of fruit. He wanted to revisit the banh canh cua restaurant he tried the other day, and also explore more Mekong Delta specialties like hu tieu, banh xeo, and riverside coffee. Alejandro, meanwhile, hoped to stay longer next time to visit Cai Rang Floating Market and experience more of the riverine life, something he only got a glimpse of through the stories of the 42km runners.

Thy An

Exclusive offers from Vietnam Airlines for VnExpress Marathon runners. Join Lotusmiles today to receive 1,000 bonus miles and upgrade to Silver status. Runners also get a 5% discount on Economy Saver fares and the privilege to earn up to 200% miles when booking tickets online.

With just three simple steps: Register via the link, create a password from the confirmation email, and log in. Moreover, download the Lotusmiles app to manage your miles, redeem attractive vouchers, and participate in the exciting "Walk to Earn Miles" minigame. Let Vietnam Airlines accompany and elevate every "race-cation" journey!