The VnExpress Marathon Green Paradise Can Gio, expected to draw 5,000 athletes, will take place on 1/5. This event offers participants not only a chance to test their limits but also an opportunity to savor Can Gio's cuisine, renowned for its fresh seafood and local produce. These foods can help runners replenish their energy after the race.

Water coconut

Water coconut, a signature plant of Can Gio's mangrove forests, thrives along canals and brackish water areas. Its small fruits grow in clusters, yielding a crisp, refreshing flesh when opened. This local staple is consumed fresh or used in beverages. For runners, water coconut offers immediate cooling, hydration, and mineral replenishment after prolonged activity. Enjoying it directly from its growing region provides a refreshing experience. Visitors can find water coconut at roadside stalls leading to Vam Sat tourist area, near Binh Khanh ferry terminal, or along the route to the town center.

Water coconut flesh mixed with Siamese coconut water creates a refreshing drink. *Quynh Tran*.

Cat mango

Cat mangoes from Can Gio are distinct, featuring yellow, less fibrous flesh with a mild sweetness and fragrant aroma. Growing in the unique brackish sandy soil of the coastal area, these mangoes possess a richer flavor and firmer texture than those from other mass-cultivated regions. After a race, cat mangoes are an excellent choice for natural sugar and vitamin replenishment, aiding energy recovery. Fresh fruit is more digestible than processed sweets, making it ideal for those who have just exercised. Visitors can purchase mangoes at roadside fruit stalls or near Hang Duong Seafood Market.

Oysters

Oysters are a seafood staple in Can Gio's brackish waters, either farmed or harvested naturally from riverine mudflats and estuaries. Thanks to the nutrient-rich environment, local oysters are notably large, with thick, distinctly rich meat. Popular preparations include grilled oysters with scallion oil, grilled with cheese, or eaten raw with lemon and mustard. For runners, oysters provide zinc, protein, and minerals, supporting physical recovery. Numerous seafood restaurants in Can Thanh or along the coastal road serve fresh oysters daily, preserving their natural sweetness.

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

Mantis shrimp

Mantis shrimp are a common seafood in Can Gio's waters, typically large with firm, distinctly sweet meat. The unique brackish water environment ensures consistent quality, making them versatile for various dishes. For runners, mantis shrimp offer a protein source to aid muscle recovery. Dishes like steamed with beer, stir-fried with salt, or garlic-fried maintain their natural flavor and appeal to many. Visitors can enjoy them at local seafood restaurants.

A platter of fresh seafood in Can Gio. *Kha Thien Loc*.

Mud creeper snails

Mud creeper snails, also known as linh hoa snails, are prevalent in mangrove forests. Harvested from the wild, they primarily cling to trees and feed on benthic algae or organic detritus. While many preparations exist, mud creeper snails stir-fried with coconut milk is the most renowned dish. Before cooking, the snails must be soaked in rice water for one to two hours to purge their slime. Once cooked, the snail meat changes from red to emerald green. Connoisseurs often ask chefs to snip off the shell's tail to directly extract the meat. This dish is perfect for runners to relax and enjoy with friends after their race.

Mud creeper snails stir-fried with coconut milk. *Khuong Nha*.

Can Gio's culinary essence lies not in elaborate presentation but in the freshness of its ingredients, brought directly from the mudflats to the table. After exerting themselves on the "through forest, by sea" route, runners rewarding themselves with fresh seafood meals will surely make their 1/5 holiday trip a complete memory. *Thai Anh*.

The VnExpress Marathon Green Paradise Can Gio, held on 1/5, expects to attract 5,000 athletes and will feature various festival and culinary activities. Runners can anticipate the greenest course in the VnExpress Marathon system, with a route that goes "through forest, by sea." VnExpress newspaper and FPT Online Services Joint Stock Company organize the event in collaboration with Vinhomes Green Paradise.

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