Over 13,000 runners, including hundreds of international participants, joined the VnExpress Marathon Libera Nha Trang on the morning of 24/8. Russian tourists made up a significant portion of these international runners. For them, the coastal route was a way to explore and express their love for the seaside city.

Naumora Daria on the 21km route at the VnExpress Marathon. Photo: VnExpress Marathon

Naumora Daria on the 21km route at the VnExpress Marathon. Photo: VnExpress Marathon

Naumora Daria, a tourist from Moscow, has participated in the race since 2022, always opting for the 21km distance. She has traveled extensively throughout Vietnam, but Nha Trang remains her favorite destination because of its pleasant climate, scenic running route, and welcoming community. In addition to the marathon, Daria also enjoys working out at the gym and playing badminton during her stays.

"I travel frequently, both within Vietnam and internationally, but I choose this race primarily because of my affection for Nha Trang," Daria said.

Ryabushkin Evgeny, a member of the Adidas Runners Hanoi club, came to Nha Trang as part of a three-week journey across Vietnam. Along with his companion Svetlana, he started in Hanoi, passing through Hue, Da Nang, and Hoi An before arriving in Nha Trang.

Ryabushkin Evgeny running past the Do Theater - a symbolic landmark of Nha Trang. Photo: VnExpress Marathon

Ryabushkin Evgeny running past the Do Theater - a symbolic landmark of Nha Trang. Photo: VnExpress Marathon

"I planned to run the VnExpress Marathon Hue in April but missed it. When I learned about the Nha Trang race in August, I was determined not to miss it," Evgeny shared. After completing the half marathon, the two will continue to TP HCM.

The Russian community has had a long-standing connection with Nha Trang. In 2019, Khanh Hoa province welcomed nearly 463,000 Russian tourists, accounting for over 70% of total Russian arrivals to Vietnam. Beyond tourists, statistics from 2021 indicated that over 600 Russians lived and worked in Khanh Hoa, primarily in the tourism and service sectors.

Following Covid-19, Russian tourist numbers have rebounded strongly in Nha Trang, reaching over 105,000 in 2024 and approximately 49,000 in the first quarter of 2025. Nha Trang even has a designated "Russian Quarter" with numerous restaurants and spas offering services in Russian.

Oleg Yarosh and Sofiia Iarosh collecting their bibs together at the race expo on 22/4. Photo: VnExpress Marathon

Oleg Yarosh and Sofiia Iarosh collecting their bibs together at the race expo on 22/4. Photo: VnExpress Marathon

Oleg Yarosh and Sofiia Iarosh chose the VnExpress Marathon as a unique way to celebrate six months of living in Nha Trang. Following a friend's recommendation, they relocated to the coastal city and quickly adapted to the local lifestyle.

"I work for a design company, while my girlfriend continues to teach yoga online to students in Russia," Oleg shared. This was their first time participating in a running event, and they decided to try the half marathon. "We've explored many restaurants and cafes in Nha Trang, but we wanted to experience the city from a different perspective through this race," he said.

The VnExpress Marathon Libera Nha Trang has been an annual event since 2022, attracting tens of thousands of runners from Vietnam and abroad. With its course along Tran Phu Beach and through the city center, the race is considered one of the most scenic in Vietnam.

This year, the event attracted over 13,000 runners, promoting Nha Trang as a destination that combines sports and tourism, while also fostering cultural exchange between the international community and local residents.

Thuy Chi