Inspired by the fretless guitar, a symbol of "don ca tai tu" (southern Vietnamese folk music), the medal features a stylized water lily motif derived from Cai Rang floating market boats, evoking the river life and spirit of the Mekong Delta. The strap is designed to be worn across the shoulder, allowing recipients to wear it like a real musical instrument.

Immediately after its unveiling, images of the medal quickly spread across social media, attracting hundreds of comments and shares from the running community. Many called it "a work of art embodying the soul of the Mekong Delta".

Design of the VnExpress Marathon Can Tho 2025 medal. Photo: VnExpress Marathon

Design of the VnExpress Marathon Can Tho 2025 medal. Photo: VnExpress Marathon

User Dung Nguyen asked, "Is there a chance we'll hear 'don ca tai tu' while running?". Runner Le Minh Thang (Bac Lieu) jokingly commented, "Anyone bringing a 'dan kim', 'song lang', or 'dan tranh' to complete the set?". User Hong Mai wrote, "With this instrument, I'm ready to play a 'vong co' piece titled 'Crossing Can Tho Bridge'".

Some runners used familiar Mekong Delta metaphors to express their admiration. "This year's medal is as refreshing as the first rain of the season," wrote Mai Thu Van. Runner Hung An commented, "Beautiful like a newly painted 'ghe bau' (a type of boat), it's truly a masterpiece capturing the soul of the Mekong Delta."

Beyond the race's fan page, many runners shared the VnExpress Marathon Can Tho 2025 medal image on their personal pages. Huynh Duc Tai shared it with the caption, "My knees and ankles ache, but I'm still in." Nguyen Hoang Duy expressed, "This is fantastic for the race, both a medal and a beloved musical instrument."

The medal's image also spread through running groups nationwide. The Thap Muoi Runners club wrote, "We're all looking forward to this," along with a heart emoji. Running news site RunBIB posted the medal's image, writing, "We must commend the VnExpress Marathon Can Tho medal inspired by 'don ca tai tu'."

Finishing medals hold significant sentimental value for runners, especially beginners. According to a survey by the People's Daily (China), incorporating local cultural elements into the design enhances a medal's appeal. The medal not only honors the runners' achievements but also connects them to the host city's identity.

The VnExpress Marathon Can Tho 2025 medal replicates a traditional Mekong Delta guitar, from the neck to the characteristic fretless fingerboard. The idea originated from the design of Luu Huu Phuoc Park in central Can Tho. When viewed from above, the park resembles a large guitar, considered a symbol of the city.

This is the first race organized by the VnExpress Marathon system in the Mekong Delta. According to the organizers, choosing Can Tho is part of their strategy to expand their nationwide running map, while offering runners a chance to experience the region's unique culture. The course is expected to pass by Ben Ninh Kieu Wharf, Can Tho Bridge, riverside streets, and residential areas, providing a blend of modern urban life and scenic waterways.

The race takes place on 14/9, a time of pleasant weather with temperatures ranging from 26-31 degrees Celsius, ideal for runners to achieve personal bests. Besides the race, athletes can explore the Mekong Delta, visit the Cai Rang floating market, and enjoy local specialties like "banh tet la cam" (sticky rice cake wrapped in magenta leaves), grilled snakehead fish, and orchard fruits. The race is expected to have 10,000 participants and is currently selling Regular tickets.

Hai Long