The VnExpress Marathon Hue 2026 is set to begin on the morning of 19/4, featuring a unique route that allows participants to "stride into the imperial city." This year's event highlights a special policy: free entry to historical sites. This initiative provides a chance for both local and international runners to experience a heritage race and delve into the profound history, architecture, and local culture of the ancient capital.
To stimulate tourism, the organizing committee has collaborated with local authorities and the management boards of historical sites to implement this special offer. The Hue Monuments Conservation Center manages the sites offering free admission to athletes, which include: Dai Noi (the Imperial City), the royal tombs (Minh Mang, Tu Duc, Gia Long, Khai Dinh, Thieu Tri), An Dinh Palace, and the Hue Museum of Royal Antiquities.
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The Hue Imperial City viewed from above. Photo: Vo Thanh
From 17-19/4, runners can plan their visits to these iconic sites. Each valid race bib grants one free entry per historical site and is not applicable to companions. This policy ensures benefits for participating athletes while managing visitor numbers at popular sites during this peak period. Visitors using unauthorized bibs may be denied entry.
"Offering free entry to athletes not only allows participants to better understand the destination but also helps promote Hue as a heritage city synonymous with sports tourism. This approach, where races serve as a bridge connecting visitors with local culture, is a growing trend in many global destinations", a representative from the organizing committee stated.
Last year, the synergy between the VnExpress Marathon and tourism stimulus policies significantly boosted local tourism. During the race week, Hue recorded 109,000 visitors, including 12,000 runners and their companions. This influx generated 221 billion VND in revenue and resulted in 90% hotel occupancy. Historical sites offering free entry saw a sharp increase in visitors; for example, the Imperial City welcomed over 20,000 guests, and Tu Duc tomb recorded more than 8,300 visits.
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Minh Mang tomb, also known as Hieu Lang, is the resting place of Emperor Minh Mang and is on the list of sites offering free entry for VnExpress Marathon Hue 2026 athletes. Photo: Vo Thanh
Scheduled for 19/4, the VnExpress Marathon Hue 2026 will feature three distances: 5km, 10km, and 21km, drawing thousands of athletes from Vietnam and abroad. This event aligns with Hue's new tourism development strategy, which focuses on integrating heritage, festivals, and major sports events.
The race route winds through many of the city's iconic landmarks, providing runners with a unique blend of competition and exploration. This special offer allows participants to do more than just compete; they can "extend their journey" by fully immersing themselves in the ancient capital's distinct cultural ambiance during the mid-April weekend.
Thy An
