On 18/3, VnExpress Marathon Hue 2026 unveiled its medal design. Organizers selected the khanh as the central motif, incorporating embossed details of Nghinh Luong Dinh and Phu Van Lau, reflecting the rich aesthetics of court art. This design garnered significant positive feedback from runners and admirers of Hue's culture.

On the event's fanpage, Nguyen Hong Phong commented, "VnExpress Marathon Hue never disappoints. A perfect score for this medal." Pham Quang Duc tagged the organizers, exclaiming, "So beautiful, Hue!" Meanwhile, Lan Huong expressed her enthusiasm with a youthful, "I could literally faint."

Front of the VnExpress Marathon Hue 2026 medal. Photo: VnExpress Marathon

Many other users similarly praised the medal design with concise yet emotive comments such as "I can only dream", "absolutely stunning", and "mesmerizing."

Numerous runners tagged friends in the post, encouraging them to register for the race. Xuan Huong tagged fellow runner Minh Sa, who replied, "Let's do it!" Le Nhu Trang messaged Nguyen Manh Hung, "The medal is stunning. Should we plan another trip to Hue?"

The medal's appeal extended beyond the event's fanpage. Many runners shared images on their personal social media, expressing excitement with just three weeks remaining until the race. Tin Le wrote, "Who wouldn't want to earn something this beautiful?" Meanwhile, Le Duc Chau shared, "This year's commemorative medal set for VnExpress Marathon Hue is truly enchanting."

A replica of a Nguyen Dynasty gold khanh. Photo: An Nam Kim Khanh

Completing a race and earning a medal holds significant emotional value for runners, particularly novices. This keepsake not only celebrates their achievement but also connects them to the unique identity of the host city.

The khanh motif in the medal design is rich with meaning. During the Nguyen Dynasty, the kim khanh—an ornament stylized from the khanh shape—symbolized status and good fortune, often bestowed on special occasions. This imagery evokes honor, akin to modern commemorative medals or orders.

The khanh originated as an ancient musical instrument, integral to Hue's court ritual music (Nha nhac cung dinh Hue). Its form, often softly curved like a bow or a bodhi leaf, conveys elegance and solemnity. In East Asian art, accompanying decorative motifs sometimes resemble a bat. In Sino-Vietnamese, "bat" is a homophone for "blessing" (phuc), thus the khanh also imparts a wish for good fortune to the recipient.

During the Nguyen era, the stylized khanh complemented the silk ao dai worn by nobility, becoming a popular jewelry choice. Western visitors to Vietnam were particularly drawn to this unique ornament.

The royal-themed merchandise set for VnExpress Marathon Hue 2026. Photo: Hai Long

Complementing the race jersey, which features the ancient capital's signature purple, and the 21km finisher shirt, inspired by court aesthetics, the medal completes the distinctive royal-themed merchandise set for VnExpress Marathon Hue 2026.

Since its debut in Hue in 2020, the marathon has distinguished itself with a course winding through heritage sites. Runners experience the Imperial City of Hue, Truong Tien Bridge, Nghinh Luong Dinh, Phu Van Lau, and tree-lined central streets, all while witnessing the sunrise over the Perfume River and the city's ancient architecture.

Registration for the regular phase is currently open for interested runners.

Hai Long