According to the plan by the Hue City People's Committee, the Summer Festival, part of Hue Festival 2026, will run from April to June. It features various activities across culture, sports, tourism, arts, cuisine, and books. Among these, VnExpress Marathon Hue stands out as one of the most notable opening events.

VnExpress Marathon Hue is a familiar destination for runners nationwide whenever they visit the ancient capital. *Photo: VnExpress Marathon*

Key programs and activities of the Summer Festival, part of Hue Festival 2026. *Photo: Hue Festival*

Tourists visiting Hue Imperial City in late 10/2025. *Photo: Vo Thanh*

Key programs and activities of the Summer Festival, part of Hue Festival 2026. *Photo: Hue Festival*

Key programs and activities of the Summer Festival, part of Hue Festival 2026. *Photo: Hue Festival*

The race expects to draw about 9,000 domestic and international runners, along with 2,000 children participating in the Kun Marathon, and many family members visiting the ancient capital. With such a large turnout, the event is anticipated to energize the festival atmosphere from the start of the event series.

"Every organizational stage has been carefully prepared so that runners and their families coming to Hue not only have a safe, convenient race but also fully enjoy the festive atmosphere and the ancient capital's beauty during the Festival", a representative of the organizing committee stated.

According to the Hue City People's Committee, the race is not just an annual sports event but also an opportunity to promote physical training, enhance community health, and boost tourism. City leaders urged departments and agencies to coordinate closely with the organizing committee. They asked for comprehensive preparations regarding security, healthcare, traffic flow, environmental hygiene, and volunteer forces, aiming for a safe, friendly tourism environment for runners and their families attending the event in Hue.

A highlight of this year's race is its course. Runners will traverse many iconic landmarks of the ancient capital, such as Truong Tien Bridge, Huong River, and Quoc Hoc High School. Notably, the route encircles the ancient Imperial City. Instead of passing only a few individual checkpoints, athletes will fully experience the heritage space with segments running along all four sides of this historical structure.

In addition to the race experience, athletes receive free admission to attractions managed by the Hue Monuments Conservation Center during the event (from 17-19/4). These include: Dai Noi (Imperial City), royal tombs (Minh Mang, Tu Duc, Gia Long, Khai Dinh, Thieu Tri), An Dinh Palace, and the Hue Royal Antiquities Museum.

"This policy, maintained since 2020, demonstrates the organizing committee's effort to enhance the runner experience. It also reflects Hue city's hospitality and welcome to visitors from various regions", the organizing committee representative shared.

Following the race, the city will continue to host many notable activities within the Summer Festival. These include: an exhibition of orchids, ornamental plants, and landscape stones from three regions at Dai Noi, the "Mystical Imperial City" program, royal culinary spaces, "Thuan An Sea Call", and Hue Tourism Festival Day. This allows runners and tourists to combine the race with exploring the locality, from heritage and culinary experiences to the ancient capital's cultural and entertainment activities during the peak festival season.

Last year's season, coinciding with Hung Kings' Commemoration Day, saw Hue welcome approximately 109,000 tourists and runners during the event week. Total tourism revenue was estimated at 221 billion VND, three times higher than the same period in 2024, clearly demonstrating the event's role in boosting the city's economy.

VnExpress Marathon Hue is currently selling tickets for the Late phase, priced at 880,000 VND for 5km, 1,050,000 VND for 10km, and 1,350,000 VND for 21km. Athletes registering in groups will receive additional discounts ranging from 5% to 25% depending on group size. Interested runners can register here.

Hai Long