VnExpress Marathon can help people build lasting exercise habits: Herbalife executive

Nguyen Thanh Dat, Senior Communications Director at Herbalife Vietnam, said running events could inspire people to adopt lasting exercise habits beyond race day.

Speaking at the opening ceremony of VnExpress Marathon Grand Tour Nghe An 2026 on Sept. 25, Dat said he took up running after being inspired by the series and usually runs 5 km.

Beginners do not need to start with long distances, he said. They can choose 5 km, 10 km, 21 km or 42 km based on their fitness, experience and circumstances. The priority is to start exercising regularly rather than focus on distance or finishing time.

Nguyen Thanh Dat, Senior Communications Director at Herbalife Vietnam, speaks at the opening ceremony of VnExpress Marathon Grand Tour Nghe An 2026 on Sept. 25. Photo by VnExpress/Tung Dinh

Running is an accessible sport that requires relatively little equipment and allows participants to adjust distances and intensity to their abilities, Dat said.

"Taking part in a race is not just about completing a distance. What matters more is maintaining the habit every day and making running part of an active, healthy lifestyle," he said.

This is one reason Herbalife supports the VnExpress Marathon series, which aligns with the company's efforts to promote physical activity and balanced nutrition.

Dat hopes the inaugural Grand Tour Nghe An will expand the local running community and encourage people who do not exercise regularly to become more active.

"We believe the event will help promote an active, healthy lifestyle, encouraging more people to develop regular exercise habits and make running part of their daily lives," he said.

Runners take photos with a giant medal display as VnExpress Marathon makes its debut in Nghe An. Photo courtesy of VnExpress Marathon

Registering for a race gives runners a concrete goal to work toward over several weeks or months. But the lasting benefit comes from continuing to exercise after crossing the finish line, Dat said.

A proactive approach to health should extend beyond marathon preparation and become part of daily life through regular exercise, balanced nutrition, adequate sleep and a consistent routine.

For runners preparing for the event, he stressed the importance of both training and nutrition. Participants should meet their energy needs before, during and after a race and allow enough time for recovery.

"Before running, it is important to ensure adequate energy intake. During exercise, runners need appropriate nutritional replenishment, and afterward, proper recovery is essential," he said.

These considerations are particularly important for longer distances, which can involve several hours of physical exertion. Runners should also avoid changing their diets or trying unfamiliar products immediately before race day, instead sticking to foods and nutritional choices tested during training.

Runners take part in activities at the Herbalife booth after collecting their bibs and race kits. Photo courtesy of VnExpress Marathon

Herbalife offers products designed to support the energy needs of professional athletes and recreational sports enthusiasts. Dat emphasized that supplements are only one part of a broader approach that includes training, a balanced diet and sufficient rest.

Through its partnership with VnExpress Marathon, the company aims to encourage more people to lead active lives. Dat said runners should see the finish line not as the end of their journey, but as motivation to set new goals and keep exercising.

VnExpress Marathon Grand Tour Nghe An 2026 will take place on Sept. 27, featuring 5 km, 10 km, 21 km and 42 km races.

The event marks the first time Nghe An has hosted a VnExpress Marathon race and the debut of the Grand Tour format, which combines running with opportunities to explore local culture, landscapes and daily life.