VnExpress Marathon All-Star opens second season registration

The race will take place on Jan. 25, 2026. Bib prices are set at VND850,000 (US$34) for the 21 km distance and VND1.15 million ($46) for 42 km. Like its first season, VM All-Star 2026 will continue applying performance-based entry standards. Male runners must have completed a previous 42 km under 4 hours or 21 km under 2 hours; female runners need to meet sub-5 hours for the full and under 2 hours 20 minutes for the half marathon.

The first season of VM All-Star offered a total prize pool of VND700 million ($27,000). Photo courtesy of VnExpress Marathon

The organizers also launched a new Experience Bib option with 100 slots per distance, allowing runners to participate without meeting the required qualifying times. The Experience Bib costs VND1.1 million ($44) for 21 km and VND1.5 million ($60) for 42 km.

Holders of Experience Bibs will receive the same benefits as official entrants, including logistics support, timing, and access to side events. Organizers emphasized that the new category will not affect the race’s competitive nature, as cut-off times (COT) remain unchanged.

A 10% discount is available for runners who participated in VM All-Star 2025. Promo codes are sent via registered email and apply to both official and experience categories.

To register, runners can visit the race’s official website. Those applying for official Bibs will have their past results verified within 24 hours via email. Experience Bib registrants can complete the process instantly without verification.

Kennedy Njogu Muhia of Kenya won VnExpress Marathon All-Star 2025 with a time of 2 hours, 16 minutes and 52 seconds. Photo courtesy of VnExpress Marathon

This season, the VM system also introduces Signature Bibs, allowing runners to choose their own number—whether it is a birthday, milestone, or personal symbol. Each Signature Bib will be unique across all VnExpress Marathon 2026 events.

VM All-Star is widely regarded as an ideal race to break personal records, thanks to its fully closed course at Hoa Lac Hi-Tech Park in Hanoi, nicknamed "Vietnam’s Temple of Speed."

Last season, Kennedy Njogu (Kenya) set a national marathon record of 2:16:52, while Vietnamese runner Pham Thi Hong Le clocked a personal best of 2:44:00. With temperatures expected below 20 degrees Celsius, the 2026 race is anticipated to continue pushing athletes to new heights.

VM All-Star is among the most lucrative road races in Vietnam. Last year, the total prize pool reached around VND700 million (US$27,000), with the 42 km champions receiving VND100 million in cash. Each prize also included gear such as running shoes and training equipment.

Hai Long