VnExpress Marathon All-Star maintains record prize for winners

January 17, 2026 | 05:00 pm PT

VnExpress Marathon All-Star, the only marathon in Vietnam applying entry qualification standards, will keep the record cash prize of VND100 million (US$3,806) for the 42km champions.

Scheduled for Feb. 8 in Hoa Lac, Hanoi, the race is expected to attract 2,000 runners. The event features only two distances, the full marathon (42km) and the half marathon (21km). Participants are selected through qualifying standards similar to those used by the Boston Marathon.

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

According to the organizers, the VND100 millionprize aims to attract elite marathon runners from Vietnam and abroad, while maintaining a high level of competition. It is the largest cash payout among marathon events in Vietnam. In addition, champions will receive in-kind prizes from sponsors.

Last season, Kennedy Njogu Muhia of Kenya won the 42km in 2:16:52, the best marathon time ever recorded in Vietnam at the time. In the women’s race, Pham Thi Hong Le set a personal best of 2:44.

Beyond the 42km champions’ awards, the organizers plan to provide additional cash and in-kind prizes for top finishers in both the 21km and 42km events. The detailed prize structure will be announced later.

"All-Star is not just a race. It is a platform that recognizes real capability and serious preparation. This prize is meant to encourage runners to train properly and compete equally," an organizers’ representative said.

VnExpress Marathon All-Star follows the model of major international marathons, applying entry standards and prioritizing a high-performance racing environment. Held during northern Vietnam’s coldest, driest period, the event typically offers ideal racing conditions between 12-20 degrees Celsius.

The Hoa Lac course, known among Vietnamese runners as the "temple of speed", features flat terrain, smooth asphalt, and full road closure for optimal performance. Participants will start in waves, with hydration and nutrition stations placed at dense intervals.

To qualify for the race, male athletes must have completed a full marathon under four hours or a half marathon under two hours. For female athletes, the standards are under five hours for the full marathon or under two hours 30 minutes for the half marathon.

Runners can verify qualification here.

Hai Long