VnExpress Marathon medal inspired by Hue's imperial city

Inspired by the royal legacy of the ancient capital, the medal for the fourth season of the VnExpress Marathon Hue echoes the layout of the Hue Imperial City. The design team skillfully integrated folding screens, reminiscent of traditional garden houses, and the imperial token into the medal's frame, honoring the area's architectural heritage.

The VnExpress Marathon Hue 2024 medal for four distances. Photo by VM

Crafted with meticulous details, the finisher's medal measures 76 x 100 mm and boasts an antique gold hue and fits in one's hand. In the center is the name of the VnExpress Marathon race, with the word "Hue" prominently displayed. The front showcases iconic landmarks such as the Ngu Phung Pavillion and Truong Tien Bridge, adorned with intricately designed floral motifs of dragon heads and Hue royal cloud patterns. Each element is expertly embossed, lending a sharp and realistic touch to the medal's design.

The reverse side of the medal showcases a fan-shaped seal adorned with the letter E, short for "excellence." This year, organizers of the VnExpress Marathon have introduced a new medal feature: each medal's back side will display a single letter. Runners collecting the complete set from all races will unveil a message from the event organizers. At the Ho Chi Minh City race earlier this month, the medal seal bore the letter G, short for "great."

The front and back of the VnExpress Marathon Hue medal. Photo by VM

In the previous three seasons, the royal emblem also appeared on the medals. In the inaugural season 2020, the medal featured an image of an open fan, inspired by the fan dance used in important royal events. In the following season, the medal was a large rectangular shape colored in bronze gold. In the center was the prominent word 'Hue,' surrounded by landmarks such as Thien Mu Pagoda, Truong Tien Bridge, and Hien Nhon Gate. The most recent 2023 medal design commemorated the Nguyen Dynasty gold card (kim bai) and gold plaque (kim khanh).

Runners participating in the VnExpress Marathon Hue 2024 on April 21 can choose to wear a T-shirt or a singlet. The design uses shades of purple and pink, inspired by the sunset glow over the Perfume River and the blossoming cornflower fields every April. Runners completing the valid 21 km and 42 km courses will receive a finisher shirt. The shirt also predominantly features the color purple, with the 42 km distance in green, while the 21 km participants will receive shirts in purple and gold.

Athletes heading to Hue this year can anticipate adjustments to race route. Unlike the previous two seasons, where the starting and finishing points were distanced apart, both will now be situated on Le Duan Street along the Perfume River. The race track is undergoing continuous upgrades in terms of support to ensure the safety of all participating athletes.

Since its debut in 2020, the VnExpress Marathon Hue has drawn more than 25,000 participants. This race guides runners through the ancient landmarks of Hue, offering an immersive experience of vibrant sports festival ambiance.

Over the past three years, the marathon has evolved from a mere sporting event to a cornerstone event for the province, playing a pivotal role in bolstering local tourism.