Hue marathon wins praise from international runners for cultural perks and ideal conditions

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The favorable weather, complimentary access to historic sites, and distinctive local cuisine were major highlights for many runners.

Held in Vietnam's former imperial capital, the marathon attracted participants from around the world, many of whom shared positive experiences that extended beyond the race itself.

Irfan Isthi from Australia smiles during the VnExpress Marathon Hue. Photo by VnExpress Marathon

Tom, a 51-year-old runner from Ireland who now lives in Singapore, participated in the half marathon alongside his Japanese wife and 17-year-old son. "Sport is how my family connects," Tom said, noting that this was their second VnExpress Marathon after taking part in Hanoi last year.

Arriving in Hue days before the race, Tom's family explored the local food scene. They were particularly impressed by the free entry to 11 major tourist attractions, including the Imperial City (Dai Noi) and Khiem Mausoleum, for marathon participants. "It's a beautiful city, the people are friendly, the food is delicious, and the weather was ideal for running," Tom said. "There's no reason not to come back".

Irfan Isthi, a 28-year-old Sri Lankan IT professional living in Australia, traveled to Hue after being encouraged by Vietnamese colleagues. The event marked his first visit to the city, and he left with a lasting impression.

"I was very happy to achieve a personal record of 1 hour 39 minutes for the half marathon, and the finisher's shirt here is great," Irfan said. He noted that in Australia, such shirts are often reserved for full marathon finishers, making this his first time receiving one for the shorter distance. He also appreciated the provision of free race photos, which usually cost around US$30 at events in Australia.

Comparing the climate, Irfan added, "I couldn't run in Ho Chi Minh City, it's too hot. But Hue was perfect."

Awahara Hiroyuki, 70, from Japan, participates in the VnExpress Marathon Hue half marathon. Photo by VnExpress Marathon

For Japanese runners Awahara Hiroyuki, 70, and Kojima Nami, both residents of Ho Chi Minh City, Hue is a familiar destination. As members of the "Ho Chi Minh City Run" club, they combined the race with relaxation and culinary exploration. Despite his age, Awahara completed the half marathon in 2 hours 14 minutes.

"The bun bo (beef noodle soup) is great, but my favorite dish is banh bot loc (tapioca dumplings)," Awahara shared, showing a photo of the local specialty.

Fushia Emily Clayton, a British teacher living in Ho Chi Minh City, who secured a top-two finish in the women’s 10km race, described her return to Hue as "the right decision." Having participated in numerous races across Vietnam, she considers Hue one of her favorite destinations.

Fushia Emily Clayton, who finished second in the women's 10km at VnExpress Marathon Hue 2025, runs past the historic Quoc Hoc High School. Photo by VnExpress Marathon

"The cool climate helped me achieve a better result," Fushia said. "It really was a perfect sporting holiday, even if it only lasted three days."

Having lived in Vietnam for three years, Fushia has observed the growth of the running movement and consistently praised the professional organization of the VnExpress Marathon series events.

Minh Châu