VnExpress Marathon Da Nang returns with international ambitions

This year's race will be held under the official name VnExpress Da Nang International Marathon Herbalife Cup 2026, with Herbalife serving as title sponsor. Organizers said the event will expand in scale and place greater emphasis on attracting overseas runners, particularly from East Asia, Europe, and Africa, while combining competitive racing with summer tourism experiences in the central coastal city.

In the longer term, VnExpress Marathon and Herbalife aim to establish Da Nang as a recognized destination within the global running community.

Organizers said the 2026 edition is expected to introduce adjustments to race routes, safety operations, prize structures, and overall event standards. Further details will be announced in the coming months.

Athletes run through Dragon Bridge during VnExpress Marathon Da Nang 2025. Photo courtesy of VnExpress Marathon

The race route is expected to continue showcasing Da Nang's coastal and riverside scenery, passing landmarks including Dragon Bridge, Tran Thi Ly Bridge, My Khe Beach, and the seaside roads of Vo Nguyen Giap and Hoang Sa.

July is considered one of Da Nang's peak tourism periods, making the event attractive for runners seeking to combine competition with family holidays.

Registration is currently available under the Super Early Bird phase through June 3, offering the lowest entry fees across all four race distances.

Entry fees start at VND380,000 (US$14.42) for the 5 km category, VND480,000 for 10 km, VND660,000 for 21 km, and VND860,000 for the full marathon distance of 42 km. Fees will increase in subsequent registration phases. Organizers are also offering group discounts of up to 25%.

Participants will receive standard race benefits, including event shirts, finisher medals, complimentary race photos, and finisher shirts for runners completing the 21 km and 42 km distances.

A runner at VnExpress Marathon Da Nang 2025. Photo courtesy of VnExpress Marathon