Held at dawn on July 20, the race featured a scenic route along the Han River and Da Nang coastline, drawing 11,000 participants, including about 300 international runners. While some competed for top prizes, many joined simply to experience the local running culture.
Da Nang’s summer heat was intense on race day. By 6 a.m., with all four distances underway (42 km, 21 km, 10 km, and 5 km), temperatures had risen to around 30 degrees Celsius. This posed a challenge for many runners, especially Europeans unaccustomed to the tropical monsoon climate. Frequent hydration stations helped runners stay safe and finish strong.
For 36-year-old Russian runner Helga Gi, it was her first marathon. "I felt complete happiness and fulfillment. The vibe here is incredible. If you want to run, do it for this feeling," she said, expressing gratitude to fellow participants. "You’re an essential part of this mix of emotions."
Tilly, a 25-year-old runner from New Zealand who completed the half marathon, praised the water stations placed every two kilometers. "The frequent hydration helped me recharge and kept me from feeling overwhelmed by the heat," she said. "The finish line area was packed, creating an atmosphere like a music festival."
Fedor Bushlanov, a 41-year-old from Russia who also ran in the VnExpress Marathon Quy Nhon last month, said his most memorable moment was crossing the Thuan Phuoc Bridge. "The feeling of climbing up and then descending gave me a boost of energy to keep going", he said. After the race, he will stay in Da Nang for four more days to visit Ba Na Hills and go diving near Hoi An.
Indian yoga teacher Nayvi Singh commended the volunteer support and smooth organization. He recalled an issue with his QR code before the race. "They quickly reached out and guided me," Singh said. Having participated in many races across Vietnam, he called VnExpress Marathon "truly the most well-organized event."
Brazilian runners Jathaniel Seth Primus and Anna Larmolenco ran the 5 km route along Bach Dang Street to enjoy the city's scenery. "The route along the Han River is beautiful," said Seth, who has lived in Da Nang for eight months. "I truly love it." Their post-race plan was to enjoy sizzling pancakes banh xeo, which Seth called "the most delicious dish we’ve ever tried."
Russian visitor Gulnara Khaisarova joined the race with friends from her fitness club, marking her first marathon abroad. "The crowd was incredibly supportive. I felt happy with this experience in the city where I’ve been living for over a month and a half," she shared. Khaisarova has also visited local attractions like Ba Na Hills and the Marble Mountains, especially loving the coastal area.
At 76, U.S. runner Aj Wahlbrink completed the 5 km race, calling his favorite moment receiving the medal. "I couldn’t help but say ‘wow’ when I saw the rotating bridge on it," he said, referring to the medal’s design featuring the iconic Han River Bridge.
Jamaican runner Fiona Roselie Smith, 40, praised the event’s logistics. “Everything was smooth; I didn’t have to wait,” she said about bib and race kit collection. “The young volunteers were very friendly.”
