Returning for its seventh edition in Quy Nhon, the VnExpress Marathon continues to demonstrate its appeal, drawing around 8,000 domestic and international athletes.
For some runners, competing on their “home turf” offers a valuable opportunity to gain experience, regain the thrill of competition, and assess their form ahead of major upcoming races.
In the men’s 21 km category, Lê Đình Tường (born 2005, Gia Lai athletics team) was the first to cross the finish line.
Defending his championship title this year was no easy feat, as Tường faced intense pressure from teammate Lê Hoàng Tân and Y Glap Niê (Đắk Lắk).
On familiar roads, Tường maintained a steady pace before making a timely surge to secure his lead.
Alongside Đình Tường, Nguyễn Thị Kim Luyến also brought home a victory for Gia Lai athletics, finishing first in the women’s 5 km with a time of 19 minutes and 11 seconds.
For amateur runners, each distance comes with its own goals and stories. Favorable weather on race day also made the journey more enjoyable.
Competing in the 10 km, runner Lê Thúy Hoài (Lâm Đồng) was especially impressed by the scenic coastal route in Quy Nhon.
“This year’s course was cooler than previous years, and the weather was very kind to the athletes.
The coastal route was so beautiful that I often stopped to take videos and enjoy the scenery. Yesterday, I got up early for a trial run but there was no sunshine. Today, I was luckier—I could both run and take in the views,” Hoài shared.
For many children, the race is also an opportunity to develop a habit of physical activity through real-life experiences.
Nguyễn Trường Phúc (born 2014, Phú Yên ward) joined the VnExpress Marathon Quy Nhon 2026 with his mother and older sister.
The three registered for the 5 km distance, starting and finishing together, celebrating their achievement of reaching their goal.
Before coming to Quy Nhon, Phúc had already tested his abilities at the VnExpress Marathon Nha Trang 2026 in August.
Passionate about running, he seized the chance to compete again in Quy Nhon, signing up for the 5 km.
This time, Phúc enjoyed another highlight—cutting his completion time from 40 minutes to just 30 minutes.
Phúc shared: “I found that running 5 km isn’t too hard if you train regularly. This time, I finished 10 minutes faster than before, so I’m very happy. For me, this result is motivation to keep training and to take on more races in the future.”
Beyond finish-line moments and impressive statistics, this year’s race was filled with emotional images.
Throughout the event, runner Huỳnh Quang Vinh (Phù Cát commune) carried the national flag and a dove.
Upon finishing, Vinh released the dove into the sky, creating a special moment amid the energetic crowd of runners.
“This year’s race takes place in September, the month of Independence Autumn, so I wanted to do something unique on the course.
I was born on September 2, 2002, which is also a very special day for me. That’s why I brought the flag and the dove—as a way to express my feelings during this meaningful month,” Vinh shared.
With each edition, the VnExpress Marathon Quy Nhon leaves a deeper mark on the local sports scene.
Quy Nhon’s familiar streets become a stage for runners, adding vibrancy to the coastal city’s daily life.
To provide the best experience for participants, running groups and clubs in Gia Lai joined forces with the organizers, supporting athletes along the course and helping ensure the event ran smoothly.
Members of the Quy Nhon Morning Run Club not only took part in the race but also assisted the organizers in various roles such as pacers, crew, and speed leaders, helping to spread the spirit of athletic training.
The value of the race is also seen in simple moments: an individual achieving a personal goal, a family running together, or runners from afar coming to Quy Nhon to compete and experience the city.
Choosing a different way to support her children, Hà Nguyệt Ánh (Quy Nhon ward) stood on the sidelines to cheer as her two children took on the 5 km distance.
For her, the most precious thing after each race isn’t the result, but the memories her children create together.
That joy is built from days of preparation, the excitement before the start, and the moment the siblings finish the race together.
“What I love most is that after each race, my children have more memories to share. From preparing to running and finishing, both were excited and proud to complete the distance they registered for.
For me, VnExpress Marathon Quy Nhon is not just a race, but an opportunity for my children to be active and experience things together. That’s why I’m always ready to support and cheer them on, so they can enjoy every event,” Ánh shared.
With a radiant smile and eyes still sparkling with excitement after crossing the finish line, runner Madushanka Bandara (Sri Lanka) could not hide his joy at completing his first 5 km at the event.
“This is a priceless moment and a memory I will carry for life. Every stride on the course was not just a sporting challenge, but a journey of connection.
The cultural similarities between Sri Lanka and Vietnam, along with the warmth of the local people, left a deep impression, turning every kilometer into an emotional journey of discovery,” he shared.