Nha Trang Marathon Becomes Festival with 10,000 Runners

The VnExpress Marathon in Nha Trang, a coastal city in central Vietnam, has transformed into a vibrant festival, drawing 10,000 runners and transcending its status as a mere sporting event. The pre-race expo, held on August 7-8 at the 2/4 Square and along Tran Phu coastal road, was a spectacle of color and energy, turning the seaside into a lively celebration for participants. At the expo, runners from across the country collected their bibs and race kits. This year's event saw an increased number of participants and approximately 50 sponsors, leading to an expansion of the expo area compared to previous years, ensuring ample space to accommodate thousands of runners simultaneously. The organizing committee deployed hundreds of volunteers, as is customary, to efficiently verify participant information and distribute race kits, a process that took only a few minutes for each runner. This year's race kits included a variety of items such as teas, bird's nest drinks, vitamin supplements, milk, and numerous promotional vouchers. A four-member family expressed their excitement about conquering multiple distances at the VM Nha Trang. Impressed by the race bib's design, which featured a blend of blue with innovative geometric patterns, the family decided to wear their shirts for immediate check-ins at the expo. Russian runners Natalia Solokova and Mikhailova Anastasia checked in with their 5km bibs. The Russian running community participates in large numbers at VM Nha Trang, as the coastal city is a favorite destination for this group of tourists. Alongside pre-registered bibs, the organizers also offered a small number for direct sale at the event for foreign tourists who wished to participate. Runner Khanh Huyen, competing in the 21km race, checked in with a symbol designed to resemble the race medal. This year, many runners have provided positive feedback on the visual identity of VM Nha Trang. The striking combination of blue, red, yellow, and purple colors creates a standout look, fitting the festive and youthful spirit of the event. Runners expressed joy upon receiving their bibs for one of Vietnam's most scenic race routes. Approximately 60% of the 42km course runs along the coast, and for the other three distances, this proportion is nearly 100%. A striking pink board displaying the names of the 10,000 runners became a highlight for check-ins. The event featured around 50 sponsor booths, offering diverse experiences for the running community. Here, runners could explore sports products like apparel and watches, participate in minigames, discover local specialties, or relax before the race. The atmosphere at the sponsor booths was energetic, with hundreds of runners continuously engaging in games and product exploration, creating a festive ambiance with music and cheers. The VnExpress Marathon Nha Trang, held on August 9, attracted 10,000 runners. This marks the fifth consecutive year Nha Trang has hosted the event. Since its inception in 2022 with 8,500 participants, the marathon has steadily grown in scale, reaching 11,000 runners in 2023 and a record 13,000 last year. Over the years, the event has become a familiar gathering point for the running community in August, contributing to the promotion of sportsmanship and local tourism.