Vietnam’s Marathon Scene: A Hidden Gem for International Runners in 2024

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Vietnam Marathon Scene

To have large-scale and professional running events like recent days, pioneering organizers in Vietnam have done their mission well quite early. Songhong Half Marathon by Red River Runners Hanoi (2006), Danang International Marathon by Pulse Active (2013), Vietnam Mountain Marathon by Topas (2013), Longbien Marathon by Race Vietnam (2016) are typical tournaments that demonstrate the innovation.

In addition to these races, it is impossible not to mention events that are beyond sports. Many organizations have aimed to propagate nobler missions. Through the MASS 2024 in Mang Den, the organizers have attracted more than 3 million steps, contributing to the “Barefoot Village” fund – an icon of connection and sustainable development. Or PMO 2024 accompanies Room to Read to bring books to children in remote rural areas.

The Appeal of Vietnam Marathons

Are you a newbie looking to try your hand at your first destination marathon? Or a seasoned veteran wanting to try something unique? No matter who you are, there are a vast number of marathons in Vietnam to choose from.

Vietnam marathons offer a truly unique experience. In recent days, it has attracted both local and international runners with their distinctive charm and captivating settings.

Road marathons

From the bustling cityscapes of Hanoi and Ho Chi Minh City to the picturesque coastal cities of Da Nang and Quy Nhon, Vietnam’s diverse landscapes provide a memorable backdrop for urban marathon events.

One of the key factors that set Vietnamese marathons apart is the friendly and supportive atmosphere.

Local communities wholeheartedly embrace these events, with enthusiastic spectators cheering on runners and creating a festive vibe throughout the race. This welcoming environment fosters a strong sense of camaraderie among participants and encourages runners of all levels to push their limits.

The unique routes of Vietnamese marathons often showcase the country’s natural beauty and rich cultural heritage.

In Hanoi, runners may find themselves pounding the pavements through the historic Old Quarter or passing by the serene West Lake. Meanwhile, marathons in Da Nang take participants along stunning coastal roads, offering panoramic views of the ocean and the iconic Dragon Bridge.

For those seeking an off-the-beaten-path marathon experience, cities like Quy Nhon offer a tranquil escape. With routes weaving through lush green landscapes and quaint fishing villages, these events provide a refreshing alternative to the hustle and bustle of urban marathons.

Trail marathons

Vietnam also caters to trail running enthusiasts with challenging yet rewarding events.

There are races taking place in the breathtaking Northwest, Central Highlands, South Central Coast or Mekong Delta. Moc Chau, Sapa, Pu Luong, Da Lat, Mang Den, Quang Nam, Ba Ria, Tay Ninh, An Giang, etc. are famous destinations.

All these races highlight Vietnam’s diverse terrains and offer participants unforgettable trail running experiences. So, what are you waiting for? Find a marathon event in Vietnam that calls to you! Pre-register, make your travel plans, and start training today!

Tips for Running Marathons in Vietnam

Participating in a marathon in Vietnam has the same nature as out there over the world. You have to give yourself enough time to be race-ready! Estimate how long it will take to train for the race you register for. Then, make a plan to prepare all your training, nutrition, hydration, and gears.

If there are some things to think about when you choose Vietnam, they are:

1/ Language: Local volunteers are always enthusiastic and hospitable to support you. But, not all of them can speak English. It is a common barrier when you come to race in countries where English is not their first language. So, be well-prepared for some Vietnamese questions that you may ask in case.

2/ Weather: The ideal travel time for Vietnam is November to April, when the weather is mild with minimal rainfall. In Vietnam, the climate varies regionally. Be prepared for unpredictable weather changes with waterproof materials and a reliable raincoat.

• The North has hot, rainy seasons from May to October and colder, drier months from November to April.
• Southern Vietnam is hot and dry from November to April, and warm with increased rain between May and October, peaking from June to August.
• In Central Vietnam, expect hot, dry weather from January to August, but higher rainfall from September to November.

3/ Transportation: Vietnam has a good public transportation system:

• 10 international airports & 13 domestic airports. Want to know about the airports of Vietnam in detail? We’ve got you covered.
• There are no railway travel restraints in place. The North–South principal route is 1,727 km long with other standard or mixed gauges. Read about the Vietnam Railway Map here.
• Tickets for all airlines, most trains and passenger buses can be purchased on-line.

Map things out before you go so you can make your way around. If you wish to rent a car or motorbike while visiting Vietnam, ensure you have an International Driving Permit.

4/ Others:

• The official currency of Vietnam is the Vietnamese dong (VND). Most cash payments only accept VND.
• To travel to Vietnam, you must have a valid passport and a visa. And your passport must be valid for a minimum of six months post-departure date.
• Arriving in Vietnam, if you forgot important items such as nutrition or gear, don’t worry. Buy quality products with good prices on Shopee or Lazada of ExoTrails.

Contact us via ExoTrails fanpage if you need further information & support in Vietnam.

Hot Vietnam-based Marathon Races in H2 of 2024

Hot Vietnam-based Marathon Races in 2025

Conclusion

Beyond tourism, you may want to explore Vietnam’s stunning landscapes through marathons. Vietnam marathon races stand out for their warm atmosphere, breathtaking landscapes, and cultural significance. As more and more runners discover the charm of these events, the appeal of Vietnamese marathon races continues to grow on both a national and global scale, catering to both road and trail running aficionados.

ExoTrails App has lots of useful training routes & course maps in Vietnam. They are useful for both road runners and trail runners. You can download routes for offline use, track metrics, record runs, and experience all 3 popular map types for free. Use the app to discover more!