.jpg "Da Nang International Marathon 2026: Key Highlights")
Gửi bình luận
DNO - With participation rising sharply, especially among international athletes, the Da Nang International Marathon 2026 reaffirmed its growing reputation as one of Southeast Asia’s most attractive marathon destinations.
The event once again transformed the coastal city into a vibrant global meeting point, drawing many runners worldwide.
For many foreign runners, the race was an immersive journey through the natural beauty and cultural charm of Da Nang. From the early morning start, athletes found themselves running along breezy coastal roads, greeted by the gentle sunrise over the sea.
The course offered a rare combination of serenity and spectacle, passing iconic landmarks such as the Rong (Dragon) Bridge, the Han River Bridge, the lush Son Tra Peninsula and the majestic Marble Mountains.
Takemaru Yamasaki from Japan, who claimed first place in the men’s 21km category, expressed his admiration with heartfelt enthusiasm.
He described Da Nang as “truly beautiful,” recalling how he was amazed by the harmony between modern infrastructure and peaceful landscapes.
“The city in the early morning is poetic and calm”, Yamasaki said, adding that he would certainly return in the future.
In a similar vein, Ben Anzac from Australia, a former professional athlete, was deeply impressed not only by the scenery but also by the organization of the event.
Having competed in numerous races worldwide, he praised the opening ceremony as “professional and well-prepared”.
For him, returning to Vietnam has also been a personal journey of healing, making the experience even more meaningful.
This year's edition set a new milestone, attracting nearly 9,000 runners from 75 countries and territories-an increase of about 20% compared to the previous year.
Among them, nearly 3,200 were international participants, up 18% from 2025 and marking the highest figure since the event’s inception.
The largest groups of runners came from Vietnam, South Korea, Japan, Philippines and Malaysia.
Participants consistently highlighted the race’s excellent support system. Medical teams, hydration stations, and volunteer groups were present throughout the course, ensuring safety and comfort for runners of all levels.
As Da Nang continues to elevate the scale and quality of the marathon, it is steadily positioning itself as a premier destination on the global running map where every stride becomes a celebration of both athletic spirit and the beauty of Vietnam.
This year’s edition concluded successfully, leaving strong and positive impressions on participating athletes. The event further affirmed its professionalism and growing reputation on the global marathon map.
Looking ahead, the organizers aim to increase international participation by 15% to 25% annually, targeting around 5,000 foreign runners by 2028.
This ambition positions the race to become one of Vietnam’s leading marathons in terms of international scale and global appeal.
Winners of the Da Nang International Marathon 2026
At the Da Nang International Marathon 2026, top athletes delivered outstanding performances across multiple race categories.
In the full marathon (42km), Edsel Moral claimed the men’s title with a time of 2:30:43, while Vu Khanh Linh secured first place in the women’s division, finishing in 3:01:21.
In the half marathon (21km), Takemaru Yamasaki took the top spot in the men’s race with an impressive 1:12:10, and Trieu Thi Binh led the women’s field, clocking 1:22:57.
Meanwhile, in the 5km category, Nguyen Chi Kien won the men’s race with a time of 15:32, while Ly Mui Sau triumphed in the women’s race, finishing in 18:38.