Marathon 

Organisers launch the VnExpress Marathon Green Paradise Cần Giờ 2026 which will be held on May 1 in HCM City. — Photos courtesy of  VnExpress Marathon

HCM CITY — More than 5,000 runners will take part in the VnExpress Marathon Green Paradise Cần Giờ which promises a unique ecological route that 'touches the sea and winds through the forest'.

VnExpress Marathon, taking place on May 1 in HCM City's Cần Giờ Commune, is the largest running series in Việt Nam, organised by VnExpress Newspaper and FPT Online, and has made its mark in many provinces and cities nationwide.

Continuing its journey of spreading the running movement and promoting potential destinations, this year, VnExpress Marathon officially launches its Cần Giờ event, which promotes a healthy and green lifestyle.

The race is one of activities to respond to the Việt Nam Sports Day, March 27, and other large holidays such as the Liberation of the South, April 30, and International Labour Day, May 1.

Runners take part in four distances – 5km, 10km, 21km and 42km. From the starting point at Vinhomes Green Paradise Cần Giờ, the shorter routes will follow a picturesque coastal road, while the longer races will take athletes deep into the pristine Sác Forest, the city’s vast 75,000ha green lung.

According to the organisers, the VnExpress Marathon Green Paradise Cần Giờ 2026 is the race with the 'greenest and most majestic' course ever.

With a route that 'touches the sea and crosses the forest', it offers a unique and unprecedented experience: a 'wellness marathon' – where each step is not only a test of physical endurance but also a journey of energy regeneration and a deep connection with nature.

“Cần Giờ is a rare place that combines the sea, forest, a UNESCO World Biosphere Reserve, and a glorious historical heritage," said Lê Thị Vân Anh, deputy head of the race's organising committee.

"Through the VnExpress Marathon Green Paradise Cần Giờ 2026, we hope not only to bring to this locality a race, but also contribute to make Cần Giờ an internationally influential marathon destination.”

Medals for finishers of the VnExpress Marathon Green Paradise Cần Giờ.

Organisers will also prepare many attractive side activities for athletes such as musical performances, fireworks celebrating the Liberation of the South and National Reunification, a food festival and entertainment activities for families - aiming to create a vibrant sports and tourism festival throughout the holiday.

Đức Huy, a semi-professional runner in HCM City, said: "I chose this race because it's considered the greenest route in the national marathon system.

"Running through the coastal roads and breathing in the mangrove forest air is an experience hard to find in any other race. This is truly a festival for runners to both challenge themselves and enjoy nature."

Meanwhile Lưu Chí Hùng, who has many years of experience in running training and race director, assessed the Cần Giờ course as ideal in terms of quality, gradient and safety.

"The newly constructed track here is wide, flat, and straight, with only one U-turn point, making it ideal for runners to run at high speeds," he said.

"During the race, the first rains of the season began, and the lush mangrove forest and sea breeze helped lower the temperature compared to the city centre. Running amidst nature also helped athletes feel comfortable, refreshed, and motivated.

"A characteristic of Cần Giờ is its low traffic density. This allowed the organisers to confidently close off the race route 100 per cent, ensuring both the safety of runners and minimising conflicts with the flow of local residents." — VNS