Marathon

Runners take part in the 2025 VPBank Đất Sen Hồng Music Marathon. This year's event will be held on October 11. — Photos courtesy of Nexus Sport Events

ĐỒNG THÁP — The main race of the fifth season of the VPBank Đất Sen Hồng Music Marathon 2026 will feature a huge number of 15,500 runners who will discover Đồng Tháp Province's culture, landscape and landmark on October 11.

The annual tournament is organised by the local Department of Culture, Sports and Tourism and Nexus Sport Events under the sponsorship of VPBank.

The event began on October 9 when participants who come from 16 countries and region checked in and received their race kits in Cao Lãnh Ward.

Runners will race across four race distances: 42km, 21km, 10km, and 5km. The courses have been measured and recognised by the Association of International Marathons and Distance Races (AIMS).

The organising committee said this year's route was adjusted and renewed to optimise the experience, while also bringing runners closer to the landscapes, daily life, culture, and people of Đồng Tháp. Alongside iconic local landmarks, including Văn Miếu Park, Cao Lãnh Bridge, the Tiền River embankment, and Đồng Tháp Television Tower, the tournament would offer new experiences as runners get to explore unique spots such as the 1954 Troop Gathering Monument and newly opened local roads.

Athletes receive their race kits on October 9.

A total of VNĐ352 million (US$13,600) will be delivered to high-ranking runners. Competitors are encouraged to show off their personality and creativity through the Cosplay category. They can bring their ideas, characters, and costumes to the run and will be judged and awarded prizes directly at the event.

Kids also have opportunity to run in the 800m Kun Fun Run. It is expected to be a playing ground for about 2,000 children to encourage and nurture their habit of practising sport.

One of the highlights will be the VPBank Music Night, gathering different genres of music on the stage on October 10. Renowned singers such as Phương Mỹ Chi, JSOL, Orange and Tiêu Minh Phụng will stir up the environment.

The programme combines contemporary music with traditional cultural elements, not only as a gift for athletes before they hit the track, but also as a space for young Vietnamese people to meet, connect, share their passions, take on challenges, and break through limits.

More than just a running race, the marathon is set to become one of the largest festivals of sport, culture, music, tourism, and cuisine in the Mekong Delta. Taking place from October 9-11, the event promises a vibrant series of multisensory experiences that bring the community together and celebrate the region’s unique spirit.

At the Expo area, runners, supporters and tourists can enjoy dragon and lion dances, delicious food, OCOP products along with 50 booths of domestic and international brands spanning sports, technology, wellness, fashion and nutrition.

A conference about sport economy is part of the tournament.

The organisers will give VNĐ100 million to the local Red-crowned Crane Conservation Fund, contributing to supporting activities to conserve rare bird species associated with the ecosystem and the image of Đồng Tháp.

At the marathon launching ceremony on October 9, the organisers also held a conference about sport economy in which speakers discuss about the connection between sport, tourism and local economic development.

Nguyễn Tử Anh, director of Nexus Sport Events, said: “The sports economy is driven not only by the event itself, but also by the value it generates for surrounding communities. Every athlete who visits Đồng Tháp creates additional demand for accommodation, dining, transportation, shopping, and tourism, while sharing their experiences of the destination with others. We hope the race will continue to serve as a bridge between sports and the local economy, generating lasting value for the province.” — VNS