VnExpress Marathon All-Star 2026 Opens Registration
On November 12, 2025, VnExpress Marathon officially opened registration for its much-anticipated second season, the VnExpress Marathon All-Star 2026. This season promises to bring a new level of excitement and accessibility to the marathon community, with the introduction of a unique Experience Bib category, alongside returning discounts for veteran runners.
Key Details About the Upcoming Event
The marathon is scheduled to take place on January 25, 2026, at the scenic Hoa Lac Hi-Tech Park in Hanoi, often referred to as “Vietnam’s Temple of Speed.” The event will feature rigorous performance-based entry standards to ensure a competitive atmosphere while also introducing an option for less experienced runners.
Pricing and Registration Information
Standard bib prices for the race have been set at VND850,000 (approximately US$34) for the 21 km distance and VND1.15 million (around US$46) for the full 42 km marathon. Male runners must have previously completed a 42 km marathon in under 4 hours or a 21 km in under 2 hours. Female participants need to meet standard times of under 5 hours for the marathon and under 2 hours 20 minutes for the half marathon.
Introduction of Experience Bibs
A noteworthy addition this season is the Experience Bib, which allows up to 100 runners per distance to participate without needing to meet the qualifying times. The costs for this category are VND1.1 million ($44) for the 21 km distance and VND1.5 million ($60) for the full marathon. Runners with Experience Bibs will enjoy all the standard benefits of official entrants, including timing and logistics support, without impacting the marathon’s competitive spirit. Moreover, the race’s cut-off times will remain the same.
Discounts for Returning Runners
In a bid to reward loyalty, the organizers are offering a 10% discount for runners who participated in the VM All-Star 2025 season. Promo codes will be dispatched via email to registered participants and can be applied to both official and Experience Bibs.
How to Register
Interested runners can register through the official VnExpress Marathon website. Those opting for official Bibs will receive confirmation of their past results within 24 hours via email. Conversely, registrants for the Experience Bib can complete their registration instantly, eliminating the need for verification.
A Unique Touch with Signature Bibs
This year, the marathon will also introduce Signature Bibs, which let runners select their own race numbers, creating a personalized experience. Whether it be a birthday, a significant milestone, or a lucky number, each Signature Bib will be unique across all VnExpress Marathon 2026 events.
A Competitive Landscape
The VnExpress Marathon All-Star series is renowned for its ability to help runners break personal records. Last year’s event saw Kennedy Njogu Muhia from Kenya set a new national marathon record with an impressive finish time of 2 hours, 16 minutes, and 52 seconds. Vietnamese competitor Pham Thi Hong Le also impressed with a personal best of 2 hours, 44 minutes. With expected temperatures below 20 degrees Celsius, the conditions for the 2026 race could lead to even more remarkable performances.
Prize Pool and Sponsorship
The marathon is one of the premier running events in Vietnam, noted for its significant prize pool. The previous year, the total prize money reached VND700 million (approximately US$27,000), with champions in the 42 km category taking home VND100 million in cash along with gear prizes such as running shoes and training equipment.
Looking Forward to an Exciting Season
As the VnExpress Marathon All-Star 2026 approaches, anticipation builds among athletes from all backgrounds. With its commitment to both competition and inclusivity, the event is set to engage both elite runners and those looking to partake in the thrill of marathon running. Whether you’re a seasoned marathoner or a newcomer aiming to complete your first race, the VnExpress Marathon offers an exciting opportunity to be part of this vibrant running community.
For more details on registration and updates, visit the official VnExpress Marathon website.
Conclusion
The launch of the VnExpress Marathon All-Star 2026 is a welcome development for the running community. As runners gear up for this marathon, the inclusion of Experience Bibs and returning runner discounts ensures that even more athletes can be part of this thrilling event. Gear up, prepare your running shoes, and get ready for a memorable marathon experience this January!
