Photo courtesy of Vietnam News More than 13,000 runners, including around 1,000 foreign nationals, will take to the streets of Da Nang on Sunday for the VNExpress Da Nang International Marathon Herbalife Cup, one of Vietnam's biggest amateur running events - and its international field has grown fast, roughly doubling in size over the past three years. Race day detailsRunners can choose from four distances - 42km, 21km, 10km or 5km - all starting from Tien Son Sports Centre and crossing three of the city's landmark bridges: Tran Thi Ly, Dragon and the cable-suspension Thuan Phuoc. The routes finish at Bien Dong Park on My Khe beach, timed so runners cross the line around sunrise. Nearly 2,000 children aged 6 to 10 will also take part in a shorter 700-metre Kun Marathon race at the same venue before the main event. An Expo Camp for athletes is running at East Sea Park from July 17 to 19. Deputy Director of Da Nang's Department of Culture, Sports and Tourism, Tao Viet Hai, said the race is regarded as one of the largest amateur sporting events in the country, and that Da Nang remains one of Vietnam's most popular marathon destinations. This is the third edition of the Da Nang leg of the annual VNExpress Marathon series, which is held in a different city each year, including Hanoi, HCM City, Can Tho, Quy Nhon and Hue. The event has grown quickly: 8,000 runners took part in the first Da Nang race in 2024, rising to 11,000 last year and now more than 13,000. What it means for foreigners in VietnamWith around 1,000 international runners entered, this is one of the more visible foreigner-inclusive events on Vietnam's sporting calendar, and a reminder that Da Nang's road network will see disruption on Sunday morning as routes cross three of its main bridges. Anyone staying near Tien Son Sports Centre, My Khe beach or the bridge approaches should expect road closures and heavier-than-usual foot traffic from the early hours. For expats based in or visiting Da Nang who fancy taking part in future editions, the event's growing international field suggests entry and logistics are increasingly geared towards foreign participants, not just local runners . 18th July 2026
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