Nearly 1,800 runners race in Ly Son Half Marathon 2026

The starting area buzzed with excitement from the early hours as runners and local residents gathered ahead of the event. Participants competed across three distances - 21km, 10km and 5km - on what is widely regarded as one of Central Vietnam’s most scenic coastal race routes.

One of the race's defining features is its course through Ly Son's iconic landscapes. Runners traced the island's coastline, passed its renowned garlic fields, traversed dramatic volcanic rock formations created millions of years ago, and ran by many of Ly Son's best-known landmarks. The course challenged athletes physically while offering a unique opportunity to experience the island's natural scenery, culture and everyday life.

After completing the half marathon, runner Huynh Tan Tien from Quang Ngai said the island's rolling hills tested competitors' endurance, but the spectacular scenery and enthusiastic support from local residents kept him motivated throughout the race.

First-time participant Nguyen Thi Phuong Hien from Gia Lai said she was particularly impressed by the coastal route and the Vietnamese national flags lining sections of the course.

“Running alongside the sea while seeing the national flags fluttering in the wind filled me with pride and gave me extra motivation to reach the finish line sooner than I had expected," she revealed.

According to organisers, security, medical services and logistics were carefully coordinated, with volunteers stationed along the course to assist runners and ensure the event was conducted safely and professionally.

Speaking at the event, Ngo Dinh Man, vice chairman of the People's Committee of Ly Son Special Zone, emphasised the race not only encourages public participation in sports but also serves as an effective platform to introduce Ly Son to domestic and international visitors.

He expressed hope that the event would gradually develop into one of Ly Son's signature sports tourism products, helping diversify the island's tourism offerings and support its long-term economic and tourism development.

Vietnamese runners shine at Da Nang International Marathon 2026

Vietnamese athletes delivered standout performances at the Da Nang International Marathon 2026, which officially kicked off its main races on March 22, attracting more than 8,550 runners from 75 countries and territories.