Da Nang Marathon 2026: Race and Visitor Guide for 19 July
Da Nang Marathon 2026: Race and Visitor Guide for 19 July
Da Nang will host 13,000 runners for the VnExpress Da Nang International Marathon on Sunday, 19 July 2026. About 1,000 international participants are expected alongside Vietnamese recreational, elite and professional athletes. The main races cover 42 km, 21 km, 10 km and 5 km, creating a large early-morning sporting event across the city centre, Han River waterfront and several major bridges.
All four distances now share one start and finish area on Phan Dang Luu Street, directly in front of Tien Son Sports Centre. The organiser moved every start 30 minutes later than previously planned. The 42 km marathon begins at 03:00, the 21 km race at 04:00, the 10 km race at 05:30 and the 5 km race at 06:30. Registered runners should use the latest official schedule rather than older saved route information.
The revised 42 km course follows the Han River through Bach Dang Street, continues towards Nguyen Tat Thanh beside Da Nang Bay, crosses Thuan Phuoc Bridge and returns through roads including Ho Han Thuong and Tran Hung Dao before using Tran Thi Ly Bridge. The 10 km route is the only distance planned to cross Dragon Bridge. The flatter 5 km course stays along Bach Dang Street, while the half marathon has an adjusted turning point before Thuan Phuoc Bridge. All four routes have been certified by the Vietnam Athletics Federation.
For spectators, the riverside and bridge approaches offer the clearest connection between the race and Da Nang's city scenery. However, a good viewing place must be outside the protected course and away from junctions needed by police, medical teams and volunteers. Never step into the road for a photograph, hand supplies to runners outside an authorised station or cross barriers without a marshal's permission. The start area will be busy well before sunrise and is better suited to registered athletes and their companions than casual sightseeing.
Visitors who are not attending should expect temporary controls around Tien Son Sports Centre, Phan Dang Luu, central riverside streets and bridge approaches during the morning. Exact openings can change as the last runners pass. Allow extra time for airport transfers, tours, railway connections and hotel departures, especially if a route normally crosses the Han River. A licensed taxi or reputable ride-booking service may need to use a different drop-off point, so confirm the meeting place with the driver before leaving.
July mornings in Da Nang become hot quickly. Spectators should bring drinking water, sun protection and light clothing, while also carrying a compact rain cover in case of a short shower. Choose one viewing area instead of trying to follow the race by vehicle. Keep pavements open for residents, dispose of waste correctly and follow instructions from traffic officers and event staff. Anyone who feels unwell should move away from the crowd and seek assistance at an official point.
Race registration has closed, so visitors should not expect to join on the day or use another person's bib. The event began with opening activities on 17 July, and a children's run for ages six to ten took place at Tien Son Sports Centre on 18 July. On Sunday, the practical focus is the four main distances and their revised timetable. Checking the organiser's live channels shortly before travelling remains important because operational details can change with weather, traffic and race progress.
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