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By Hai Long  March 30, 2026 | 06:30 pm PT
VnExpress Marathon Green Paradise Can Gio has announced routes for its four race distances, highlighting a predominantly green course with sections along Rung Sac Road and coastal areas.
The event will feature 5 km, 10 km, 21 km and 42 km distances, all starting and finishing on Thoi Dai Boulevard in the Vinh Tien area, part of the 2,870-hectare Vinhomes Green Paradise development.
The course design emphasizes natural surroundings. Across all distances, runners pass through wide roads, coastal stretches and tree-lined sections, while the half marathon and full marathon extend into Can Gio's ecological zones.
In the 21 km race, participants run along Thanh Thoi Road before entering Rung Sac Road and returning to the finish. The 42 km route begins along Duyen Hai Road before continuing to Rung Sac Road and looping back.
Rung Sac Road is a central feature of the course, running through mangrove forest areas that contribute to Can Gio's reputation as a key ecological zone of Ho Chi Minh City.
Duyen Hai Road offers long, straight sections with relatively few turns, supporting a steady running pace over longer distances.
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Rung Sac Road is the highlight of 21 km and 42 km routes at VnExpress Marathon Green Paradise Can Gio. Photo by VnExpress/Thanh Tung |
The course profile is largely flat, with elevation remaining below 20 meters above sea level and limited turns throughout. This layout is expected to support both performance-focused runners and recreational participants.
Shorter distances are concentrated within the Vinhomes Green Paradise area. The 5 km follows a 2.5 km out-and-back route, while the 10 km extends this format to 5 km before returning. These routes are designed to be accessible for beginners and suitable for controlled pacing.
Race start times are scheduled at 4 a.m. for the full marathon, 5 a.m. for the half marathon, 6 a.m. for the 10 km and 6:15 a.m. for the 5 km. Cut-off times are 10:30 a.m., 8:30 a.m., 8 a.m. and 7:30 a.m., respectively. Organizers said the schedule is intended to provide flexibility for participants traveling to Can Gio and to align with available natural lighting conditions.
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Design of VnExpress Marathon Green Paradise Can Gio medal. Photo courtesy of VnExpress Marathon |
The event medal design reflects the local environment, drawing inspiration from the Can Gio Mangrove Biosphere Reserve. It features the duoc mangrove tree along with images representing local wildlife, including monkeys and bird species associated with areas such as Monkey Island and Vam Sat.
The race is scheduled for May 1, with early registration currently open. Organizers position the event as part of an expansion toward destination races with distinct environmental and local characteristics. Runners can learn more and register here.
