The event, held in Vung Tau for the first time, marked the 18th running event organized by VnExpress with support from global nutrition company Herbalife in Vietnam.

Nguyen Thanh Dat, Senior Communications Director at Herbalife Vietnam, said long-term health requires both regular physical activity and daily attention to nutrition.

He said running is an accessible sport that can be enjoyed by both professional and recreational athletes with suitable clothing, running shoes and proper preparation. This accessibility is one reason the company has supported running events, he added.

Nguyen Thanh Dat (front, L) presents awards to the top five male finishers in the 21 km category. Photo courtesy of VnExpress Marathon

The race featured 5km, 10km and 21km distances, with courses along Vung Tau's coastal roads. The 21km route also included a section extending toward the sea.

At the race expo at Thuy Van Square on Aug. 28 and 29, the nutrition company hosted booths where runners could take photos, try nutrition- and exercise-themed games, and receive electrolyte and herbal drinks. Winners of the games received the company's gifts.

Vietnamese taekwondo athlete Chau Tuyet Van performed martial arts, interacted with visitors and led physical exercises at the company's area. As a brand ambassador, she also joined the 10km race on Aug. 30.

Runners take photos at the Herbalife booth. Photo courtesy of VnExpress Marathon

The expo also featured a Gamezone supported by Herbalife, offering four physical activities for runners and their families. The activity was introduced at VnExpress Marathon events this year and had previously been held in Da Nang and Nha Trang.

The company's presence continued on race day, with independent members wearing the brand's green apparel and accessories.

Dat said the company was "very proud" to have more than 2,000 independent members participate, describing them as ambassadors for an active and healthy lifestyle.

Taekwondo athlete Chau Tuyet Van (L) and Nguyen Thanh Dat (R) show their finisher medals. Photo courtesy of VnExpress Marathon

Nguyen Van Nhan from An Giang chose the 21km distance for his first organized running event. He said regular fitness training and daily nutrition preparation gave him confidence to take on the half marathon.

Dat also competed in the 5km race. He said that although the Vung Tau event was held for the first time, it attracted strong participation and support from runners.

"Everyone was enthusiastic and had a great experience, which aligns with Herbalife's goal of helping communities become healthier through balanced nutrition combined with an active and healthy lifestyle," he said.

A group of runners show their finisher medals. Photo courtesy of VnExpress Marathon