The Same Newspaper, a Different City
The race offers four distances -- 5K, 10K, 21.1K and the 42.195K full marathon -- at Do Son, Hai Phong. [1] Like the VnExpress Marathon Hanoi Midnight covered elsewhere in this research batch, this event is organised by VnExpress, Vietnam's largest online newspaper, and FPT Online -- giving it the same broad media promotional reach applied to a different Vietnamese city.
A Former French Colonial Resort
Do Son is a district about 20km southeast of Hai Phong's city centre, formed by a peninsula extending 5km into the sea, created by the Dragon Mountain Range. [2] Upon establishing their presence in Hai Phong, the French turned Do Son into a summer resort for their colonial expatriate community and the Vietnamese upper class -- giving the area genuine historical depth alongside its natural coastal scenery.
Distinct Beach Zones and a Historic Tower
The peninsula's beach area splits into three zones, with Zone II offering the main recreational swimming beach; Zone I has no beach but features rougher waves and rocky terrain. [2] The peninsula's highest point, Tuong Long Tower on Long Son Mountain (95.2m elevation), is a reconstruction of an original tower dating to the Ly Dynasty -- a genuine historical landmark for race weekend sightseeing.
Registration Not Yet Announced
As of this writing, registration status has not been announced. [1] No independent participant reviews were found in research, though VnExpress's massive media reach (demonstrated at its Hanoi event) suggests demand could move quickly once sign-ups open.
Should You Run It?
If a marathon on a genuinely scenic former-colonial-resort peninsula, backed by one of Vietnam's most-read media outlets, appeals, the VnExpress Marathon Hai Phong on 13 December 2026 is a strong pick. Watch official VnExpress channels for registration to open.