Halong Bay Heritage Marathon 10K

After years of racing locally in Vancouver—from the BMO 8K through Stanley Park to the massive Vancouver Sun Run 10K—my partner Zee and I are finally taking the plunge into international racing. The Halong Bay Heritage Marathon in Vietnam promises to be unlike anything we’ve experienced, and our training journey is already proving that this adventure will be transformative.

Why We Chose Halong Bay

When we discovered the Halong Bay Heritage Marathon and booked through their official website, we knew this would be the perfect race to mark our international racing debut. Recognized by Runner’s World UK as one of the 50 greatest races on Earth, this UNESCO World Heritage site will offer us the chance to experience one of Vietnam’s most spectacular natural wonders while pursuing our passion for running.

The race takes place along Vietnam’s most picturesque coastal boulevard, winding through two heritage bays—Ha Long Bay and Bai Tu Long Bay. With their dramatic limestone karsts rising from emerald waters, these ancient formations will create a running backdrop that simply doesn’t exist anywhere else in the world. Having run through Stanley Park’s beautiful cedar and hemlock trees and along Vancouver’s waterfront during the Sun Run, we thought we’d seen scenic race courses—but Halong Bay promises something entirely different.

Training for Our International Adventure

Our local racing experience is providing an excellent foundation for this international challenge. The BMO Vancouver Marathon 8K, with its tranquil shade from cedar and hemlock trees in Stanley Park before breezing through Coal Harbour, taught us to appreciate scenic race environments. The Vancouver Sun Run, Canada’s largest 10K road race with over 60,000 participants at its peak, prepared us for the energy of a major racing event.

What We’re Anticipating

The International Racing Experience

We’re incredibly excited about the international nature of the event. With previous years seeing over 13,500 runners from 55 countries, we know the energy will be electric. Unlike our local races where we recognize many familiar faces, we’ll be part of a truly global running community. As the largest international marathon in northern Vietnam, this race will create an atmosphere where running becomes a universal language, connecting people from diverse backgrounds through our shared passion.

We’re still awaiting information about race day kit pickup, which typically occurs in November at a location to be announced. This uncertainty is actually adding to our excitement as we prepare for our first international racing experience.

The Course We’ll Soon Conquer

The 10K route follows the most beautiful coastal boulevard in Vietnam, promising runners panoramic views that will make every kilometer memorable. We’ll be running past the UNESCO-listed Halong Bay with its 1,969 karst and limestone islands—imagining racing through a landscape painting come to life.

Preparing for International Racing Differences

We’re researching what to expect from this professionally organized event. Certified by World Athletics and AIMS, the race maintains international standards while celebrating Vietnamese culture. The live timing during the race and immediate result posting will match what we’re accustomed to in Vancouver’s major events.

Based on previous years, we’re anticipating the vibrant, festival-like atmosphere that international runners consistently praise. The community support, with enthusiastic spectators cheering on runners, should create an energy that reminds us of the best moments during the Sun Run, but with the added excitement of experiencing it in a completely new cultural context.

Preparing for Cultural Immersion

Discovering Vietnam’s Running Culture

We’re learning that Vietnam is a hidden gem for marathon enthusiasts, and we’re eager to interact with local runners and international participants. The warm hospitality and welcoming environment that runners describe is fostering our anticipation of connections we never expected. Unlike our familiar Vancouver running scene, we’re preparing to discover a community that wholeheartedly embraces these events, creating bonds that will transcend language barriers.

Training in a UNESCO Heritage Setting

The prospect of racing through a UNESCO World Heritage Site with 500-million-year tectonic history is adding profound meaning to our training runs. Knowing we’ll be surrounded by 1,969 islands and islets representing not just stunning scenery, but a geological story spanning millions of years, elevates our preparation from simple athletic training to preparing for a journey through time itself.

We’re studying the emerald waters and limestone formations we’ll soon experience firsthand, anticipating moments of such beauty that we might occasionally forget we’re racing. Learning about the 17 endemic plant species and 60 endemic animal species unique to this region makes us realize we’ll be running through one of Earth’s most biodiverse marine environments.

Lessons We’re Learning for International Racing

Travel and Logistics Planning

International racing is requiring significantly more planning than our local Vancouver events. Following expert advice to book travel early and arrive several days before the race is proving essential. We’re planning those extra days to recover from the flight, adjust to time and climate differences, and set ourselves up for a good night’s sleep before race day.

Gear and Preparation Strategy

Packing for an international race demands meticulous planning. Beyond our usual running gear, we’re considering climate differences, potential equipment failures far from home, and cultural factors. The recommendation to pack two days before departure is already on our checklist to avoid last-minute stress.

Cultural Sensitivity Preparation

We’re learning that international racing isn’t just about personal achievement—it’s about representing our home country while respecting local customs and traditions. The friendly and supportive atmosphere that previous participants describe is inspiring us to approach this race with cultural awareness and appreciation.

Looking Ahead to Race Day

We can already envision crossing the finish line at the Quang Ninh Museum Library, knowing it will feel like completing more than just a 10K race. We’ll have successfully navigated our first international racing experience, pushed ourselves in a completely new environment, and created memories that will inspire future adventures.

The anticipated finisher medal, goodie bag, and event t-shirt will serve as tangible reminders of this achievement, but we know the real prize will be discovering our capability to race internationally and gaining the confidence to pursue more destination races.

Our International Racing Journey Begins

This upcoming Halong Bay experience is already transforming us from local Vancouver runners into aspiring international racing enthusiasts. The promise of spectacular natural beauty, professional organization, and cultural immersion is proving that destination racing offers rewards far beyond personal records or finishing times.

We’re already dreaming about future international racing adventures, armed with the growing knowledge that races like the Halong Bay Heritage Marathon represent the perfect intersection of athletic challenge and cultural exploration. For any runners considering their first international race, we’re preparing to highly recommend this Vietnamese gem based on everything we’ve learned so far.

The transition from the familiar courses of Stanley Park and Vancouver’s downtown core to preparing for the mystical limestone landscapes of Halong Bay is opening our eyes to the global running community’s incredible diversity and shared passion. Our racing story is evolving from local to international, and we couldn’t be more excited about where this journey will take us.

As November 23rd approaches, our training continues with renewed purpose, knowing that each run brings us closer to an experience that will forever change how we think about racing and travel.

For runners interested in experiencing the Halong Bay Heritage Marathon themselves, registration and detailed information are available through their official website. The 2025 race offers distances of 5K, 10K, half marathon, and full marathon to accommodate runners of all levels.