Mai Trung, Đan Quyết race for top spot in 42km at VM Nghệ An 2026

At 3:10 a.m. on September 27, 2026, on the course through central Vinh City, elite runners Nguyen Mai Trung and Đan Quyết created the most compelling duel in the 42km category of VnExpress Marathon Grand Tour Nghệ An 2026. About 10 minutes after leaving the start at Hồ Chí Minh Square, the two alternated at the front, chasing each other along Lê Nin Avenue toward Cua Lo beach area. Mai Trung ran with high focus and a steady stride. Đan Quyết looked relaxed, even waving to the camera. In the women's race, local runner Mỹ Hiền of Nghệ An Runners club surprisingly took the lead. Mai Trung, 35, is from Hanoi, works in e-commerce and is a member of Thành Công Runners club. He impressed with a personal best of 2 hours 41 minutes 55 seconds at VnExpress Marathon Hải Phòng 2026. That result put him 69th on the list of the fastest full marathon runners in Vietnam history. Mỹ Hiền owns a personal best of 3 hours 7 minutes 39 seconds and trains with Nghệ An Runners. She was not widely mentioned before the race, but her opening minutes changed the picture. Earlier, at exactly 3 a.m., the 42km runners crossed the start line. In the first steps, Đan Quyết, Đào Bá Thành and Mai Trung quickly broke away. Lê Văn Hương followed right behind. The atmosphere was lively as home clubs such as Nghệ An Runners and Hà Tĩnh Runners appeared in bright pink shirts. Many local spectators lined the roads and cheered, giving extra motivation to the runners. Grand Tour Nghệ An 2026 is the first time the VnExpress Marathon system has been held in the homeland of President Hồ Chí Minh. The event has four distances: 5km, 10km, 21km and 42km. All start at Hồ Chí Minh Square and finish on Trường Thi street, at the intersection with Lê Văn Hưu street. The longest distance starts at 3 a.m., followed by 21km at 4 a.m., 10km at 5 a.m. and 5km at 6 a.m. The separate start times help avoid congestion and allow each group to manage its own pace. The 42km course runs from central Vinh City to Cua Lo beach. From Hồ Chí Minh Square, runners pass Hồ Tùng Mậu, Trường Thi and Lê Nin Avenue before joining Vinh - Cua Lo Avenue. After about 16km, the route turns along Binh Minh road, passes the Cua Lo coastal area and turns back at Cua Xa. This flat, open section can help runners keep a high pace if the weather is good. Sea wind is another challenge for the leading group. COT is the safety cut-off time. Runners arriving after a COT point receive support by bus and are not allowed to continue racing on the course. This rule ensures safety when the road officially closes. For the 21km distance, runners start at 4 a.m., go through Hồ Tùng Mậu, Trường Thi and Lê Nin Avenue, then continue straight on Vinh - Cua Lo Avenue. They turn back around km 11 and finish on Trường Thi street. There are two COT points: km 10 at 5:40 a.m. and km 16.9 at 6:50 a.m. The course closes at 7:30 a.m. The 10km distance starts at 5 a.m., turns around near km 5, has one COT at km 6 at 6:15 a.m. and closes at 7 a.m. The 5km distance starts at 6 a.m., takes place entirely downtown, has no COT and closes at 7:15 a.m. The announced deadlines help runners plan their energy distribution. For first-time marathoners, controlling pace before each cut-off point is almost as important as breathing rhythm. The organizers mobilized hundreds of volunteers to work with the operations team at many positions. Police, traffic police and local medical staff were placed along the course to handle security, traffic control and medical support. From the evening of September 26, volunteers gathered at the start area for assignments and procedures. After instructions, they were deployed to specific points to set up infrastructure, finish water stations, cheer zones and other necessary items. Before the race, Thành Mèo, an experienced runner from Vinh Runner club, said this event had the fewest number of 42km runners, creating good conditions for competing and breaking personal records. He also praised the Nghệ An course as smooth and beautiful with few slopes. That comment reflected the fact that many amateur runners chose shorter distances while the elite focused on the full marathon. Tactically, the men's 42km race was following the script expected by the running community. Nguyen Mai Trung and Đan Quyết were the two strongest candidates. Mai Trung has impressive endurance based on his 2:41:55 personal best. Đan Quyết is known for a durable running style and a strong finish. Đào Bá Thành and Lê Văn Hương stayed close, ready to take advantage if the leaders slowed down. Mental focus plays a big role in the opening kilometers. Mai Trung appeared serious, rarely communicating, and used all his energy for breathing and stride. Đan Quyết, by contrast, smiled and waved, showing great confidence. In a marathon, a relaxed mind can save energy, but it can also reduce alertness when a rival accelerates. The question of who will set the pace near Cua Lo beach is still open. In the women's race, Mỹ Hiền created a real surprise. As a home runner, she received strong support from spectators along Trường Thi street and Lê Nin Avenue. Home advantage comes from both morale and knowledge of the route, including corners, road surface and water station locations. With a 3:07:39 personal best, Mỹ Hiền was not a favorite before the race, but she is showing rare consistency. If she keeps the pace, she can aim for a high position on the podium. One notable point of Grand Tour Nghệ An 2026 is that the number of 42km runners is smaller than at many events in the same system. This has two sides. On one hand, runners have more space to follow their desired speed and are less hindered by crowds. On the other hand, the leading group must face the wind without many pacers in front. In marathon racing, running behind another athlete can save significant energy, especially on a coastal road. The event took place over the weekend, with bib collection at the Nghệ An Labor Culture House on September 25 and 26. That was a chance for runners from across the country to meet, exchange ideas, receive instructions and prepare mentally. The atmosphere at bib collection was vibrant, creating a sports festival before the race. Many clubs took souvenir photos, shared experience and set tactics for their groups. From around 2 a.m., runners began gathering at Hồ Chí Minh Square. Many took photos; others discussed tactics with teammates. The late September weather in Vinh City was considered favorable for long-distance events. Before the start, organizers reminded runners to check shoelaces, replenish water and keep a safe distance. Small details are essential for a race that lasts hours. Vinh - Cua Lo Avenue connects the city center and Cua Lo tourist beach. It is wide and flat. Barriers and lighting were arranged to keep runners safe during the early dark kilometers. After sunrise, the course revealed its coastal scenery, offering a different experience from urban marathons. In reality, the success of a marathon does not come only from the elite results. Thousands of amateur runners joined the festive atmosphere with colorful shirts, flags and cheering. Water stations were dense, medical teams were ready and traffic controllers worked from early morning. Together, they created a professional picture in the event's first time in Nghệ An. For Mai Trung, his goal includes winning and improving his personal record. His 69th place on the list of fastest full marathon runners in Vietnam shows he is one of the notable runners of this generation. If he keeps a stable pace, he can move even higher on that ranking. Đan Quyết, meanwhile, needs a smart tactic to counter his rival's physical advantage. The next kilometers will provide the answer. The turnaround point at Cua Xa is often where fatigue begins. Whoever stays focused, adjusts breathing and hydrates at the right time will have a big advantage. The race cannot be decided after only 10 minutes; over 42km, anything can change at any moment. The course closure times are clearly announced to every runner. Those who miss COT points still receive support from logistics staff but are no longer credited with official results. That forces athletes to be honest about their condition and helps organizers keep the whole route safe. A good plan must include a clear awareness of every time limit. Experienced runners usually warm up 30 minutes before the start, eat lightly and take electrolytes. During the race, dividing the target into 5km segments reduces mental pressure. For the leading men's 42km pack, every surge at km 16 and km 30 will decide the ranking. The presence of Đào Bá Thành and Lê Văn Hương also adds tactical variables. Grand Tour Nghệ An 2026 means more than a race. It is an opportunity for the Vietnamese running community to look back at the growth of marathon movements and affirm the value of new courses. Every step of Mai Trung, Đan Quyết, Đào Bá Thành, Mỹ Hiền and thousands of other runners is writing an emotional sports story in the homeland of President Hồ Chí Minh.