Nguyen Anh Vu, a runner from Hanoi, said he was impressed by the cultural and historical landmarks along the route of the 2026 Bac Ninh Legacy Marathon – Footsteps of Quan Ho Land, organised by the provincial Department of Culture, Sports and Tourism in coordination with several partners.

Runners participate in the 2026 Bac Ninh Legacy Marathon, a model for experiential sports tourism.

The route passed famous destinations including Ba Chua Kho Temple, Cung Temple and Ngoc Well, the Quan Ho Folk Song Theatre and the Kinh Bac Cultural Centre.

“It was wonderful to enjoy both the race and the local cultural atmosphere at the same time,” Vu said. “People lined the streets cheering enthusiastically for runners throughout the course. The applause and smiles from local residents are unforgettable. I will definitely return to Bac Ninh with my family.”

The 2026 edition marked the second time the marathon has been held. The event drew 6,168 runners from Vietnam and abroad, including more than 100 international athletes, double the number recorded in its inaugural season.

According to the Department of Culture, Sports and Tourism, the marathon not only succeeded professionally but also helped stimulate tourism, services and trade while promoting the image and cultural heritage of Bac Ninh to visitors.

Alongside the marathon, Bac Ninh has hosted several major sporting events this year, including the National Beach Wrestling Championships and the National Billiards and Snooker Clubs Championships, attracting nearly 1,500 athletes and coaches from across the country.

The province also hosted the 2026 Southeast Asian Judo Championships from May 19 to May 24 at the provincial sports arena, bringing together leading athletes from across the region.

Officials said the event not only provided an opportunity for athletes to compete and improve professionally, but also promoted sports exchanges and cooperation among Southeast Asian countries.

Hosting international tournaments has reinforced Bac Ninh’s ability to organise large-scale sporting events and opened new opportunities for the province to strengthen its position on Vietnam’s sports tourism map.

Bac Ninh has favourable conditions for developing the sector thanks to its landscapes, climate, cultural traditions, sports facilities, transport infrastructure and accommodation services.

Large sporting events typically attract athletes, coaches, support teams and fans, generating significant demand for accommodation, dining and tourism services.

Nguyen Van Anh, Deputy Director of the provincial Department of Culture, Sports and Tourism, said athletes returning home after competitions could become “tourism ambassadors” promoting Bac Ninh as an attractive destination.

The province plans to host seven additional national and international sporting events through the end of 2026.

Athletes compete in a traditional martial arts event at the Hoang Hoa Tham historical site.

In early 2027, Bac Ninh will stage the 68th National Marathon and Long Distance Championship organised by Tien Phong newspaper, one of Vietnam’s most prestigious athletics events.

The tournament is expected to attract between 12,000 and 15,000 domestic and international runners.

Authorities said Bac Ninh is gradually building a foundation for sports tourism products, but further investment will be needed to upgrade infrastructure, transport systems and facilities to meet growing demand.

Officials also called for closer cooperation among tourism authorities, travel agencies and sporting event organisers to create professional service chains capable of serving larger numbers of visitors.

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