On the morning of July 26, 2026, My An Beach came alive as nearly 2,000 domestic and international runners gathered for Barefoot Beach Run 2026. Barefoot footsteps on the sand, the breathtaking sunrise over the sea, and the vibrant energy of participants created an unforgettable morning as part of Enjoy Da Nang Festival 2026.
The event was directed by the Da Nang Department of Culture, Sports and Tourism and the Da Nang Tourism Association, and jointly organized by the Da Nang Hotel Association, the Da Nang Events Destination Cluster (DECA), and Ariyana International Convention Centre Da Nang.
Under the theme “Healthy Living – Community Connection – Promoting the Image of a Livable Coastal City,” the event offered far more than a community sporting activity. It presented participants with a unique way to experience Da Nang through the harmonious combination of outdoor exercise, nature, local cuisine, and everyday coastal life.
Barefoot on the Sand, Welcoming the Sunrise at My An Beach
One of the highlights of Barefoot Beach Run 2026 was its distinctive 4-kilometre course, held entirely along the sandy shoreline of My An Beach. Rather than focusing on competition or finishing times, the run encouraged participants to slow down, feel the sand beneath their feet, breathe in the fresh sea air, and welcome the first rays of sunlight over the East Sea.
Before dawn had fully broken, the beach was already bustling with runners of all ages. Children, families, senior participants, amateur runners, local residents, and visitors from across Vietnam and around the world shared the same seaside course.
Each participant joined the event for a different reason—improving personal fitness, trying a new experience, creating memorable moments with family and friends, or simply beginning the day in a healthier and more positive way. This diversity created an open, welcoming atmosphere that fostered genuine connection throughout the event.
Without the need for specialised running shoes or advanced equipment, participants simply stepped onto the sand, listened to the rhythm of the waves, and moved together with the sea. Running barefoot transformed the journey into a natural, authentic, and emotionally rewarding experience, giving the event its own distinctive identity within the unique setting of Da Nang’s coastline.
When Sports Meet Cuisine and Destination Experiences
After completing the run, participants continued their morning at the Breakfast Festival on the Green Lawn, held at Ariyana International Convention Centre Da Nang.
The breakfast experience featured a diverse menu combining Da Nang’s signature local specialties with European, American, and Thai cuisine, thoughtfully prepared by Furama Resort Da Nang and Thai Siam Kitchen. Following their run along the beach, participants had the opportunity to recharge, connect with fellow runners, and enjoy breakfast in a relaxing seaside setting.
The combination of sport and gastronomy extended the experience well beyond the finish line. From physical activity and sunrise viewing to enjoying local flavours, each activity showcased another side of Da Nang—a city that is energetic yet relaxing, modern yet closely connected to nature and local culture.
Through this integrated experience, the event further demonstrated Da Nang’s vision of developing tourism products that combine sports, travel, and culinary experiences, offering residents and visitors more meaningful ways to enjoy the city during the summer season.
Promoting Healthy Living and Community Connection
This year’s event attracted an enthusiastic turnout of nearly 2,000 participants, including local residents, domestic and international visitors, and members of the expatriate community living and working in Vietnam.
The participation of people from different age groups, nationalities, and communities transformed the event into much more than a sporting activity. Along My An Beach, barriers seemed to disappear as everyone came together with a shared purpose—to embrace a healthy lifestyle, enjoy the beauty of nature, and spread positive energy.
Families running side by side, children joyfully racing across the sand, and groups of visitors gathering to welcome the sunrise created heartwarming and inspiring moments. These shared experiences also reflected how community-based activities encourage both residents and visitors to become active participants in the festival, rather than simply spectators.
By promoting outdoor recreation, the event encouraged healthy living, strengthened social connections, and fostered a greater appreciation for Da Nang’s coastal environment. These values align with the city’s vision of developing tourism products centred on wellness, nature, and sustainable development.
Contributing to Tourism Growth and Destination Promotion
Beyond its health and community values, the participation of nearly 2,000 runners also generated positive impacts on Da Nang’s tourism and service sectors.
The presence of a large number of international visitors and expatriates helped stimulate demand for accommodation, dining, transportation, shopping, and entertainment services throughout the city. At the same time, the photos and videos shared by participants along the scenic beachfront route continued to showcase Da Nang’s coastal beauty to audiences around the world.
Speaking at the event, Mr. Cao Tri Dung, Chairman of the Da Nang Tourism Association, said:
“Barefoot Beach Run is more than a community sporting event—it has become one of Da Nang’s signature tourism products. The participation of nearly 2,000 runners, including many international visitors, reflects the growing appeal of professionally organised events that celebrate the city’s unique identity.
The Da Nang Tourism Association will continue working closely with our partners to develop more high-quality events that enhance visitor experiences, strengthen the competitiveness of Da Nang as a destination, and contribute to the sustainable development of the city’s tourism industry.”
From a morning sporting event, Barefoot Beach Run 2026 evolved into a comprehensive destination experience, allowing participants to immerse themselves in the city’s landscapes, climate, cuisine, and everyday coastal lifestyle.
Da Nang – A Destination for Signature Events
Through a diverse calendar of cultural, sporting, artistic, cinematic, and community events held over the years, Da Nang continues to develop a dynamic event ecosystem that caters to a wide range of audiences and travel interests.
The close collaboration between government agencies, tourism associations, businesses, and event organisers has contributed to the creation of innovative tourism products, extending visitors’ length of stay and enriching their experiences beyond traditional sightseeing.
The selection of My An Beach together with Ariyana International Convention Centre Da Nang as the event venue also demonstrated the city’s ability to seamlessly integrate its natural assets, tourism infrastructure, and event facilities. This provides a solid foundation for Da Nang to continue developing large-scale, professionally organised events with a distinctive local identity.
Building on the success of previous editions, Barefoot Beach Run 2026 once again demonstrated the effectiveness of combining sports, tourism, gastronomy, and community engagement into a single destination experience.
The inspiring image of nearly 2,000 runners welcoming the sunrise together on My An Beach became one of the defining moments of Enjoy Da Nang Festival 2026, while conveying a meaningful message of healthy living, positive energy, and harmony with nature.
With every barefoot step across the sand, residents and visitors experienced a Da Nang that is vibrant, welcoming, and full of memorable experiences—a destination where every event not only creates joyful moments, but also leaves a lasting connection with the city’s unique coastal charm.
DA NANG TOURISM PROMOTION CENTER
