Filipino Marlon is the first foreign runner to finish the 21-km race at the VM Nha Trang Sunday morning. He was in the top three of the race for runners under 30.

"I feel excited about the race, which is my first in this town. I was really happy when reaching the finish line," he said, posing with his country's national flag.

Marlon (R) joined the marathon event, held in beach town Nha Trang in central Vietnam, with two of his fellow countrymen (L).

All three of them came to Vietnam for the race as suggested by local Ngoan (2nd, R).

"I used to run with them at a marathon event in the Philippines. They are all good runners so I suggested them join this event," said Ngoan.

South African Mauritz, who lives and works in Ho Chi Minh City, is a member of Phu My Hung Runners Club in the city’s District 7.

He joined the 10-km run in Nha Trang, where the part over Luong Son Pass was a real "challenge."

"This is one of the best organized events I've ever joined. I joined it just to connect with more people but I believe I can compete with professional athletes if I practice harder."

Alex from the U.K. has lived in Vietnam for five years. This is the third time she joined a VnExpress Marathon event.

"The route was quite sloping but everything was really good in general," Alex said about the Nha Trang race.

She was in the top five of female runners aged 40-49 of the 21-km race.

Alex said she will practice more so that "I could run faster in the next race."

Frenchman Pierre joined the race with his 11-year-old daughter, Liz.

He competed in the 21-km race while the girl ran the 5-km race.

"The weather was fine today and the organization was excellent, but my result was not as good as expected," he said.

American Chrissie and Chris (1st and 2nd, L) arrived in Vietnam two months ago. It was the first time they took part in a marathon race in the country. They joined Japanese Hiro (R) in the 21-km race.

"I had to run slower to move pass the sloping parts," said Chris.

Hiro said the VM Nha Trang brought him many surprises.

"The 2km-section down the [Luong Son Pass] was quite difficult for me. I though the race would be steady as this is a beach town. The pass was such as surprise, but a nice one," he said, adding that he has already registered for the next VM event, the VM Hanoi Midnight that will take place on Nov. 26.

The VM Nha Trang attracted around 8,500 runners.