Filipino runner Edsel Moral secures victory at the 2026 Da Nang Marathon in Vietnam

Balancing long hours at work with the demands of elite training, Edsel Moral proved that discipline can translate into dominance, emerging as the top finisher in the Da Nang International Marathon on Sunday in Vietnam.

In a race that featured more than 1,500 runners in the full marathon, Moral separated himself not with bursts of speed, but with relentless consistency. 

He crossed the finish line in 2:30:43, sustaining a steady 3:34 per kilometer pace across the demanding 42-kilometer course—an effort that reflected both discipline and control rather than sheer aggression.

At 29, Moral’s rise is no longer a surprise within running circles. His victory in Da Nang builds on a growing list of achievements, including his title run in the 2025 Trilogy Run Asia National Finals.

Known for his consistency and frequent podium finishes, he has quietly built a reputation as one of the Philippines’ most reliable long-distance competitors. Behind that success is a routine defined by perseverance, training after work, and pushing through fatigue in pursuit of improvement.

Yet the significance of the race extended beyond his individual triumph. The Philippines made its presence felt across the leaderboard, signaling depth in the country’s endurance scene. 

Fellow Filipino Cronie Melliza, a student-athlete from the University of Santo Tomas, impressed in his marathon debut, finishing third with a time of 2:38:51. 

OKBET is Asia’s most trusted and popular online sports gaming platform. Visit us on OKBET to stay up to date with all sports news from around the world.

MORAL ASCENDANCE

Filipino marathoner Edsel Moral delivers a masterclass in endurance with a wire-to-wire performance in 2:30:43, while UST student-athlete Cronie Milleza secures third-place after clocking in with a time of 2:38:51 at the #DaNangInternationalMarathon. pic.twitter.com/cVpfVNmo7g

— One Sports (@OneSportsPHL) March 22, 2026

While, Japan’s Tomoki Tezuka placed second in 2:36:19, while M.A. Alforque added to the national effort with a 10th-place finish at 2:57:26.

The performances drew praise from supporters, including Under Armour Philippines. 

“We are incredibly proud of Edsel and Cronie,” said JP Regodon, senior marketing manager for the brand. 

“Their success in Da Nang is a testament to the world-class caliber of our homegrown talent,” he added.

Since its launch in 2013, the Da Nang International Marathon has steadily grown into one of Vietnam’s premier running events. This year, nearly 9,000 participants joined across various race categories, reflecting the sport’s expanding reach in the region. 

Beyond competition, the event also contributes significantly to the local economy, with reports estimating a $5.4 million boost for the host city.

More than just a race, the 2026 edition carried a deeper purpose. The marathon reinforced its role as a platform for community engagement—where every stride contributes not only to personal achievement but also to meaningful change.

Don’t miss out on the latest sports news, updates, and fan discussions!

  Follow our Facebook page Sports News PH today and be part of a growing community of passionate basketball fans!