Miles to Smiles: Nomura Samurai Run Fest 2026 Brings 1,600 Runners Together on Vu Yen Island

Over the weekend of 24–25 October 2026, European Square at Vinhomes Royal Island came alive as Nomura Real Estate Vietnam (NREV) hosted Nomura Samurai Run Fest 2026: Miles to Smiles – A Charity Run. Across four distances, 2km, 6km, 10km, and 21km, around 1,600 runners, including island residents, Hai Phong locals, avid runners, NREV partners, and special young guests from SOS Children’s Village Hai Phong, laced up with one shared conviction: “Every small step matters. Every mile creates a smile.”

Expo Day: An Afternoon of Discovery, An Evening of Celebration

Festivities began Saturday at 14:00 as runners and families gathered at European Square for race kits and the Expo Village, quickly turning into a lively carnival. Throughout the afternoon, electric buggies took families on the Model House Tour Challenge at The Miyabi, The Tropic, and Isla Bella to explore living spaces, collect stamps, and receive teddy keychain keepsakes.

At the Kid Zone, children enjoyed mini games before trading stamps for prizes. Nearby, families signed the Wall of Smiles charity mural, with early check-ins receiving limited-edition keychains. Evening live music and fireworks then set the stage for race day.

Race Day: A Rare Tour Inside Vũ Yên Island

Before dawn on Sunday at 04:00, the 21km Half Marathon field set off into the cool morning air, followed in waves by the 10km Challenge, 6km Fun Run, and 2km Kid Run. After energetic group warm-ups at the main stage, each wave crossed the start gate to cheers from the crowd.

What made the course truly special was its rare access: for the first time, runners were invited onto the private, tree-lined avenues inside NREV’s residential areas, roads usually reserved for residents. The running route offered a living tour of Vũ Yên Island, passing the Japanese-inspired calm of The Miyabi, the Mediterranean charm of Isla Bella, the lush tropical greenery of The Tropic, and the open lawns of Ikigai Park and Zen Park.

While long-distance runners chased personal bests along the island’s scenic roads, the shorter courses brought pure family warmth. Friends, parents, children shared the 6km Fun Run, while young runners on the 2km Kid Run giggled their way through giant bowling pins, tire jumps, and a ball pit before sprinting through the finish tape.

Gratitude to Our Runners and Partners

Thank you to our runners

To all 2,000 runners, from the half-marathoners who started in the dark at 04:00 to the children completing their very first 2km, thank you for bringing this festival to life.
Congratulations to the podium finishers recognised at our closing ceremony, and thank you to every family member, friend, and supporter who cheered along the course.
Above all, the day’s greatest victory belongs to everyone who took part, because your miles have truly become smiles for the children of Hải Phòng.

Thank you to our partners

The success of the festival was made possible by the support of our partners:

• Sumitomo Corporation: For its generous gifts and steadfast partnership.
• Pocari Sweat: Our official electrolyte drink partner, keeping runners refreshed at every hydration station and the finish line.
• Calbee: For hosting the lively Expo check-in activity and treating visitors to product samples.
• 4AM: For its dedicated sportswear booth, runner perks, and gifts.
• Fujita: For fueling our youngest participants with snacks inside the Kid Run race kits.
• Lecka: For providing winner prizes and special offers for runners.
• Vinhomes Royal Island: For hosting the venue and ensuring seamless safety and on-ground operations.

We also extend our heartfelt appreciation to our guests of honour, Daiko Vietnam, and every volunteer and crew member who worked tirelessly behind the scenes.

Looking Ahead

Nomura Samurai Run Fest 2026 showed how powerful a community becomes when people move forward together. As Nomura Real Estate Vietnam continues its journey on Vũ Yên Island, we remain committed to crafting not only exceptional homes, but also an active, compassionate, and connected way of life.

Relive the weekend’s best moments in our official photo album, and follow our Facebook page for updates on future community activities.