Five runners report theft after bags were cut open at Tuy Hoa Half Marathon

Five runners have reported having their bags slashed and belongings stolen during the Tuy Hoa Half Marathon 2026 in Tuy Hoa, prompting authorities in Dak Lak to investigate.

P.T.M.T., one of the runners, said she discovered a straight cut in the shoulder bag she was carrying after completing her race. The bag held two phones belonging to her and another runner, along with a wallet, keys and personal items. One iPhone was missing, and calls to the number could not get through.

T. and a friend reported the incident to local police, who made a record of the complaint. Other runners also said they had experienced similar thefts. The Department of Culture, Sports and Tourism said officials and law enforcement were working to clarify what happened.

The race began at about 4 a.m. on Sept. 2 at Nghinh Phong Square, with around 3,000 participants competing in 5-kilometer, 10-kilometer and 21-kilometer events. Organizers had warned before the race that they would not accept valuables such as phones, laptops, cash, gold, jewelry and other valuable property. They also advised runners to check their belongings before leaving items at the baggage counter and to keep important possessions secure. The investigation is continuing.