11:21:46 AM | 10/28/2026
The Techcombank Ho Chi Minh City International Marathon officially launches its 9th Edition. Held under the direction of the Ho Chi Minh City People's Committee, the event is jointly organized by the Ho Chi Minh City Department of Tourism, the Ho Chi Minh City Department of Culture and Sports, and Sunrise Events Vietnam, with Vietnam Technological and Commercial Joint Stock Bank (Techcombank) as the Title Sponsor. As an iconic marathon bearing the city's name, the event has established itself as one of Vietnam's largest and most influential community sporting events, contributing to the growth of sports tourism, stimulating the local service economy, and attracting an increasing number of international visitors to Ho Chi Minh City.
The 9th Edition of the Techcombank Ho Chi Minh City International Marathon will take place from December 4–6, 2026, as one of the city's key December events, coinciding with the 6th Ho Chi Minh City Tourism Week, themed "Vibrant Ho Chi Minh City Fest," from December 4–12, 2026. This year's edition is expected to welcome a record-breaking field of more than 24,000 domestic and international runners.
Nearly a decade of creating greater value
In support of Vietnam's national direction on breakthrough measures to strengthen the protection, care, and improvement of public health under Resolution No. 72-NQ/TW, further reaffirmed at the nationwide sports participation launch ceremony on October 10, the 9th Edition of the Techcombank Ho Chi Minh City International Marathon continues to promote the role of sports in connecting communities, expanding opportunities for participation in physical activity, and strengthening event organization in line with international standards to meet the diverse needs of domestic and international runners.
Nearly a decade of sustained investment and continuous innovation has transformed the marathon into a symbol of active living and the pursuit of excellence. Beyond the race itself, the event has generated lasting socioeconomic value by supporting tourism, promoting Ho Chi Minh City as a destination, and inspiring the shared aspiration for a healthier Vietnam.
In major cities such as New York, London, Tokyo, and Chicago, marathons have become an integral part of the tourism ecosystem and destination branding. In Vietnam, the Techcombank Ho Chi Minh City International Marathon welcomed more than 23,200 runners from 81 countries and territories in its 8th Edition in 2025. According to estimates by the Organizing Committee, the event generated a cumulative economic impact of more than USD 25.7 million between 2022 and 2025, reflecting its ability to attract visitors and stimulate spending on accommodation, dining, shopping, and other local services.
Mr. Le Truong Hien Hoa, Deputy Director of the Ho Chi Minh City Department of Tourism, shared: “Over the past eight editions, the Techcombank Ho Chi Minh City International Marathon has become one of the city's leading community sporting events, making a positive contribution to the development of Ho Chi Minh City's tourism sector. The event has helped stimulate accommodation, hospitality, retail, and commercial activities while promoting Ho Chi Minh City as a dynamic, modern, and globally connected destination. We believe that the innovations introduced in the 9th Edition will further enhance the appeal of sports tourism and contribute to the city's ambition of becoming one of the region's leading destinations for international sporting events.”
Mr. Nguyen Nam Nhan, Deputy Director of the Ho Chi Minh City Department of Culture and Sports, said: “The Techcombank Ho Chi Minh City International Marathon is one of the initiatives contributing to the implementation of national policies on sports development and public health improvement under Resolution No. 72-NQ/TW. The event continues to encourage more people to participate in regular physical activity and embrace active lifestyles. We highly appreciate the enhancements introduced in the 9th Edition, from maintaining internationally recognized technical standards to improving the runner experience and supporting the advancement of marathon performance in Vietnam.”
Ms. Thai Minh Diem Tu, Chief Marketing Officer of Techcombank, affirmed: “For nearly a decade, Techcombank has been proud to stand alongside Ho Chi Minh City in building and elevating the city's iconic marathon into one of Vietnam's leading internationally recognized running events. As we enter the 9th Edition, our commitment goes beyond investing in higher standards of event quality and runner experience in line with evolving global benchmarks. We remain steadfast in our broader ambition to inspire active lifestyles, advance community sports participation, and contribute to the vision of a healthier, happier, and more sustainable Vietnam. This is the very spirit of 'Run For A Greater Vietnam' that Techcombank has consistently championed over the years.”
The 9th Edition: inspiring nationwide participation in sports for a healthier vietnam
One of the key highlights of this year's edition is the introduction of a standalone 5KM race for the first time, taking place on the afternoon of Saturday, December 5. This new format creates greater opportunities for families and first-time runners to participate in a major community sporting event. The Marathon Village will also be upgraded with a more spacious and accessible layout, offering enhanced exhibition and engagement experiences throughout race week. In addition, XTEP, the Exclusive Sportwear Sponsor and Strategic Technical Partner, and the Organizing Committee have established a strategic partnership framework through 2030, reaffirming their long-term commitment to elevating event standards, enhancing the runner experience, and contributing to the development of Vietnam's endurance sports ecosystem.
Another innovation is the introduction of SEV RunConcierge, an AI-powered digital assistant built on the NeuRun platform and launched for the first time by Sunrise Events Vietnam. The technology enables runners to access race information and discover destination experiences, connecting their sporting journey with Ho Chi Minh City's tourism offerings and local services.
| Beyond the main race day, the event weekend from December 4–6, 2026, will feature a series of community engagement activities at the Marathon Village. Among them, the KIDS RUN, with Techcom Life as its Main Sponsor, will take place on the morning of Saturday, December 5, giving children an opportunity to discover the joy of physical activity and develop active habits from an early age. The initiative further reflects Techcom Life's commitment, as part of the Techcombank ecosystem, to supporting Vietnamese families and helping build a strong foundation for future generations. |
The race course remains a key highlight, taking runners past some of Ho Chi Minh City's most iconic landmarks, while its certification by the Association of International Marathons and Distance Races (AIMS) and the Vietnam Athletics Federation (VAF) is expected to be maintained. Reflecting the character of a dynamic, modern metropolis aspiring to become an international economic and financial hub, the course offers not only a distinctive racing experience but also an opportunity to discover the city's vibrant urban life, connecting sports with tourism, commerce, services, and diverse city experiences.
Ms. Anh Vo, Chief Executive Officer of Sunrise Events Vietnam, shared: “After eight editions, we remain committed to continuously improving event quality in line with international standards and delivering an increasingly rewarding experience for runners. The enhancements introduced in the 9th Edition, from the standalone 5KM race to the integration of AI technology, are all designed to strengthen safety, operational quality, and the overall participant experience. These improvements provide a foundation for the marathon's sustainable growth, further developing our event delivery capabilities and reinforcing the Techcombank Ho Chi Minh City International Marathon's position on the regional marathon stage.”
T.H (Vietnam Business Forum)
