A representative of the organising committee, Pulse Active, said this year’s season marks a new step forward in management and operations, with the application of an integrated technology solution across the entire race. The centralised management system allows real-time information updates throughout the event, particularly in monitoring athletes’ health and handling medical incidents, thereby enhancing safety for participants.
The 13th season has attracted nearly 11,000 runners, with approximately 26% being international athletes, reflecting positive growth compared with 2025.
Taking place at the beginning of the new year, the race has become an attractive meeting point for domestic and international visitors; the moment athletes cross the finish line at the Reunification Palace is considered the most iconic image of the event.
Speaking at the opening ceremony, Nguyen Nam Nhan, Deputy Director of the Ho Chi Minh City Department of Culture and Sports, emphasised: “The Ho Chi Minh City Marathon is proud to be a race with both its starting point and finish line located right in the heart of the city – a place where history, culture, and vibrant urban life converge. This is not only a race but also an event that kicks off the New Year.
The 2026 season welcomes nearly 11,000 runners from 75 countries. “This may be a modest figure compared with some major marathons in the region, but it is a deeply meaningful number, symbolising perseverance in pursuing the mission, confidence in the path that the Ho Chi Minh City Marathon has steadfastly followed for more than a decade, and its determination to continue moving forward in the decades to come.”
A distinctive hallmark of the Ho Chi Minh City Marathon is the placement of both the start and finish lines in front of the Reunification Palace, a historical and cultural symbol of the city, offering runners a unique experience as they conquer the course through the dynamic urban centre.
This year, Nike ACFC has become the main sponsor of the Ho Chi Minh City Marathon 2026. Ta Huu Phuc, head of partnerships at Nike ACFC, shared: “For more than a decade in Viet Nam, Nike ACFC and the Ho Chi Minh City Marathon have accompanied each other since the earliest seasons, with the goal of enabling the community to cultivate a healthy lifestyle and spreading the spirit of sport, thereby creating positive values for Ho Chi Minh City in particular and the country as a whole.”
Alongside the opening ceremony, this year’s Ho Chi Minh City Marathon has also opened the Marathon Village, featuring nearly 40 booths from partners and sponsors, creating a space for interaction and experiences for runners and the running community.
