The city's symbolic race spreads 'Run for a superior Vietnam'

The Opening Ceremony and Press Conference of the 8th Techcombank Ho Chi Minh City International Marathon took place solemnly under the direction of the Ho Chi Minh City People's Committee, Department of Tourism, Department of Culture and Sports and the Ho Chi Minh City Athletics Federation. Vietnam Technological and Commercial Joint Stock Bank (Techcombank) is the strategic sponsor and Sunrise Events Vietnam is the co-organizer.

Officially taking place on December 7, 2025, the city's symbolic race continues to affirm its position as the largest running event in Vietnam with an expected participation of more than 23,000 athletes from 81 countries and territories, affirming its prestige, professionalism and attraction on par with regional races, aiming for the standards of major international races.

Opening Ceremony and Press Conference of the 8th Techcombank Ho Chi Minh City International Marathon

Spending hundreds of billions each year on community activities and nearly a decade of persistently creating a healthy sports movement for the Vietnamese people, Techcombank has accompanied positive community activities to bring a happy life, financial prosperity and a complete life experience. Within the framework of the 8th season, Techcombank donated more than 9 billion VND to support and sponsor meaningful community activities such as: Supporting people in localities affected by storms and floods, Ho Chi Minh City "For the Poor" Fund, Ho Chi Minh City Association for Supporting Poor Patients, Vo Hong Son Center for Nurturing Children with Disabilities, sponsoring human resource training activities in the tourism industry, Ho Chi Minh City Sports Talent Support Fund, Ho Chi Minh City Athletics Federation, the project "Building a policy to develop city tourism"... along with a contribution of more than 4.2 billion VND to the Touch of Love Fund to sponsor medical expenses for children with leg deformities.

Techcombank donated more than 9 billion VND to community activities and charity fundraising in just the 8th season

Speaking at the opening ceremony, Ms. Bui Thi Ngoc Hieu, Deputy Director of the Ho Chi Minh City Department of Tourism , said: " The 8th Techcombank Ho Chi Minh City International Marathon is a journey to promote the image of a dynamic, friendly and vibrant city to domestic and foreign tourists, through each step of the athletes. The tournament is held within the framework of the Ho Chi Minh City Tourism Week 2025, affirming the orientation of tourism development associated with sports and culture, one of the important pillars in the strategy of building the city into an international tourist metropolis. The Department of Tourism will continue to closely coordinate with departments, branches and organizing committees to ensure preparation, safety and quality of experience, towards a green, sustainable and worth-experiencing destination".

Ms. Bui Thi Ngoc Hieu, Deputy Director of Ho Chi Minh City Department of Tourism, spoke at the opening ceremony.

Immediately after the opening ceremony, the Marathon Village at The Global City of Masterise Homes officially opened to welcome athletes, families and sports enthusiasts to receive race track kits and visit the exhibition (Expo). Here, attendees will experience the impressive display space of the strategic sponsor Techcombank with modern financial and technological solutions and unique and creative items. The exhibition area also gathers many leading brands in the fields of nutrition, sports, health care... along with the display booth of the new generation life insurance company Techcom Life, the Charity Fund Touch Love... This is also a meeting point for the domestic and international running community before the main race day, and at the same time integrates a space to introduce Ho Chi Minh City tourism with information about 17 typical destinations on the running route, new tourism products of the City such as river tourism, green tourism, as well as information about festival activities taking place from December 3 to 12 within the framework of Tourism Week.

More than 23,000 athletes from 81 countries & territories - the largest marathon in Vietnam

In particular, the inaugural season of the "Vietnam Marathon Record-Breaking Tournament" with the highest prize value in the country, up to 120 million VND/tournament, sponsored by Techcom Life Insurance Company. Top Vietnamese and international athletes are ready to join the race such as Nguyen Van Lai, Pham Thi Hong Le, Hua Thuan Long, Dang Anh Quyet, Edwin Kiptoo, Lilan Kennedy, Birehan Marta, promising to create dramatic competitions on the race track.

Mr. Nguyen Nam Nhan, Deputy Director of the Department of Culture and Sports of Ho Chi Minh City, said: " The Techcombank Ho Chi Minh City International Marathon is a clear demonstration of the orientation of building a 'city of healthy citizens', where grassroots sports gradually become a part of life. Through seven seasons of organization, the tournament has aroused the spirit of training, perseverance and aspiration to rise up, contributing to the formation of a united and dynamic community. This is also the foundation for Ho Chi Minh City to continue to maintain the habit of exercising for all ages, helping the spirit of "Running for a superior Vietnam" become closer and spread widely in people's lives."

Ms. Thai Minh Diem Tu, Director of Marketing, Techcombank, shared: " With nearly a decade of building a foundation for healthy living, the Techcombank Ho Chi Minh City International Marathon is an annual race that symbolizes the city, building a healthy, confident and prosperous community. That spirit was further strengthened when Resolution 72 of the Politburo was issued, aiming to improve people's stature, longevity and physical activity rate. We believe that, with the message "Run for a superior Vietnam" and the joint efforts of the community, the Techcombank Ho Chi Minh City International Marathon will continue to spread strongly and create a new Vietnam that is healthier, happier and more prosperous."

Launching the record-breaking Vietnam Marathon with the highest prize money ever

Mr. Rob Zamacona, General Director of Sunrise Events Vietnam, affirmed: " We are determined to pursue the mission of 'Helping 100 million Vietnamese people realize their strength through sports', always putting athletes at the center, ensuring that all organizational stages meet the highest standards - from the running track, security, medical, water supply to volunteer training. The organizing committee will closely coordinate with the authorities in developing the organization plan, limiting the impact on people's lives, while bringing a safe, fair and emotional experience to all athletes. That is the sustainable commitment that we not only organize a professional running tournament, but also contribute to creating a strong and cohesive sports community".

On December 6, 2025, the KIDS RUN will take place at The Global City, expected to welcome more than 1,200 children from 5 to 14 years old to participate in two distances of 1.5 km and 3 km. Since 2017, KIDS RUN has been an important highlight in the ecosystem of the Techcombank Ho Chi Minh City International Marathon, contributing to forming exercise habits and inspiring sports for the young generation. This activity continues to affirm the City's orientation in building a "City of healthy citizens", where grassroots sports become a part of life.

In the new space of Ho Chi Minh City, this year's season marks many steps forward to affirm its international stature. That is, the Running Tournament continues to be certified by AIMS and the Vietnam Athletics Federation as a race track that meets international standards, ensuring global standards. At the same time, the organization of the 3rd Mass Sports Introduction Program in Ho Chi Minh City accompanying the tournament is a clear demonstration of international trust in the city's organizational capacity and position. The entire event will be broadcast live on HTV Sports and digital platforms of HTV and Techcombank.

Source: https://thanhnien.vn/giai-chay-bieu-trung-cua-thanh-pho-lan-toa-buoc-chay-vi-mot-viet-nam-vuot-troi-185251205165231949.htm