Ho Chi Minh City International Marathon attracts 23,000 athletes

The 8th Techcombank Ho Chi Minh City International Marathon attracted more than 23,000 domestic and international athletes, becoming one of the key activities of Ho Chi Minh City Tourism Week 2025.

This year's race continues with routes passing through famous historical and cultural sites of Ho Chi Minh City.

On the morning of December 5, within the framework of Ho Chi Minh City Tourism Week 2025, the Ho Chi Minh City People's Committee coordinated with the Department of Tourism, Department of Culture and Sports and the Ho Chi Minh City Athletics Federation to open the 8th Techcombank Ho Chi Minh City International Marathon.

This year, the race recorded many remarkable new points. The race course continued to be certified by AIMS and the Vietnam Athletics Federation to meet international standards, affirming the prestige of the event on the regional marathon map. In particular, for the first time, the race introduced the Vietnam Marathon Record Breaking Award with an attractive prize structure, creating strong motivation for the competing athletes.

This year's route takes runners through 17 iconic buildings of the city such as the Independence Palace, Notre Dame Cathedral, Ba Son Bridge, City Post Office ... This is not only a sports journey but also a unique cultural experience, where modern life and urban memories intersect in every step, bringing a new perspective on a dynamic and inspiring Ho Chi Minh City.

At the opening ceremony, units presented symbolic boards of contributions to support people affected by recent floods.

The official race day will take place in the early morning of December 7, expected to welcome more than 23,000 domestic and international athletes, continuing to maintain its position as the largest marathon in Vietnam. This year, athletes will compete in 4 distances: Marathon (42.195 km) - Half marathon (21.1 km) - 10 km and 5 km.

Ms. Bui Thi Ngoc Hieu, Deputy Director of the Ho Chi Minh City Department of Tourism, said that the Techcombank Ho Chi Minh City International Marathon not only opens the 2025 Tourism Week but also symbolizes the city's aspirations for transformation in the new period. The orientation from Resolution 98 is the premise to help Ho Chi Minh City create a model of a modern, smart and humane super urban area, where culture - sports - tourism is both an important economic sector and a spiritual resource to foster identity and enhance national status.

Ms. Bui Thi Ngoc Hieu, Deputy Director of Ho Chi Minh City Department of Tourism, delivered the opening speech at the race on the morning of December 5.

“The race not only spreads the sporting spirit but also creates a strong effect on tourism, services and urban economy, contributing to positioning Ho Chi Minh City as "City of festivals - Livable city - Inspiring city"", Ms. Hieu added.

Source: https://baotintuc.vn/van-de-quan-tam/giai-marathon-quoc-te-tp-ho-chi-minh-thu-hut-23000-van-dong-vien-20251205142136209.htm