The 8th Edition of the Techcombank Ho Chi Minh City International Marathon – A Symbolic Race with “ Run for a Greater Vietnam”

  • After seven consecutive seasons, the Techcombank Ho Chi Minh City International Marathon has become one of Vietnam’s most prestigious and anticipated community sporting events. More than just drawing thousands of athletes, it has evolved into an annual sporting tradition and a symbolic race that significantly contributes to the economic and social development of Ho Chi Minh City.
  • As the largest marathon in the history of Vietnam, this year’s Edition expects to welcome over 18,000 athletes who will conquer a racecourse passing through 17 iconic city landmarks. The event promises a unique fusion of sports, culture, and tourism experiences. It will mark the grand finale of the 2025 Ho Chi Minh City River Festival.

Ho Chi Minh City, September 4, 2025 – After seven successful editions, the Techcombank Ho Chi Minh City International Marathon will officially return for its 8th Edition, taking place from December 5–7, 2025, as part of the Ho Chi Minh City River Festival. Now firmly established as the city’s symbolic race, this year the event continues to spread the message “Run for a Greater Vietnam,” contributing to the vision of building a thriving and confident new Vietnam during a pivotal stage of national development. In parallel, the 4th Edition of the Techcombank Hanoi International Marathon will also return on October 5, 2025, guiding runners through 37 iconic landmarks of the capital city.

The race is organized by Sunrise Events Vietnam, under the direction of the Ho Chi Minh City Department of Tourism, the Ho Chi Minh City Department of Culture and Sports, and the Ho Chi Minh City Athletics Federation, with the strategic sponsorship of Vietnam Technological and Commercial Joint Stock Bank (Techcombank) – steadfast partner since the inaugural season. Together, the organizers and partners continue to spread the mission of enhancing physical and mental well-being through the message “Run for a Greater Vietnam.”

Kicking off the event week, the Mass Participation World Conference (MPW) will take place on December 4–5, 2025. This marks the third consecutive year that Ho Chi Minh City will host this prestigious international forum, gathering leading experts, organizers, and industry representatives to discuss trends, share management models, and explore solutions for the sustainable development of mass participation sports. The conference reaffirms the city’s organizational capabilities and international standing on the global sports map. It paves the way for international cooperation and growth in sports tourism.

In 2025, the Techcombank Ho Chi Minh City International Marathon expects to welcome over 18,000 athletes from across Vietnam and abroad, reaffirming its position as the largest running event in Vietnam. Along the route that passes 17 iconic landmarks – including the Independence Palace, Notre-Dame Cathedral, and Ba Son Bridge – athletes will not only test their physical and mental endurance but also explore the city’s cultural values, admire architectural works and landscapes, and immerse themselves in the vibrant rhythm of Vietnam’s most dynamic metropolis

In addition to the primary races, The Global City – Ho Chi Minh City’s landmark new center – will host the Marathon Village and KIDS RUN again. With its expansive green spaces, modern amenities, and international-standard infrastructure, the venue will provide athletes, families, and the community with opportunities to connect, enjoy meaningful activities, and embrace a healthy, sustainable lifestyle.

Mr. Le Truong Hien Hoa, Deputy Director of the Ho Chi Minh City Department of Tourism, shared: “We chose the Techcombank Ho Chi Minh City International Marathon as the signature event to close the Ho Chi Minh City River Festival 2025 because of its symbolism and powerful impact. This is one of the city’s most distinctive sports-tourism events, attracting international visitors while inspiring and uniting the community. Beyond being a marathon, it has become a new tourism product that diversifies experiences and elevates the city’s global image in sports tourism. At the same time, it demonstrates the city’s commitment to supporting and developing signature events, contributing to the goal of making Ho Chi Minh City a dynamic and modern ‘international megacity,’ where sports, culture, and tourism grow sustainably together.

Mr. Nguyen Nam Nhan, Deputy Director of the Ho Chi Minh City Department of Culture and Sports, stated:“Since 2017, the Techcombank Ho Chi Minh City International Marathon has become one of the city’s signature community sporting events, where authorities, businesses, and residents join hands to build a healthy, active lifestyle. More than just a sporting event, it has spread positive values, encouraged unity, and nurtured shared pride across the community. Each Edition has achieved significant progress in scale, quality, and influence, affirming its key role in the city’s sports development strategy. The race also helps position Ho Chi Minh City as an attractive international destination for regional sporting events. Moving forward, we remain committed to supporting the growth of the marathon, so it becomes one of the region’s leading community marathons, contributing meaningfully to the city’s sustainable development and international reputation.”

Ms. Thai Minh Diem Tu, Chief Marketing Officer of Techcombank, emphasized: “‘Run for a Greater Vietnam’ is the core message of the Techcombank Ho Chi Minh City International Marathon and the aspiration we aim to spread across the community in this new era. Every stride represents a journey of physical training, mental resilience, and human connection – essential foundations to build a healthy, united, aspirational community. At Techcombank, these values empower individuals to unlock their potential and act determined to achieve greatness, thereby creating the collective strength for Vietnam to rise confidently. This is why we remain steadfast in our long-term commitment to this race, contributing to the sustainable growth of sports, people, and the nation.”

Mr. Rob Zamacona – General Manager of Sunrise Events Vietnam, shared: “We sincerely thank the Ho Chi Minh City authorities, the various departments, and our Title Sponsor Techcombank for their continued support in the growth of this race. Each season results from thorough preparation and constant innovation to bring the best possible experience for athletes. With a vision to make the Techcombank Ho Chi Minh City International Marathon one of the region’s hallmark sports events, we are committed to maintaining international standards while celebrating and sharing Vietnam’s unique identity in every athlete’s journey.”

ABOUT SUNRISE EVENTS VIETNAM

Founded in 2015, Sunrise Events Vietnam (SEV) is the exclusive licensee of the World Triathlon Corporation for organizing IRONMAN 70.3, 5150 Triathlon, and IRONKIDS events in Vietnam. Driven to inspire individuals to achieve their best, SEV creates premier mass participation events that elevate Southeast Asia’s sports tourism, promote health and wellness, and support sustainable community impact. SEV also organizes flagship endurance events like the IRONMAN 70.3 Da Nang, IRONMAN 70.3 Phu Quoc, 5150 Phu Quoc, SUNRISE SPRINT Viet Nam, IRONKIDS Viet Nam, IRONKIDS Phu Quoc, Ho Chi Minh City International Marathon, Hanoi International Marathon, and KIDS RUN. For more information, visit www.sunriseevents.com.

ABOUT TECHCOMBANK – THE TITLE SPONSOR

Techcombank is one of Vietnam’s largest joint-stock commercial banks and among the leading banks in Asia. The Bank follows a customer-centric strategy, delivering a wide range of banking products and services across Vietnam to over 10.1 million individual and corporate customers. This is achieved through an extensive network of more than 300 branches nationwide and market-leading digital and mobile banking services. Techcombank’s distinctive ecosystem approach — focusing on key economic sectors — sets it apart in one of the world’s fastest-growing economies. The Bank holds the highest credit rating among Vietnamese banks, with a Ba2 rating, Stable Outlook from Moody’s, and the highest Baseline Credit Assessment. Techcombank is also rated BB- with a Stable Outlook by S&P.