2026 Ho Chi Minh City Marathon

On Sunday, 11 January 2026, the 11th edition of the Ho Chi Minh City Marathon will begin at Le Duan Street in Sai Gon Ward, Ho Chi Minh City, Vietnam. The city’s coolest temperatures of the year are expected, ranging from 20 °C to 27 °C, with calm breezes and a festive atmosphere as the Tet holiday approaches. Runners can anticipate a well‑structured race day featuring a full marathon, half marathon, and 10 km, along with expo services, warm‑up sessions, and award ceremonies.

What are the milestones of the HCMC Marathon?

• →1992 – The Beginning: First international marathon with nearly 250 athletes from 26 countries; only eight Vietnamese had prior marathon experience.
• →2013 – A New Start: Reintroduced as “Ho Chi Minh City Run” with 3 km, 5 km, and 10 km distances to popularize running.
• →2015–2017 – Expansion: Half marathon added in 2015; full marathon added in 2017 on the 25th anniversary of the first edition, renamed “Ho Chi Minh City Run – The City Marathon.”
• →2023 – A Decade of Growth: 10 year milestone celebrated with 10 000 runners, marking the end of one decade and the start of another.

What distances are available for this event?

• →Full Marathon (42.195 km)
• →Half Marathon (21 km)
• →10 km

What are the cut‑off times for each distance?

• →Full Marathon: 6 hours from start
• →Half Marathon: 3 hours 30 minutes from start
• →10 km: 2 hours from start

What is the expected weather on race day?

• →Temperature: 20 °C–27 °C (coolest of the year)
• →Conditions: Breezy, low humidity, clear skies
• →Benefit: Ideal for personal best attempts and comfortable running

What is included in the race kit?

• →Official race T‑shirt
• →Bib and timing chip
• →Race packet with water bottle, energy gel, and course map
• →Welcome pack with expo information and event schedule

What key dates and times are scheduled for the event?

• →Friday 9 January: Expo & Kit Pick‑up (9 AM – 7 PM)
• →Saturday 10 January: Expo & Kit Pick‑up (9 AM – 6 PM)
• →Sunday 11 January:

- 2:00 AM – Bag drop and welcome area opens

- 2:30 AM – 3:00 AM – Full Marathon assembly

- 3:00 AM – Full Marathon start

- 3:05 AM – 3:30 AM – Half Marathon assembly

- 3:30 AM – Half Marathon start

- 3:50 AM – 4:15 AM – 10 km assembly

- 4:15 AM – 10 km start

- 6:15 AM – 10 km cut‑off

- 7:00 AM – Half Marathon cut‑off

- 9:00 AM – 9:40 AM – Awarding ceremony

- 10:00 AM – Event end

What awards and prizes are available?

• →Category winners receive medals and trophies
• →Overall winners of each distance receive a commemorative plaque
• →Fastest Vietnamese finishers receive special recognition
• →Top finishers may qualify for international race invitations

What facilities and amenities are available at the expo?

• →Race kit distribution counter
• →Hydration stations with water and electrolytes
• →First‑aid and medical support area
• →Information desk for course maps and event updates
• →Merchandise stalls (apparel, accessories, souvenirs)

What are the race rules and regulations?

• →All participants must wear race bib and timing chip at all times
• →No external pacing or drafting allowed; runners must stay within their designated lane when possible
• →Participants must respect the cut‑off times; those exceeding will be cut from the race
• →Use of mobile phones for timing must be disabled or set to silent during the race

What should participants know about the course?

• →The full marathon route starts and finishes on Le Duan Street, passing key city landmarks
• →The course includes a segment over Phu My Bridge, a notable challenging point
• →Elevation profile is relatively flat, with a few moderate inclines in the second half
• →Course maps are being updated and will be finalized shortly before the event

What are the registration fees for 2026?

• →Early‑bird registration (until 31 December 2025): VND 12 000 000
• →Regular registration (1 January 2026 – 15 March 2026): VND 15 000 000
• →Late registration (after 15 March 2026): VND 18 000 000
• →Race day registration (on-site): VND 20 000 000

What weather considerations should runners keep in mind?

• →Dress in moisture‑wicking layers to manage the 20 °C–27 °C range
• →Hydrate regularly; water stations every 2–3 km
• →Sunscreen and hat for morning heat despite cooler temperatures
• →Prepare for potential wind gusts along the riverfront and bridge areas

What are the key highlights of the 2026 event?

• →11th edition marking over 30 years of marathon history in Vietnam
• →International and local athletes competing on a celebrated course
• →Expo offering race kits, hydration, medical support, and racing apparel
• →Award ceremony honoring top performers across all distances
• →Opportunities for Vietnamese runners to gain international exposure and recognition