More than a Marathon: How Carlsberg Vietnam Runs Together to Build a Stronger Growth Culture

For the fifth consecutive year, Carlsberg Vietnam, together with its iconic Huda brand, returned as one of the main sponsors of VnExpress Marathon Hue 2026.

But for the company, this was never simply about sponsoring a race. It was about something far bigger: how culture, leadership, and shared purpose create the foundation for sustainable growth.

 Carlsberg Vietnam’s leadership team and employees came together at VnExpress Marathon Hue 2026, reflecting a shared spirit of unity, energy, and connection that goes far beyond the race

Held in the heart of Vietnam’s ancient capital, this year’s marathon welcomed more than 8,000 runners from across the country, taking them through one of Vietnam’s most distinctive race routes, where every step passes heritage landmarks, historic streets, and the enduring spirit of Hue.

For Carlsberg Vietnam, the marathon represented much more than a sporting event. It was a powerful expression of the company’s Growth Culture – where performance, people, and purpose move forward together. At its core is a simple belief: sustainable growth begins with strong teams, shared purpose, and a workplace where people are empowered to thrive.

Running together, growing together

At Carlsberg Vietnam, growth begins with people. It is built through trust, resilience, and a culture where well-being is not treated as a benefit, but as a foundation for long-term success.

That spirit came to life at VnExpress Marathon Hue 2026 as nearly 200 employees from across the company, including the full leadership team and Managing Director Andrew Khan, joined the race across multiple distances.

From senior leaders to cross-functional teams, colleagues ran side by side – not as titles, but as one team. The presence of the full leadership team on the racecourse sent a clear message: leadership is not only about setting direction, but about showing up, standing alongside people, and building belief through action.

 The full management team of Carlsberg Vietnam ran alongside employees at VnExpress Marathon Hue 2026, reflecting leadership through action and shared purpose.

“At Carlsberg Vietnam, we believe the strongest businesses are built by strong people,” said Andrew Khan, Managing Director of Carlsberg Vietnam. “Growth is never created by strategy alone. It happens when people trust each other, challenge each other, and move forward together. When leaders run alongside employees, it reflects exactly the kind of culture we want to build – one where success belongs to everyone.”

This mindset sits at the core of Carlsberg Vietnam’s Growth Culture - a philosophy where high performance and employee well-being are not competing priorities, but inseparable drivers of sustainable success.

Hue: More than home, a strategic heartland

The partnership with VnExpress Hue Marathon carries special meaning for Carlsberg Vietnam because Hue is more than a race destination – it is home.

As the birthplace of Huda and home to the Phu Bai Brewery, Hue has been at the center of Carlsberg Vietnam’s journey for more than 35 years. It is where the company has built deep roots, strong partnerships, and a long-term commitment to the social and economic development of Central Vietnam.

Supporting VnExpress Marathon Hue reflects that commitment. Beyond sponsorship, it is a way to contribute to the city’s cultural vitality, tourism, and community pride, while reinforcing the identity and values Huda has represented for generations.

For Huda, being present along the race route and at the finish line was never only about brand visibility. It was about being part of the moments that matter – where celebration, connection, and local pride come together.

By Vietnam Business Forum