The 5th Edition of the Techcombank Hanoi International Marathon: From a Heritage Racecourse to a Driver of Hanoi’s Economic Development

4:12:15 PM | 8/13/2026

Under the direction of the Hanoi People’s Committee and the Hanoi Department of Culture and Sports, together with Title Sponsor Vietnam Technological and Commercial Joint Stock Bank (Techcombank) and Sunrise Events Vietnam, the Organizing Committee officially announced the launch of the 5th Edition of the Techcombank Hanoi International Marathon.

The event will take place on October 4, 2026, under the theme “Run for a Greater Vietnam”, and is expected to attract 14,000 domestic and international athletes. Combining the spirit of modern sport and international standards with Hanoi’s thousand-year-old cultural and historical heritage, the Techcombank Hanoi International Marathon has, after four editions, established itself as an iconic marathon of Hanoi, while contributing to the implementation of the spirit of Resolution No. 72-NQ/TW of the Politburo on breakthrough solutions to strengthen the protection, care, and improvement of public health.

Building on Techcombank’s nearly 10-year journey of supporting community sports in Ho Chi Minh City and Hanoi, the Techcombank Hanoi International Marathon enters its 5th Edition with a continued focus on connecting sport with the cultural heritage of the Capital. Since its inaugural Edition in 2022 with 7,000 participants, the race has continued to expand, reaching more than 13,000 athletes from 55 countries and territories in 2025. This growth reflects the event’s growing appeal among both domestic and international running communities while reinforcing its role as a platform that connects sport, culture, and tourism. Along a race course that passes through Hanoi’s iconic landmarks, each edition not only creates memorable sporting experiences but also opens opportunities for cultural exchange, promotes the image of the Capital, and connects Hanoi with the international community.

Alongside the growth in participation, the race’s economic impact has also become increasingly significant to Hanoi’s socio-economic development. According to the Organizing Committee’s 2025 Economic Impact Report, the Techcombank Hanoi International Marathon contributed USD 13.7 million to Hanoi’s economy, doubling its impact compared with the inaugural edition. This result demonstrates that the marathon is not only a community sporting event but is also becoming part of the sports tourism ecosystem, generating activity across accommodation, dining, transportation, and destination experiences. More broadly, the race’s continued development is contributing to a more active lifestyle by encouraging people to take greater ownership of their physical well-being and making sport a natural part of modern urban life.

In the context of Vietnam’s growing recognition of culture, people, and health as important foundations for sustainable development, the Politburo has recently issued Resolution No. 80-NQ/TW on the development of Vietnamese culture, designating November 24 each year as “Vietnamese Culture Day.” The convergence of sport, culture, and the economy opens up new approaches to large-scale events. The Techcombank Hanoi International Marathon is one example of how sport can create value beyond the race course, while contributing to public health, promoting Vietnamese culture, and supporting local economic development.

The race course remains one of the defining highlights of the 5th Edition of the Techcombank Hanoi International Marathon, taking athletes through 37 iconic landmarks and structures across the Capital, connecting Hanoi’s historical and cultural heritage with the vibrancy of its modern urban life. This year, the Organizing Committee will also launch SEV RunConcierge, an AI-powered digital assistant built on the Neurun platform, enabling athletes to access race information easily and course guidance and to discover recommended destinations, local cuisine, and cultural landmarks across Hanoi. In addition, the race will continue its specialized training program in partnership with the Magic Stride Running Academy, providing personalized training plans for Marathon and half-marathon participants to support structured and safe preparation and help athletes reach peak performance on race day.

Mr. Pham Xuan Tai, Deputy Director of the Hanoi Department of Culture and Sports, said: “The Techcombank Hanoi International Marathon has become and continues to be one of the key drivers of Hanoi’s running movement. Over its first four editions, the event has not only attracted tens of thousands of people to engage in physical activity but has also contributed to promoting the image of the Capital, advancing sports tourism, and creating tangible economic and social value. These contributions have also helped shape the race’s distinctive role within Hanoi’s community sports ecosystem. We look forward to the 5th Edition building on these values, inspiring more people to embrace running as an active lifestyle while contributing to the continued development of Hanoi’s community sports ecosystem.”

Staying true to its vision of “Change Banking, Change Life,” Techcombank continues to bring a spirit of innovation and creativity to event organization, raising the standards of the race. As the Strategic Sponsor, Techcombank is focused on elevating the athlete experience while bringing international standards to a race deeply rooted in Hanoi’s distinctive identity.

The 5th Edition marks a significant milestone as adidas, a global sports brand, joins as the Official Apparel Sponsor, further reinforcing the race’s credibility and international stature. Athletes will race in apparel meeting global standards, offering an experience comparable to that of runners at world-renowned marathons such as Boston and Berlin, right in the heart of Hanoi. The combination of professional sporting standards and Hanoi’s distinctive heritage setting continues to shape the race’s unique identity: an international-standard race course built upon the Capital’s rich cultural heritage and a thousand-year history.

Ms. Thai Minh Diem Tu, Chief Marketing Officer of Techcombank, said: “At Techcombank, we believe that a nation’s sustainable prosperity is measured not only by economic indicators, but also built upon the foundation of people’s health and the depth of their cultural heritage. The spirit of the 5th Edition - “The Power of One” - reflects the aspiration for excellence and the relentless drive of Vietnamese people to move forward in a new era. Each step represents the perseverance, discipline, and determination of every individual to push beyond their limits. When tens of thousands of steps move in unison along the Capital’s heritage routes, the combined energy of sport and culture can create a powerful collective force, inspiring resilience and the aspiration for progress. As Hanoi’s official and only iconic marathon, we hope the Techcombank Hanoi International Marathon will continue to advance the Capital’s sports tourism ecosystem while inspiring physical fitness and active lifestyles among the community.”

Beyond creating value through sport and economic impact, the Techcombank Hanoi International Marathon continues to reinforce Techcombank’s position as a National Brand committed to taking action for the community. Over its first four editions, Techcombank has contributed more than VND 14 billion through initiatives in partnership with the athletics, basketball, and tennis federations, as well as various sports and social welfare programs, contributing to the development of Vietnamese sport and creating meaningful value for the community.

Entering its 5th Edition, the race will see Techcombank continue to encourage the community to participate in the “Buoc chay vi Tuong lai Tre em Viet” virtual running challenge, taking place from August 8 to September 15, 2026. For every kilometer completed, either virtually or in person, Techcombank will contribute VND 10,000 to the “Cham Yeu Thuong” Charity Fund. The program aims to accumulate 500,000 kilometers, equivalent to VND 5 billion in contributions. The program may conclude earlier than scheduled once the community reaches the 500,000-kilometer target. The funds will be used by the “Cham Yeu Thuong” Charity Fund to support medical expenses, improve nutrition, and enhance mental well-being for children facing difficult circumstances across Vietnam, helping bring joy, inspire hope, and create better opportunities for the country’s future generations.

Through the program, each kilometer is measured not only by the distance covered on the course but also by its tangible contribution to the community: “Every step forward” taken by runners today can create a better opportunity for a child tomorrow.

This community-focused spirit also extends across the Techcombank ecosystem. This approach not only provides comprehensive financial solutions but also reflects a coordinated commitment to social responsibility. This year, Techcom Life, a member of Techcombank Group, will co-organize KIDS RUN, a children’s running event taking place on October 3, 2026, for children aged 5 to 14 across 1.5 km and 3 km distances. Providing a dedicated sporting experience for young participants reflects the shared commitment to bringing sport closer to the younger generation, encouraging active habits from an early age, and nurturing an active lifestyle. In this way, the spirit of sport can extend beyond a single race and reach a broader community, with the support of multiple members across the Techcombank ecosystem.

Mrs. Anh Vo, General Manager of Sunrise Events Vietnam, said: “Entering its 5th Edition, the Organizing Committee remains committed to continuously enhancing the race in line with international standards to deliver an ever-improving experience for athletes. We envision the Techcombank Hanoi International Marathon as a flagship event within Vietnam’s running ecosystem, contributing to the growth of the running community and inspiring more people to embrace active lifestyles. This reflects Sunrise Events Vietnam’s vision of inspiring 100 million Vietnamese people to reach their full potential through the power of sports and healthy habits. Building on this foundation, we hope to progressively elevate the profile of Vietnam’s community sports on the international stage.”

With its 5th Edition, the Techcombank Hanoi International Marathon continues to expand its role beyond a sporting race into a platform that connects communities and contributes to the development of Hanoi’s sports tourism economy. Along the Capital’s heritage routes, every step is not only a personal journey to push beyond individual limits, but also part of creating positive momentum for the community and the city.

By Vietnam Business Forum