On December 5, 2025 - The opening ceremony and press conference of the 8th Techcombank Ho Chi Minh City International Marathon took place solemnly under the direction of the Ho Chi Minh City People's Committee, the Department of Tourism, the Department of Culture and Sports and the Ho Chi Minh City Athletics Federation. Vietnam Technological and Commercial Joint Stock Bank (Techcombank) is the strategic sponsor and Sunrise Events Vietnam company coordinates the implementation.
Officially taking place on December 7, 2025, the City's symbolic race continues to affirm its position as the largest running event in Vietnam with the expected participation of more than 23,000 athletes from 81 countries and territories, affirming the prestige, professionalism and appeal of regional tournaments, aiming for the standards of major international running tournaments.
Spending hundreds of billions each year on community activities and nearly a decade of perseverance to create a healthy living sports movement for the Vietnamese people, Techcombank has accompanied positive community outreach activities to bring a happy life, financial prosperity and a fulfilling life experience.
Within the framework of the 8th season, Techcombank has donated more than 9 billion VND to support and sponsor meaningful community activities such as: Supporting people in localities affected by storms and floods, the "For the Poor" Fund in Ho Chi Minh City, the Association for the Protection of Poor Patients in Ho Chi Minh City. Ho Chi Minh City, the Vo Hong Son Center for the Education of Disabled Children, sponsoring Human Resources Training in the Tourism Sector, the Ho Chi Minh City Sports Talent Protection Fund, the Ho Chi Minh City Athletics Federation, the project "Building a policy for developing tourism in the city"... along with a contribution of more than 4.2 billion VND to the Charity Trade Fund to finance medical expenses for children with disabilities.
Speaking at the opening ceremony, Ms. Bui Thi Ngoc Hieu - Deputy Director of the Ho Chi Minh City Department of Tourism - said: "The 8th Techcombank Ho Chi Minh City International Marathon is a journey to promote the image of a dynamic, friendly and vibrant city to domestic and foreign tourists, through the running steps of athletes. The tournament is held within the framework of Ho Chi Minh City Tourism Week 2025, affirming the orientation of tourism development associated with sports and culture, one of the important pillars in the strategy of building the city into an international tourism super city. The Department of Tourism will continue to closely coordinate with departments, branches and organizing committee to ensure preparation, safety and quality experience, towards a green, sustainable and worth-visiting destination".
Immediately after the opening ceremony, the Marathon Village at The Global City of Masterise Homes officially opened to welcome athletes, families and sports lovers to receive racing items and visit the exhibition (Expo).
Here, attendees will experience the impressive exhibition space of strategic sponsor Techcombank with modern financial - technological solutions and unique, creative items. The exhibition area also brings together many leading brands in the fields of nutrition, sports, health care... along with the exhibition booth of the new generation life insurance company Techcom Life, Charity Fund for Love and Service... This is also a meeting place for the domestic and international running community before the main race day, while integrating a space to introduce Ho Chi Minh City tourism with information about 17 typical destinations on the running route, new tourism products of the city such as river tourism, green tourism, as well as information about festival activities taking place from December 3-12 within the framework of Tourism Week.
In particular, the season launched "Very broken Vietnam Marathon Record" with the highest prize value in the country, up to 120 million VND/tournament, sponsored by Techcom Life Life insurance company. Top athletes in Vietnam and internationally are ready to join the competition such as Nguyen Van Lai, Pham Thi Hong Le, Hua Thuan Long, Dang Anh Quyet, Edwin Kiptoo, Lilan Kennedy, Birehan Marta, promising to create dramatic competitions on the track.
Mr. Nguyen Nam Nhan - Deputy Director of the Department of Culture and Sports of Ho Chi Minh City - said: "The Techcombank Ho Chi Minh City International Marathon is a clear demonstration of the orientation of building a "city of healthy citizens", where mass sports gradually become a part of life. Through seven seasons of organization, the tournament has aroused the spirit of training, perseverance and the desire to rise up, contributing to the formation of a united and dynamic community. This is also the foundation for Ho Chi Minh City to continue to maintain the habit of practicing sports at all ages, helping the spirit of "Running for a superior Vietnam" become closer and widely spread in people's lives".
Ms. Thai Minh Diem Tu - Marketing Director, Techcombank - shared: For nearly a decade creating a healthy living foundation, the Techcombank Ho Chi Minh City International Marathon is the city's symbolic annual race, building a healthy, confident and prosperous community. That spirit is further strengthened when Resolution 72 of the Politburo was issued, aiming to improve the stature, longevity and physical activity rate of the people. We believe that, with the message "Running for a superior Vietnam" and the joint efforts of the community, the Techcombank Ho Chi Minh City International Marathon will continue to spread strongly and create a new Vietnam that is healthier, happier and more prosperous".
Mr. Rob Zamacona - General Director of Sunrise Events Vietnam - affirmed: "We are determined to pursue the mission of "Helping 100 million Vietnamese people realize their strength through sports", always placing athletes at the center, ensuring all stages of the organization meet the highest standards - from running routes, security, healthcare, water supply to volunteer training. The Organizing Committee will closely coordinate with competent authorities in developing an organization plan, limiting the impact on people's lives, while bringing a safe, fair and emotional experience to all athletes. That is a sustainable commitment that we not only organize a professional race, but also contribute to creating a strong and cohesive sports community".
On December 6, 2025, the KIDS RUN Children's Run will take place at The Global City, expected to welcome more than 1,200 children aged 5 to 14 participating in two distances of 1.5 km and 3 km. Since 2017, KIDS RUN has been an important highlight in the operating ecosystem of Techcombank Ho Chi Minh City International Marathon, contributing to the formation of physical exercise habits and sports inspiration for the younger generation. This activity continues to affirm the City's orientation in building a "City of healthy citizens", where grassroots sports become a part of life.
In the new space of Ho Chi Minh City, this year's season marks many steps forward to affirm international stature. That is, the Run will continue to be certified by AIMS and the Vietnam Athletics Federation as a track that meets international standards, ensuring global standards.
At the same time, organizing the 3rd introduction of mass sports in Ho Chi Minh City to accompany the tournament is a clear demonstration of international trust in the organizing capacity and position of the City. The entire event will be broadcast live on HTV The Thao and digital platforms of HTV and Techcombank.
