The 7th Edition of The Techcombank Ho Chi Minh International Marathon Kicks Off Today With Record Participation, Full of Exciting Events And Activities
The Techcombank Ho Chi Minh International Marathon serves as the highlight of Ho Chi Minh City’s Tourism Week, themed “The City I Love - A Green City.”
The 7th edition of the marathon will feature a competitive race between elite Vietnamese and international athletes, broadcast live on HTV, providing an exceptional viewing experience for audiences worldwide.
The Marathon Village welcomes athletes, families, and the community to a vibrant hub of family-friendly activities, with exhibitor booths, engaging attractions, and educational workshops.
Ho Chi Minh City, Vietnam – December 6, 2024 – Joining the festive spirit of the year-end season, Ho Chi Minh City aims to foster community connections while showcasing its unique culture, people, and culinary delights. The initiative seeks to highlight the city’s rich heritage and inspire pride and love for Ho Chi Minh City among residents while promoting it as a must-visit destination for domestic and international tourists. From December 5 to December 8, 2024, the Ho Chi Minh City Department of Tourism, in collaboration with various government agencies and partners, will host the Ho Chi Minh City Tourism Week under the theme "Vibrant Fest." The event features an array of activities, including the official launch of Ho Chi Minh City Tourism Week 2024 and more.
The 7th Edition of the Techcombank Ho Chi Minh City International Marathon officially opens today, reaffirming its status as the city’s signature marathon for 2024 and promising an exciting journey filled with vibrant experiences. On the main race day, December 8, nearly 18,000 athletes from 64 countries and territories will compete, running through 17 historic landmarks in celebration of the spirit of “Run for a Greater Vietnam.” Over the past six years, the marathon has achieved remarkable milestones, including recognition as a national-level event and the participation of professional Vietnamese athletes. It is also renowned for its unique route, which passes through five districts and Thu Duc City, showcasing some of Vietnam’s most diverse and scenic urban landscapes.
The 7th edition of the marathon stands as a flagship event within the series of activities celebrating Ho Chi Minh City Tourism Week. More than just a premier regional race, it provides athletes and visitors from around the world with an extraordinary opportunity to discover the charm of a bustling young city. Renowned as the "Pearl of the Far East," Ho Chi Minh City is a dynamic hub of diverse cultural influences that promises unforgettable experiences.
With the theme "Vibrant Fest," the city seeks to further emphasize its allure as an ideal tourism destination while fostering a spirit of togetherness and promoting positive community values. This effort plays a key role in establishing Ho Chi Minh City as a compelling global destination, distinguished by its world-class cultural and sporting events.
Nguyễn Thị Ánh Hoa, Director of the Ho Chi Minh City Department of Tourism, welcomed participants: “We are immensely proud to host an international event of this caliber, not only to showcase the dynamic image of our city but also to promote sports tourism. This year’s theme for Ho Chi Minh City Tourism Week, ‘Vibrant Festival Season,’ captures the lively, modern, and inclusive spirit of the city during the festive season. We warmly invite everyone to join us in embracing the vibrant festive atmosphere, discovering the unique charm of our city, and pursuing a healthier lifestyle.”
The opening ceremony will also welcome esteemed delegates from the Mass Participation World (MPW) conference, including Chris Robb, Founder of MPW; Mike Laflin, CEO of Global Sustainable Sport; and Dr. Stephan Bermon, Director of Health and Science Department at World Athletics.
This year’s marathon once again features multiple race categories: Marathon (42.195 km), Half Marathon (21.1 km), 10 km, 5 km, and a KIDS RUN Presented by ILA. The diverse offerings and high participation levels underscore the growing interest in running across all demographics, from elite athletes to recreational runners.
Mr. Nguyễn Nam Nhân, Deputy Director of the Ho Chi Minh City Department of Culture and Sports, shared: "The Techcombank Ho Chi Minh City International Marathon is a clear demonstration of the strong development of community sports activities in the city. We are proud that this event not only attracts thousands of athletes but also contributes to promoting a healthy lifestyle, providing opportunities for people to connect and spread the spirit of vitality and positivity. This is the foundation for Ho Chi Minh City to continue asserting its pioneering role in the community sports movement and sustainable development."
Among the elite athletes participating are:
Hoàng Nguyên Thanh: A celebrated marathon runner who won the Gold Medal at the SEA Games 2021 and holds the national marathon record with an impressive time of 2:18:43.
Hoàng Thi Ngoc Hoa: A top female marathon athlete in Vietnam, with a personal best of 2:44:52 and a first place finish in the women's full marathon category at the Tiền Phong Marathon.
Edwin Kiptoo Yebei: the 6th edition winner with record 2:27:30 and the elite who has constantly stood on the podium of marathon events in Vietnam.
The participation of such delegates and elites underscores the international significance of this event and its commitment to excellence in sports.
Ms. Thái Minh Diễm Tú, Chief Marketing Officer at Techcombank, emphasized the event's message: "We are thrilled to continue our partnership with the city for this year’s season. As a title sponsor, Techcombank is committed to fostering the spirit of sports and creating a solid foundation for individuals to step confidently toward a better version of themselves. At the same time, we aim to work alongside the community to build a strong and prosperous Vietnam. Every step that surpasses personal limits demonstrates resilience and spreads a sense of unity, continuing the meaningful values of the race and driving further growth within the community."
Mr. Rob Zamacona, General Manager at Sunrise Events Vietnam, highlighted the event's potential: “This marathon is one of the leading events in Vietnam and promises to become an important event in Southeast Asia, as well. Our organizing committee is committed to achieving the World Athletic Label with the help of experts, such as those attending the Mass Participation World conference. We are excited about the future of this marathon and its role in inspiring millions to lead a healthier lifestyle.”
The Marathon Village will open immediately following the opening ceremony and press conference, featuring diverse exhibitor booths, engaging activities, and educational workshops on stage and in the expo from Friday to Sunday. Runners, supporters, and community members are invited to join one of the year’s most exciting events!
SUNRISE EVENTS VIETNAM – THE ORGANIZER
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 by a mission 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 VinFast IRONMAN 70.3 Viet Nam, BIM Group IRONMAN 70.3 Phu Quoc, BIM Group 5150 Phu Quoc, SUNRISE SPRINT Viet Nam, IRONKIDS Viet Nam, IRONKIDS Phu Quoc, Techcombank Ho Chi Minh City International Marathon, Techcombank Hanoi International Marathon, and KIDS RUN Presented by ILA. For more information, visit www.sunriseevents.com.
ABOUT TECHCOMBANK - THE TITLE SPONSOR
Techcombank is one of the largest joint stock banks in Vietnam and one of the leading banks in Asia. Techcombank adopts a customer-centric strategy in providing diversified banking solutions and services to more than 10.1 million customers, including individual and corporate customers in Vietnam, through the extensive network with more than 300 transaction points nationwide as well as market-leading digital and mobile banking services. The ecosystem approach in many key economic sectors sets Techcombank apart in one of the world's fastest-growing economies.
Techcombank has the highest credit rating among banks in Vietnam with a Ba2 rating, Stable outlook with the highest Basic Credit Rating. S&P rates Techcombank at BB-, Stable outlook.
ABOUT XTEP - AN EXCLUSIVE APPAREL SPONSOR
XTEP brand has more than 30 years of history in China, officially listed on the Hong Kong Stock Exchange in 2008. Currently, XTEP has become a multi-brand corporation with stores in China, Hong Kong, India, Thailand, Saudi Arabia, and Ukraine, ... XTEP is the leading sportswear brand in Hong Kong - with a youthful and dynamic fashion style with the criterion of always wearing to rich customer experiences. Currently, XTEP in Vietnam has opened 16 showrooms in major shopping centers of cities such as Hanoi, Quang Ninh, Hoa Binh, Viet Tri, Cam Pha, Binh Duong, and Ho Chi Minh City.