The Techcombank Hanoi International Marathon takes place on Sunday, October 4, bringing more than 14,500 athletes from 57 countries and territories onto the streets of the Vietnamese capital. The fifth edition of the international race includes four distances of 5km, 10km, 21km and 42km. Organisers say the event combines sport with Hanoi’s history, culture and tourism.
The race is being held under the theme “Run for a Greater Vietnam” and is designed to give runners an opportunity to experience Hanoi while competing. The routes connect important parts of the city and include historic landmarks. This makes the event different from a standard road race because the organisers are also using it to promote the capital’s heritage and tourism attractions.
The marathon began with an expo and race-kit collection programme on October 2. Runners and their families have been able to visit the Marathon Village, receive information about their routes and take part in activities connected with running, health and travel. The children’s KIDS RUN was held on October 3 before the main race on October 4.
The scale of the event has grown over the five editions. According to VietNam News, more than 54,000 athletes from 57 countries and territories have taken part across the previous editions. The 2026 race is expected to add another large group of local and international runners to that total.
For Hanoi, large international sporting events can provide benefits beyond sport. Visitors arriving for the marathon need accommodation, food, transport and other services. They may also spend time visiting cultural sites before or after the race. Organisers therefore see the event as part of the city’s tourism and service economy as well as a sporting competition.
The route is also intended to give participants a different view of Hanoi. The city is known for its historic streets, lakes, bridges and cultural landmarks. Running through these areas allows participants to experience parts of the capital in a way that is different from ordinary sightseeing. The organisers are promoting the race as a combination of physical activity and cultural discovery.
The event also places emphasis on healthy lifestyles. Running has become increasingly popular in Vietnam, particularly among younger people and urban residents. Community races provide an accessible way for people to exercise and connect with others. Large events can also encourage people who do not normally run to begin training and become more active.
Technology is another feature of this year’s marathon. Organisers have introduced an AI-powered digital assistant called SEV RunConcierge. It provides information about schedules, race routes, course guidance and interactive maps. It also gives visitors information about destinations, cultural experiences and local food, connecting the sporting event with tourism services.
The race course has also been certified by the Association of International Marathons and Distance Races. This means that results from the race can be used for registration purposes connected with the Abbott World Marathon Majors series. Such certification can make the event more attractive to experienced international runners who want officially recognised race times.
For the city, the marathon also creates an opportunity to promote Hanoi’s image internationally. International participants can share their experiences with friends, families and online audiences after returning home. This can provide additional exposure for Hanoi’s tourism industry and encourage future visitors.
The event is being organised by the Hanoi Department of Culture and Sports, Techcombank and Sunrise Events Vietnam. The organisers have worked to combine international race standards with the cultural character of the capital. That approach reflects the city’s wider effort to use major events to support tourism and public participation.
Sunday’s race will bring the main programme to its central stage, with thousands of runners taking part across the four distances. Roads and transport arrangements around the routes are expected to be affected while the event takes place. Residents and visitors will therefore need to follow local traffic instructions during the race.
The October 4 marathon is ultimately both a sporting event and a city-wide celebration of running. More than 14,500 participants are expected to compete, while the wider programme gives runners opportunities to experience Hanoi’s culture and tourism attractions. With international participation continuing to grow, the marathon is becoming an important annual event for the capital’s sporting and lifestyle calendar.
