Hanoi – The City of Runners

The Marathon Boom

In recent years, Hanoi has witnessed the rapid development of large-scale running events. Notable among them are the Techcombank Hanoi International Marathon, VPBank Hanoi International Marathon, and Standard Chartered Hanoi Marathon – Heritage Race, attracting tens of thousands of participants annually.

According to the organisers, the Techcombank Hanoi International Marathon 2025 attracted over 13,000 athletes from more than 50 countries and territories, with distances of 42 km, 21 km, 10 km, and 5 km. The race route is designed to pass through many historical and cultural landmarks of the capital, including Hoan Kiem Lake, the Hanoi Opera House, the Ho Chi Minh Mausoleum, and West Lake, creating a unique experience for the athletes.

Meanwhile, the VPBank Hanoi International Marathon 2025 also attracted around 11,000 athletes from over 25 countries, making it one of the largest running events in Vietnam. These races not only attract professional athletes but also appeal to a large number of amateur runners, families, and international tourists.

The strong development of marathon events shows that running is no longer an individual activity but is becoming a widespread social movement in the capital.

Hanoi – The City of Runners

Running as Urban Culture

Running is becoming a daily habit for many Hanoians, not just during competitions. Every early morning or late afternoon, public spaces like West Lake, Thong Nhat Park, Cau Giay Park, or the Hoan Kiem Lake area are bustling with runners.

Alongside this, running clubs are rapidly developing. From small groups of a few dozen people, many clubs now have hundreds of members, regularly organising group runs and participating in both domestic and international marathons.

According to Mr Pham Xuan Tai, Deputy Director of the Hanoi Department of Culture and Sports, international marathon events held in the capital have significantly boosted public participation in sports. He noted that these races not only provide a healthy playground for residents but also help promote Hanoi's image worldwide.

“Events like the Hanoi International Marathon are crucial catalysts for nurturing the sporting spirit within the community and spreading the image of the capital to international friends,” Mr Pham Xuan Tai shared.

For many Hanoians, running is not just about health but also about connecting with the community. Many runners say what they love about marathons in Hanoi is running through familiar streets and experiencing the city's beauty in a very different way.

Delegates participate in the Olympic Run Day for Public Health 2025.

Marathons – A Bridge to Promote the Capital's Image

Beyond sports significance, marathons have become an effective tool for promoting Hanoi's image. The race routes of many events are designed to pass through famous cultural and historical landmarks, allowing athletes and international tourists to explore the capital while competing.

Speaking at the opening ceremony of the Techcombank Hanoi International Marathon, Vice Chairman of the Hanoi People's Committee Vu Thu Ha emphasised that the marathon is not merely a sports race.

According to her, it is also a “cultural journey” where athletes can feel the rhythm and beauty of Hanoi, a city with over a thousand years of history.

From the organisers' perspective, Mr Rob Zamacona, General Director of Sunrise Events Vietnam, believes that marathons in Hanoi are helping to put the city on the world marathon map. He noted that combining sports with heritage and urban landscapes is one of the unique aspects that attracts a large number of international athletes to Hanoi's races.

Moreover, sponsoring businesses also see the long-term value of these events. A representative from Techcombank once stated that marathons are not just sports events but also a journey to connect the community, honour heritage, and promote Hanoi as a dynamic destination.

Towards a "Marathon City"

The development of running events in recent years shows that Hanoi is gradually building a reputation as a "marathon city" in the region.

Many international races have become annual events, attracting more and more athletes from both home and abroad. Experts believe that if they continue to be professionally organised and linked with tourism promotion, marathons could become a distinctive sports tourism product of Hanoi.

In the context of major cities worldwide strongly developing marathon events as part of their city brand, Hanoi has many advantages: a rich heritage system, unique urban landscapes, and a growing community of runners.

Thus, the steps on the race track are not just a journey of overcoming personal limits but also contribute to creating a new face for the capital's urban life – one that is more dynamic, healthier, and more connected.

Hanoi City: Traffic Diversion for New Year Countdown 2026 Event To ensure safety, security, and smooth traffic flow for the New Year Countdown 2026 event taking place on the evening of December 31, 2025, at ...

Hanoi: A city nurturing knowledge Public spaces and digital transformation are nurturing the image of a modern learning city