(Chinhphu.vn) – On July 22, the official launch ceremony of the Standard Chartered Hanoi Marathon – Heritage Race 2026 was held in Hanoi. The event continues to connect Vietnam’s running community with the global marathon community while promoting the values of health, inclusivity, sustainable development, and pride in Hanoi’s rich heritage.
The Standard Chartered Hanoi Marathon – Heritage Race 2026 will take place from November 6 to November 8, 2026, with the main race day on November 8, 2026. The event features five race categories: Marathon (42.195km), Half Marathon (21.0975km), 10km, 5km, and the 2.1km Kid Dash for children.
The event village for the 2026 edition will be located at Unity Park (Công viên Thống Nhất), a central location that provides runners with convenient access to Hanoi’s culturally and historically significant race routes while enhancing both the participant experience and the overall event organization.
Over the years, the Standard Chartered Hanoi Marathon – Heritage Race has grown into one of Hanoi’s flagship sports and tourism events and has become one of Vietnam’s leading road races in attracting both domestic and international runners.
The continued growth of the event aligns with and contributes positively to Hanoi’s strategy for developing the sports economy. The city is actively implementing a comprehensive sports economy development plan based on national and municipal policies, particularly Conclusion No. 70-KL/TW dated January 31, 2024, issued by the Politburo on sports development in the new era, as well as the Vietnam Sports Development Strategy to 2030 with a vision toward 2045.
In addition to the cultural and heritage values that form the soul of the Standard Chartered Hanoi Marathon – Heritage Race 2026, this year’s edition will continue promoting the three core ‘R’s of sustainable development: Reduce, Reuse, and Recycle.
Continuing its commitment to sustainability, the Organizing Committee also unveiled the official race apparel for the 2026 edition, manufactured using fibers made from recycled materials. This initiative helps reduce plastic waste, encourages responsible consumption, and supports Vietnam’s commitment to achieving Net Zero emissions by 2050.
The 2026 edition will also continue implementing a variety of community-focused initiatives.
The “Donate Your Old Running Shoes – Share the Joy” campaign encourages runners to donate their used running shoes. After being cleaned and refurbished, the shoes will be distributed to children and disadvantaged people in communities across Vietnam.
The “Light Up the Course” program will continue supporting visually impaired runners by connecting them with guide runners and developing appropriate support solutions. These initiatives help promote the values of sharing, inclusion, and equal access to sports for everyone.
One of the most notable additions to the 2026 edition is the introduction of the Corporate Cup, a competition organized for the first time exclusively for the business community. The champion team will receive a trip to Shanghai, China, to participate in the Standard Chartered Shanghai 10KM Run, providing an opportunity to connect with the international running community.
In addition, activities such as the Race Expo, Leaders Run, and various networking programs held throughout the event will continue to provide valuable platforms for collaboration and exchange among businesses, organizations, and the wider running community.
Another highlight of the 2026 edition is the selection of Long Bien Bridge as the official heritage symbol of the Standard Chartered Hanoi Marathon – Heritage Race 2026. The iconic historic bridge not only represents the cultural depth and collective memory of Vietnam’s capital but also embodies the spirit of connection—between the past and the present, between sports, culture, and tourism, and between the Vietnamese community and friends from around the world.
