ABOUT HCMC MARATHON 2026
HCMC Marathon 2026 continues to affirm its position as one of the signature sporting events of Ho Chi Minh City and Vietnam. With the message “United in Every Stride”, HCMC Marathon 2026 is not just a race but a shared journey of the community – where every stride represents connection, sharing, and the aspiration to go further, together moving forward on the iconic and historic streets of Ho Chi Minh City.
Time:
Expo Date: 09 – 10 January 2026
Race Date: 11 January 2026
Location:
Expo: Hoa Lu Sport Center, 02 Dinh Tien Hoang Street, Sai Gon Ward, Ho Chi Minh city
Star/ Finish Point: 30/04 Park, Le Duan Street, Sai Gon Ward, Ho Chi Minh city
EXPECTED WEATHER
The temperature in January will reach the lowest point of the year, stay around 20°C- 27°C which brings a nice weather – a perfect chance for our participants to finish the race with a new personal record. More than that, the atmosphere is filled with breezing wind blowing all day long, the smell of many kinds of tropical flowers blooming during the spring and an excitement of an up-coming Tet. For references, let check our weather report of all previous editions
11 January 2026
AGENDA
TIME | ACTIVITY |
| Sunday, 11 January 2026 | |
| 2:00AM | Welcome Runners & Bag Drop area opens |
| 2:30AM – 3:00AM | Marathon 42,195Km Runner Assembly |
| 3:00AM | Marathon 42,195Km Starts |
| 3:05AM – 3:30AM | 21Km Runner Assembly |
| 3:30AM | 21Km Starts |
| 3:45AM – 4:15AM | 10KM Runner Assembly |
| 4:15AM | 10KM Starts |
| 6:00 AM – 6:10 AM | Stretching session |
| 6:15AM | 10KM – COT (Cut-off-time) |
| 7:00AM | 21Km – COT (Cut-off-time) |
| 8:30AM – 9:30AM | The Award Ceremony |
| 9:30AM | 42,195Km – COT (Cut-off-time) |
| 10:00AM | End |
* Notice: The agenda is subjected to change.
** The start gate operates on a fixed opening and closing schedule. Athletes must start within the designated time window; late starters will not be eligible for official results.
COURSE MAPS
CUT-OFF TIME
Closure time counted from the Start time:
Marathon – 42KM: 6 hours 30 minutes
Half Marathon – 21KM: 3 hours 30 minutes
10KM: 2 hours
*Notice:
Runners who cannot pass the cut-off points before the cut-off time will not be able to continue the race at no exception. As the route needs to be open again for locals and the health/safety of staff/volunteers needs to be ensured at the same time.
POINT | LOCATION | COT TIME | 42KM | 21KM | 10KM |
| 1 | U-TURN 42KM | 4:10 AM | KM7.4 | ||
| 2 | U-TURN 10KM | 5:15 AM | KM4.8 | ||
| 3 | U-TURN 10KM | 5:50 AM | KM7.7 | ||
| 4 | Tố Hữu | 5:25 AM | KM15.3 | KM10.3 | |
| 6:35 AM | KM18.5 | ||||
| 9:10 AM | KM39.6 | ||||
| 5 | U-TURN 21KM | 5:55 AM | KM14.4 | ||
| 8:30 AM | KM35.5 | ||||
| 6 | Trần Quý Kiên | 8:05 AM | KM32.7 | ||
| 7 | U-TURN 42KM | 7:15 AM | KM27.5 |
STATIONS
- There are stations at every 2 kilometers with water, electrolyte drink, fruits and aid supplies. The supplies are different at each station. More details in the course map.
- Water at stations is supplied in paper cups, please put them into the bin after use.
- At stations, there are big water bottles which you can use to refill your own bottle.
*Checking out the Stations on the course map.
DROP OUT
Runners are unable to finish the race please reach the Stations along the course for assistance. There will be a bus picking up could-not-finish runners to the start line.
RACE DATE: 11 JANUARY 2026
