Star Runner is a special category at HCMC Marathon, created exclusively for high-performing athletes who are ready to compete among the leading pack in the Marathon (42KM) distance. This program brings together elite runners from Vietnam and around the world — athletes who continuously push their limits and pursue new personal milestones on the iconic streets of Ho Chi Minh City.
Star Runner is designed to provide the best race-day experience for athletes pursuing top performance at HCMC Marathon 2027. Selected runners will receive:
(1) Complimentary race entry to join HCMC Marathon 2027 (2) Priority Race Kit Collection (3) Access to the elite start zone at the front of the race (4) Personal profile featured on the official event website (5) Opportunities to be featured on the event's social media channels (6) Exclusive recognition and benefits reserved for Star Runners
HCMC Marathon welcomes qualified athletes to apply for the Star Runner Program. Places are limited. Applications will be reviewed based on eligible race results, and runners will be selected according to their verified finishing times, from fastest to slowest.
The program is open to both Vietnamese and international runners who meet the following Marathon (42KM) qualifying standards: Men: Under 2 hours 45 minutes Women: Under 3 hours 25 minutes Results must come from an officially timed marathon using an electronic chip timing system, achieved between 01 October 2025 and 01 September 2026.
We will verify all submitted results and review applications. If the number of registrations exceeds the available quota, applicants will be selected based on their qualifying times, from fastest to slowest. Confirmation will be sent within approximately 45 days after registration is completed and all required documents have been submitted. Ready to stand alongside the fastest runners at HCMC Marathon 2027?
Every breakthrough moment starts with dedication. Behind every podium finish are thousands of kilometers of training, early morning runs, and relentless determination. Each Star Runner comes to HCMC Marathon 2027 with a unique goal: setting a new personal best, reaching a new milestone, or competing for the top spot. Follow their journey, training milestones, and goals as they prepare for race day.
Yes. Applicants may submit updated race results before the review deadline (October 1, 2026). The Organizing Committee will review the new information and consider the applicant's best verified performance during the evaluation process.
Yes. The Star Runner Program is open to both Vietnamese and international runners who meet the program's eligibility requirements.
No. Meeting the qualifying performance standard only makes you eligible for consideration. The final list of Star Runners will be selected based on verified race results and the limited number of available program slots. If the number of applications exceeds the quota, the Organizing Committee will prioritize runners with the strongest performances, ranked from fastest to slowest. Star Runner is a special category for high performing athletes competing in the Marathon (42KM) distance at HCMC Marathon.
Yes. The Star Runner Program is open to both Vietnamese and international runners who meet the program's eligibility requirements.
Yes. The Star Runner Program is open to both Vietnamese and international runners who meet the program's eligibility requirements.
No. Meeting the qualifying performance standard only makes you eligible for consideration. The final list of Star Runners will be selected based on verified race results and the limited number of available program slots. If the number of applications exceeds the quota, the Organizing Committee will prioritize runners with the strongest performances, ranked from fastest to slowest. Star Runner is a special category for high performing athletes competing in the Marathon (42KM) distance at HCMC Marathon.
Star Runner is a special category at HCMC Marathon, created exclusively for high-performing athletes who are ready to compete among the leading pack in the Marathon (42KM) distance. This program brings together elite runners from Vietnam and around the world — athletes who continuously push their limits and pursue new personal milestones on the iconic streets of Ho Chi Minh City.
