Over 4,000 athletes competed in the UEH Run Half Marathon 2026 - Embracing Our Future, which took place on June 6-7 in the Sala Urban Area, An Khanh ward, Ho Chi Minh City. This event was one of 22 key activities in a series of programs commemorating the 50th anniversary of the University of Economics Ho Chi Minh City (UEH).

Huynh Anh Khoi (white shirt) and athletes at the 21km start line. Photo: UEH

The race brought together numerous officials, staff, students, learners, and alumni of UEH, alongside the wider running community. Local leaders, corporate partners, and inspirational figures from Vietnam's athletics scene also participated in the event.

Notable runners included Nga Vo, who previously completed the UTMB World Series Finals 2025 in Chamonix, France, as well as the Boston Marathon and Chicago Marathon. Also participating were familiar elite runners from Vietnamese athletics, such as Pham Thi Hong Le, Huynh Anh Khoi, Thu Hang, Khanh Ly, and Nguyen Van Khang.

Representatives from the organizing committee and athletes, including officials, students, and learners from UEH, took a commemorative photo at the race's opening ceremony on June 6. Photo: UEH

This marked UEH's first time organizing a large-scale half marathon (21km). The event's design drew inspiration from the university's 50-year development journey, featuring exhibitions, community engagement activities, and a race route themed around its heritage.

On June 6, athletes visited the expo area to collect their bibs and race kits. They explored an exhibition space detailing UEH's development journey, experienced interactive booths, and attended a talk show titled "Listening to your body with every step." The program featured runner Nga Vo and nutrition experts, who shared their experiences in training, recovery, and building a healthy lifestyle.

Athletes receive awards from the organizing committee. Photo: UEH

The official race day on June 7 saw over 4,000 runners compete across three distances: 5km, 10km, and 21km. Each distance carried a distinct message, reflecting the values UEH has pursued throughout its half-century of establishment and growth.

The 5km distance was themed "Heritage of Knowledge," recalling the university's early mission of "Nation Building through Knowledge." The 10km distance, "Human Heritage," honored generations of lecturers, officials, learners, and partners who have shaped UEH's identity. The 21km distance, "Future Heritage," expressed the aspiration for UEH to develop into a multi-disciplinary, multi-field university, striving for international integration and innovation.

Associate Professor Doctor Bui Quang Hung, Director of the University of Economics Ho Chi Minh City, spoke at the opening ceremony of the race. Photo: UEH

According to UEH representatives, the run aimed not only to spread the spirit of sports but also to create a space for connection among generations of students, alumni, lecturers, and partners. Each step was considered part of a journey to continue the values of knowledge and community that the university has cultivated over the past 50 years.

Another highlight of the event was that all net revenue after expenses, along with contributions from businesses and athletes, will be directed to the Giving To UEH program. These funds will support scholarships, facility development, academic research, and sustainable development projects.

Associate Professor Doctor Bui Quang Hung, Director of the University of Economics Ho Chi Minh City, stated that the UEH Run Half Marathon 2026 marked a special milestone in the university's 50-year journey. He emphasized that the race's greatest value lies not only in its scale of over 4,000 participants but also in the convergence of many "UEHers" on a shared journey, sharing a vision and contributing to the future.

Concluding its first season, the UEH Run Half Marathon 2026 left a significant mark with its large scale, diverse community activities, and education-focused message. The event also established a new platform to connect the UEH community with society through sports and community engagement.

Dan Minh