Launched in 2023, the VnExpress Marathon Ho Chi Minh City Midnight transformed the country's most vibrant urban center into a brightly lit racecourse at midnight. Here, thousands of runners form a neon blue ribbon, the official jersey color, stretching along the starting line.

Held immediately after the Lunar New Year holiday, the race provides a perfect opportunity for the running community to resume training and kick off the new season. In the mild southern weather, the strides of thousands of athletes blend with the dynamic, modern rhythm of Ho Chi Minh City, which glows under the night lights.

From the starting line, a surging wave of people merges into the city's movement. Under the yellow lights at intersections, traffic officers smoothly direct traffic, ensuring a completely safe and clear racecourse.

As runners proceed deeper into the city center, the "city of lights" gradually emerges along the Saigon River, featuring dazzling boulevards and glass buildings. For many runners, this marks the most exhilarating moment of their journey – when the city lights blend with the night, creating an inspiring backdrop for every stride.

Thousands of runners pass the Headquarters of the Ho Chi Minh City People's Committee, a classical architectural marvel standing out amid the modern urban landscape.

Under the night lights, the lotus fountain on Nguyen Hue walking street comes alive, serving as a backdrop for the brightly lit City Theater in the distance. The flow of people striding through carries a dynamic pulse, perfectly blending with the solemn beauty of the architectural heritage in the city center.

Runners conquer Ba Son Bridge. Reaching the bridge's summit offers a sweeping view as a reward, allowing participants to admire a panoramic Ho Chi Minh City with sparkling lights extending across the horizon.

Descending the bridge, runners head towards the Thu Thiem new urban area. To illuminate dimly lit sections, the organizers thoughtfully deployed 200 electric motorbikes last season, providing clear visibility and absolute safety for every step.

On Thu Thiem Bridge, the lights reflecting on the Saigon River create a magnificent nighttime tableau of Ho Chi Minh City. Last season, athletes in the 10 km, 21 km, and 42 km distances crossed this bridge, connecting Nguyen Co Thach street with Ngo Tat To street.

As night deepens, traffic thins, yet lights continue to stretch across the road. The atmosphere becomes more open, and the city seems to slow down, dedicating the moment to the persistent strides in its heart.