The VPBank Ho Chi Minh City Music Half Marathon 2026 featured three distances: 5km, 10km, and 21km. The race course met the standards of the Association of International Marathons and Distance Races (AIMS). Cool weather contributed to a smooth event, allowing athletes to maintain their focus and physical condition throughout the competition.
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10,500 athletes participated in the race on the morning of 2/8. Photo: VPBank |
10,500 athletes participated in the race on the morning of 2/8. Photo: VPBank
The 21km race attracted the most athletes. In the men's category, Hoang Nguyen Thanh and Huynh Anh Khoi quickly broke away, creating a fierce competition at the front. Hoang Nguyen Thanh finished first in one hour 10 minutes 12 seconds, 36 seconds ahead of second-place Huynh Anh Khoi.
Hoang Nguyen Thanh is a leading Vietnamese track and field athlete. He holds the national marathon record, set in early 2024, with a time of two hours 18 minutes 42 seconds.
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Nguyen Thanh finished first in the 21km race. Photo: VPBank |
Nguyen Thanh finished first in the 21km race. Photo: VPBank
The women's 21km race saw an impressive performance from Pham Thi Hong Le. She took an early lead in the first kilometers and maintained her advantage for most of the race. With consistent form, she won the championship in one hour 20 minutes 7 seconds, while Hoang Thi Ngoc Hoa finished second in one hour 21 minutes 56 seconds.
Third place in this category went to athlete Le Thi Ha. The female runner praised the course's advantages, noting it was wide and open, with good organization that helped athletes accelerate and perform their best.
"The race also attracted many national team members like Pham Thi Hong Le and Hoang Thi Ngoc Hoa, so I was honored to have the opportunity to compete and learn from top athletes," Le Thi Ha said.
The men's 10km race was thrilling, with leading athletes constantly chasing each other, creating a close competition. The race was decided in the final meters when athlete Tong Van Hoan made a sprint to cross the finish line first in 32 minutes 52 seconds, just 5 seconds faster than second-place Nguyen Anh Tri.
In the women's 10km race, Doan Thu Hang won the championship in 38 minutes 18 seconds. Nguyen Thi Ngoc Lan finished second in 39 minutes. For the 5km distance, runners Le Huu Loc and Nguyen Thi Phuong Trinh secured the two top positions.
Beyond professional awards, the VPBank Ho Chi Minh City Music Half Marathon 2026 also featured a prize category for creative cosplay costumes. Many runners invested in elaborate disguises, adding color to the race. The awards will be announced online after evaluation by the organizing committee. A highlight was the appearance of drag queens in vibrant outfits, showcasing the modern, inclusive, and open spirit of the race.
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Drag queens with athletes at the starting line. Photo: VPBank |
Drag queens with athletes at the starting line. Photo: VPBank
To support the athletes, the organizing committee set up 22 water stations providing drinks, electrolytes, and nutrition products, along with 17 medical stations and over 500 volunteers. Music stations, ranging from "acoustic melodies" and "lively drum festivals" to "dynamic aerobics" and "explosive DJs", guided runners through a special emotional journey.
Many runners noted that the music contributed to the uniqueness of the event, boosting their competitive spirit.
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Athletes in cosplay on the race course. Photo: VPBank |
Athletes in cosplay on the race course. Photo: VPBank
After the event, the organizing committee awarded prizes totaling 238 million dong across over 60 categories for outstanding individuals and teams. Additionally, the VPBank Ho Chi Minh City Music Half Marathon 2026 donated 100 million dong to the Ho Chi Minh City Sports Young Talent Fund.
The race was organized by Vietnam Prosperity Joint Stock Commercial Bank (VPBank) in collaboration with Nexus Sport Events over three days, from 31/7-2/8. Besides running, the event hosted various entertainment activities, including the VPBank Prime’s Night music show, and opportunities to explore digital utilities and financial solutions. This event was part of VPBank's 33rd anniversary celebration, aiming to spread the message "For a prosperous Vietnam."
Hoai Phuong
