Scheduled for the early morning of 22/3, the race maintains its tradition of offering a diverse prize structure. With 108 award slots, including specific age group categories, the event aims to motivate amateur athletes and provide them with a realistic chance to achieve recognition, rather than being solely a platform for professional runners.

Overall prize structure for the 42km VnExpress Marathon HCMC Midnight 2026. *Photo: VnExpress Marathon*

Consistent with other events in the VnExpress Marathon series, the prize structure is divided into two main categories: overall rankings and age groups. This approach recognizes athletes' achievements across various skill levels and age brackets.

For the full marathon distance, male and female champions will each receive 15 million VND in cash, along with in-kind prizes from sponsors. Runners placing second through fifth will be awarded 12 million VND, 9 million VND, 7,5 million VND, and 6 million VND respectively.

All prizes this year include PUMA Deviate NITRO 4 running shoes. Additionally, the top 3 overall finishers in the marathon distance will receive a CitiGym membership card valued at over 9 million VND.

Beyond the overall categories, organizers will also present age group awards for participants under 30, 31-39, 40-49, 50-59, and 60 years and older. The three groups under 50 years old will recognize up to the top 5 finishers, while the two groups aged 50 and above will award cash prizes to the top 3, with other placements receiving in-kind gifts.

In the half marathon distance, the organizing committee will award the top 3 male and female overall finishers. The champion will receive 8 million VND, with the next two positions earning 6,5 million VND and 5 million VND respectively. The top 3 in each age group category will also be recognized.

For the two shorter distances, prizes will be awarded to the three leading finishers. Specifically, the 10km champion will receive 3 million VND, while the second and third place finishers will get 2,5 million VND and 2 million VND respectively. In the 5km race, the corresponding prize amounts are 2,5 million VND, 2 million VND, and 1,5 million VND.

Athletes can view detailed prize information here.

Wendwesen Tilahun Damte (Ethiopia) won the 42km distance last year with a time of 2:33:34, marking an impressive debut in Vietnam. *Photo: VnExpress Marathon*

Taking place one month after the Lunar New Year holiday, VnExpress Marathon HCMC Midnight 2026 is an opportunity for the running community to resume training and kick off the new season. After three successful editions, the race has expanded its scale, reaching 12,000 participants in the 2025 season.

For its fourth edition, the event has attracted a record 13,000 local and international runners. The course winds through iconic city landmarks, including Independence Palace, Notre Dame Cathedral, Bach Dang Wharf, and Ba Son Bridge, allowing runners to experience the vibrant atmosphere and dynamic nightlife of the country's largest metropolis.

Hai Long