How long is the Ho Chi Minh City International Marathon?

The Ho Chi Minh City International Marathon is the standard marathon distance of 42.195 kilometres (26.2 miles), certified to World Athletics rules. Starts and finishes in the downtown river district.

What time does the Ho Chi Minh City International Marathon start?

The 2026 Ho Chi Minh City International Marathon starts at 5:30 am local time on Sunday, 6 December 2026. Arrive early for baggage drop and corral access — official race communications on www.hcmcmarathon.com/ confirm any last-minute schedule changes.

Where does the Ho Chi Minh City International Marathon start and finish?

Starts and finishes in the downtown river district. Updated course maps are published at https://www.hcmcmarathon.com/ each year.

When is the Ho Chi Minh City International Marathon and how do I register?

Ho Chi Minh City International Marathon is typically held in December. Registration opens through https://www.hcmcmarathon.com/ and may use a lottery or tiered entry when demand exceeds capacity.

What weather should runners expect at Ho Chi Minh City International Marathon?

Usually warm and humid even in December, with a sticky tropical finish.

Ho Chi Minh City International Marathon

Ho Chi Minh City, Ho Chi Minh City, Vietnam

Overview

The Ho Chi Minh City International Marathon draws approximately 5,000 finishers each December on an urban road in Ho Chi Minh City, Vietnam. It is one of Vietnam's most international full marathons. The route passes District 1 boulevards, Saigon River sections, and modern bridges across the fast-growing city. The course is very flat throughout.

Ho Chi Minh City International Marathon is a certified 42.195 km (26.2 mile) marathon — the standard World Athletics marathon distance.

Ho Chi Minh City International Marathon 2026 race day

The next Ho Chi Minh City International Marathon is scheduled for Sunday, 6 December 2026 with a 5:30 am start. The certified course covers 42.195 km (26.2 miles) with 50 m of climbing on a very flat layout.

Ho Chi Minh City International Marathon course route

Starts and finishes in the downtown river district. The route passes District 1 boulevards, Saigon River sections, and modern bridges across the fast-growing city. Bridge approaches are the main interruptions on an otherwise flat profile, with District 1 crowds lining the riverfront finish.

Ho Chi Minh City International Marathon elevation profile

The Ho Chi Minh City International Marathon course is very flat over 42.195 km (26.2 miles). Runners cover 50 metres of climbing and 50 metres of descent, with minimal net elevation change from start to finish.

Entry requirements

The Ho Chi Minh City International Marathon accepts open online registration at hcmcmarathon.com with no ballot or qualifying time required. Sign-up for the December race typically opens several months beforehand and places are allocated first-come, first-served. Strong regional demand means marathon places can fill before race day.

Frequently Asked Questions

What is the Ho Chi Minh City International Marathon elevation profile?: The Ho Chi Minh City International Marathon has 50 metres of total climbing and 50 metres of descent over 42.195 km (26.2 miles). The course is very flat, with 0 metres of net change from start to finish.
How long is the Ho Chi Minh City International Marathon?: The Ho Chi Minh City International Marathon is the standard marathon distance of 42.195 kilometres (26.2 miles), certified to World Athletics rules. Starts and finishes in the downtown river district.
What time does the Ho Chi Minh City International Marathon start?: The 2026 Ho Chi Minh City International Marathon starts at 5:30 am local time on Sunday, 6 December 2026. Arrive early for baggage drop and corral access — official race communications on www.hcmcmarathon.com/ confirm any last-minute schedule changes.
Where does the Ho Chi Minh City International Marathon start and finish?: Starts and finishes in the downtown river district. Updated course maps are published at https://www.hcmcmarathon.com/ each year.
When is the Ho Chi Minh City International Marathon and how do I register?: Ho Chi Minh City International Marathon is typically held in December. Registration opens through https://www.hcmcmarathon.com/ and may use a lottery or tiered entry when demand exceeds capacity.
Is the Ho Chi Minh City International Marathon course flat?: Yes. Ho Chi Minh City International Marathon is known for a largely flat profile with only minor undulations, making it popular with runners chasing steady pacing.
What landmarks does the Ho Chi Minh City International Marathon pass?: The route passes District 1 boulevards, Saigon River sections, and modern bridges across the fast-growing city.
What weather should runners expect at Ho Chi Minh City International Marathon?: Usually warm and humid even in December, with a sticky tropical finish.

Last updated 18 July 2026. Edition dates and course details are reviewed regularly.

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