Ho Chi Minh City International Marathon

Ho Chi Minh CityVietnam

Next race

Sunday, 6 December 2026

5:30 am start

Distance

42.195 km / 26.2 mi

Urban road

Elevation

Flat · 50 m gain

50 m climbing

Race profile

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.

Typical participants: Approximately 5,000 finishers

Weather: Hot and humid winter
26–28°C · humidity 75–85%
Marathon weather guide →

Course & terrain

Ho Chi Minh City International Marathon course

Course route details and elevation profile for race-week planning.

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. Very flat throughout. Very flat throughout.

Registration

Ho Chi Minh City International Marathon 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.

Common questions

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 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 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 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 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 11 October 2026. Edition dates and course details are reviewed regularly.

Close to this race

Nearby Marathons

Other races closest to Ho Chi Minh City.

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BangkokThailand· 741 km away

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PenangMalaysia· 927 km away

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Next race: Sunday, 6 December 2026

PhuketThailand· 960 km away

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The Laguna Phuket Marathon draws approximately 2,500 finishers each June on a resort and coastal road in Phuket, Thailand. Its resort setting makes it one of the most vacation-oriented full marathons in Southeast Asia. The route passes beaches, resort roads, tropical village sections, and humid island scenery. Rolling terrain with moderate climbs shapes the middle miles.

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Planning guides

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Practical guides to help you plan, train for, and run this race.

Ho Chi Minh City International Marathon

Overview

Ho Chi Minh City International Marathon course

Ho Chi Minh City International Marathon entry requirements

Ho Chi Minh City International Marathon travel

Frequently Asked Questions

Ho Chi Minh City International Marathon links

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