Vietnamese Athletes Shine, Setting New Records
This year’s season brought together the finest athletes, featuring Vietnamese track and field stars like Hoàng Nguyên Thanh, Nguyễn Thị Oanh, Nguyễn Văn Lai, and Nguyễn Trung Cường, alongside the reigning champion Kiptoo Edwin (Men’s Season 3 – 2024). The competition between seasoned veterans and new talents created thrilling races in the Marathon category, culminating in a surprising victory for a newcomer from Ethiopia.
In the men’s Marathon, Kure Ebisa Takele (Ethiopia) claimed first place with a time of 2:29:34, followed by Lilan Kennedy (Kenya) at 2:30:27. Vietnam’s Hoàng Nguyên Thanh and Huỳnh Anh Khôi secured third and fourth positions with times of 2:30:57 and 2:33:34, respectively. Edwin Kiptoo (Kenya) finished fifth at 2:37:34.
In the women’s Marathon, Vietnamese athletes dominated, sweeping all top five positions and showcasing their resilience and skill. Hoàng Thị Ngọc Hoa, the 2024 national record holder with a time of 2:44:52 at the Hong Kong Marathon and a four-time consecutive National Marathon Champion (2022–2025), reaffirmed her dominance with a first-place finish at 2:54:19. Bùi Thị Thu Hà and Doãn Thị Oanh followed in second and third with times of 2:57:03 and 2:57:55, respectively. Nguyễn Thị Trà Giang and Thái Thị Hồng secured fourth and fifth with times of 3:07:55 and 3:08:16.
In the Vietnam Extended Marathon category, standout athletes continued to assert their dominance on the challenging course. In the men’s division, Phạm Tiến Sản crossed the finish line first with a time of 2:40:25, followed by Hà Quang Thắng at 2:41:27 and Nguyễn Mai Trung at 2:43:23. In the women’s division, Hoàng Hương Thủy took first place with a time of 3:10:21, Phạm Thị Mỹ Duyên finished second at 3:12:53, and Nguyễn Thị Mỹ Hiền secured third place at 3:18:40.
These record-breaking performances not only highlight personal achievements but also underscore the high quality of the race, demonstrating the athletes’ unwavering determination. Notably, Vietnamese athletes shone with exceptional results, further solidifying the growth of the marathon movement in Vietnam.
Following his victory in the Vietnam Extended Marathon, Phạm Tiến Sản shared: “After years of competing, standing on the podium once again is a tremendous source of pride for me. I want to send a message to young runners: hold on to your love for this sport. Consistent training will undoubtedly help you reach milestones you never thought possible. For me, beyond the victory, the most meaningful aspect is witnessing the strong development of Vietnam’s running community, with more athletes participating, setting higher goals, and organizing regionally recognized events like the Hanoi International Techcombank Marathon.”
Athlete Phạm Tiến Sản
This year, the Organizing Committee announced a list of 101 outstanding athletes across various categories and age groups, with 34 athletes honored on stage. This created an emotional and proud moment, inspiring tens of thousands of participants and millions of viewers watching live on television and social media platforms.
A highlight of this season was the largest-ever Sub 3 Train (No Number Train) in the history of Vietnamese marathons, comprising over 80 runners who completed marathons in under 3 hours. Initiated by PR SPORT, the official apparel sponsor, the Sub 3 Train in Season 4 not only represented speed but also symbolized unwavering determination and the pursuit of excellence, inspiring Vietnam’s running community to push beyond their limits.
The 4th Season of the Hanoi International Techcombank Marathon Solidifies Its Status as the Capital’s Premier Race
Over four consecutive seasons, each with its unique highlights, the Hanoi International Techcombank Marathon has grown in scale, improved in quality, and expanded its reach. It continues to establish itself as the capital’s premier race, celebrating resilience, the spirit of surpassing limits, and promoting Hanoi’s thousand-year cultural heritage and international integration. The marathon also plays a key role in elevating Vietnam’s marathon movement to the global sports stage.
Before the race, the 2025 Marathon Village, held from October 3–5, welcomed nearly 30,000 visitors, a 30% increase from the previous year, along with over 30 exhibition booths. This transformed the pre-race event into a vibrant sports and cultural festival, providing a platform for the running community to connect, share experiences, and explore health, nutrition, and advanced technology products.
Mr. Phạm Xuân Tài, Deputy Director of the Hanoi Department of Culture and Sports, stated: “Congratulations to the Organizing Committee and the entire running community for a successful and meaningful event following the Grand Festival. For me, this year’s event is truly special, not only spreading national pride but also leaving a lasting impression on athletes and the public, embodying the cultural and communal spirit of the thousand-year capital. I believe that with the continued support of the Hanoi Department of Culture and Sports, the marathon will grow stronger, more professional, and soon stand alongside the region’s and world’s leading marathons.”
Ms. Thái Minh Diễm Tú, Director of Marketing at Techcombank, shared: “Congratulations on a spectacular and memorable event. I am incredibly proud to have supported over 13,000 athletes at the Hanoi International Techcombank Marathon, where passion for sports, daily excellence, and national pride unite. This year, we integrated AI technology to create personalized running journey videos and broadcasted the race live on multiple platforms—these pioneering innovations have amplified the movement’s reach and deepened community connections. Techcombank is committed to investing in such groundbreaking experiences, working alongside Vietnamese runners to build a healthy, creative, and connected society that strives for daily excellence and joins Vietnam in conquering new heights in this era of national advancement.”
Mr. Rob Zamacona, CEO of Sunrise Events Vietnam, remarked: “We are immensely proud of the success of the 4th Season of the Hanoi International Techcombank Marathon. Once again, our team worked closely with stakeholders and overcame weather challenges to deliver an exceptional event. This achievement is a result of the Hanoi government’s guidance, the strategic partnership with Techcombank, and the support of our sponsors.
Above all, the love and enthusiastic support from the running community, both domestically and internationally, have been the driving force behind this meaningful sports festival. Sunrise Events Vietnam remains committed to inspiring 100 million Vietnamese to unlock their potential through the power of sports, while delivering internationally standardized experiences that contribute to the sustainable development of Vietnam’s marathon movement.”
The success of the 4th Season of the Hanoi International Techcombank Marathon is a testament to the collaborative efforts of government agencies, local leaders, partners, sponsors, media outlets, and the running community both in Vietnam and abroad. This unity has elevated the event into a professional sports platform, rich in cultural and capital spirit, while highlighting the role of businesses and organizations in promoting a healthy lifestyle and community sports development. As a result, the image of a dynamic, integrated, and aspirational Vietnam continues to spread, with sports serving as a bridge between people, communities, and the spirit of “Running for a Superior Vietnam.”
Unveiling the 4th Season of the Techcombank Hanoi International Marathon: Over 13,000 Runners, Pioneering AI Technology on the Track for Free Personalized Videos
This year, we’re revolutionizing the race experience with cutting-edge AI technology. Every participant will receive a complimentary personalized video, capturing their most memorable moments on the course. Within 24-36 hours post-race, runners will be treated to a highlight reel of their journey, delivered straight to them.
What Message Does the Bank Want to Convey Through This Year’s Hanoi International Marathon – Techcombank?
Mr. Pham Xuan Tai, the Deputy Director of the Hanoi Department of Culture and Sports, emphasized that this year’s run is more than just a sporting event; it holds a special significance.
