HCMC Marathon 2027 (Ho Chi Minh City Marathon)

The HCMC Marathon 2027 is Ho Chi Minh City's long-running city marathon. It takes place on Sunday 17 January 2027, with a 42km marathon, a 21km half marathon and a 10km race. All races start and finish at 30/4 Park on Le Duan in the heart of the city. It suits runners, running clubs and families looking for a race abroad in the dry season.

About the HCMC Marathon

The HCMC Marathon is organised by Pulse Active, with Eximbank as title sponsor for the 2027 edition. The organiser traces the race back to 1992 and says it has held 13 editions with more than 150,000 runners from 75 countries. Its slogan for the new edition is "United in every stride".

The race weekend includes:

• Marathon (42km) for experienced runners;
• Half marathon (21km), a popular choice for travelling runners;
• 10km for beginners and supporters who want to join in;
• an expo for race-kit collection, as listed on the official website.

The course runs through central Ho Chi Minh City, starting and finishing next to 30/4 Park, near landmarks such as the Saigon Notre-Dame Cathedral area and the Independence Palace. Early-morning start times help runners avoid the heat of the day.

HCMC Marathon 2027 date and venue

• Date: Sunday 17 January 2027
• Start and finish: 30/4 Park, Le Duan
• Distances: 42km, 21km and 10km
• City: Ho Chi Minh City

Registration, group registration, race rules and expo details are on the official HCMC Marathon website. The organiser notes that more updates are coming, so check the site for start times, kit collection and course maps closer to race day.

How to get to Ho Chi Minh City for the HCMC Marathon

Runners fly into Tan Son Nhat International Airport (SGN), which is close to the city centre and has connections to the Gulf, Southeast Asia and Northeast Asia. Taxis, ride-hailing apps and hotel transfers are the easiest ways into the city.

On race morning, roads in the centre close early, so runners staying nearby can walk to the start. For a trip to Ho Chi Minh City for the HCMC Marathon, arrive at least two days before the race to collect race kits and adjust to the warm weather. Check the official entry requirements for Vietnam for each traveller.

Where to stay

The best area is the city centre (formerly District 1), around Dong Khoi, Nguyen Hue and Ben Thanh, which is within walking distance of 30/4 Park. District 3 is also close and a little quieter. Choosing a hotel near the start avoids transport problems during road closures.

Book early, as race weekend brings many local and international runners to the same central hotels.

Planning a group trip to the HCMC Marathon

A group tour to the HCMC Marathon works well for running clubs and corporate teams from the Gulf, Africa and Asia. Tips for agencies:

• Entries: each runner registers through the official website, which also has a group registration option. Confirm entries before flights and hotels.
• Stay length: three or four nights cover kit collection, race day and recovery.
• Extras: add a Mekong Delta day trip, the Cu Chi Tunnels or a city food tour after the race.
• Supporters: non-runners can enter the 10km or enjoy city sightseeing.

Frequently asked questions

When is the HCMC Marathon 2027?

The HCMC Marathon 2027 is on Sunday 17 January 2027, according to the official website. Start times for each distance are published closer to race day.

Where does the HCMC Marathon start and finish?

All races start and finish at 30/4 Park on Le Duan, in central Ho Chi Minh City, close to many of the city's best-known landmarks.

What distances are offered?

The organiser lists three races: the full marathon (42km), the half marathon (21km) and a 10km race. Registration for each is on the official website.

Which airport should runners use?

Tan Son Nhat International Airport (SGN) is the city's international airport and is close to the centre, usually a short taxi ride from the race area.

Can agencies register groups?

Yes. The official website has a group registration section. Agencies should confirm group rules and deadlines there before selling packages.

Travel agencies can book flights for travellers going to the HCMC Marathon 2027 in the QuickOTA B2B Panel and set their own markup.