[Báo Quảng Ninh] – Nguyễn Nguyên
On the afternoon of August 2, in Bai Chay Ward, the Organizing Committee of the Halong Bay Heritage Marathon 2026 Powered by Li-Ning officially announced the 2026 season, which is expected to attract approximately 18,000 runners, including 5,000 international athletes. The event will take place from November 20-22, with the official race day on November 22.
Building on the success of previous editions, the Halong Bay Heritage Marathon continues to strengthen its reputation as the only road race in Vietnam awarded the World Athletics Label Road Race by World Athletics. This recognition reflects the race’s organizational quality and international standards, while creating opportunities to attract an increasing number of elite athletes and the international running community to Ha Long.
Speaking at the announcement ceremony, Assoc. Prof. Dr. Nguyen Tri, General Director of DHA Vietnam, the owner and organizer of the race, said that maintaining the World Athletics Label is a testament to DHA Vietnam’s commitment to professionalism and excellence. It affirms the race’s organizational quality and international standards, recognized by the world’s leading athletics governing body, while contributing to strengthening Vietnam’s position on the global marathon map.
According to the Organizing Committee, the 2026 season is expected to attract approximately 18,000 runners, including around 5,000 international athletes, making it the largest edition in the event’s 11-season history. Athletes will compete across four standard distances: 42.195km, 21.0975km, 10km and 5km.
The start and finish lines will be located at the Quang Ninh Provincial Planning, Fair and Exhibition Palace on Tran Quoc Nghien Street. The course has been designed, optimized and fully closed in both directions, ensuring safety and creating favorable conditions for athletes to improve their performance, while also offering a unique experience of running amid the spectacular scenery of Ha Long Bay, a World Natural Heritage Site.
Notably, the 2025 season recorded a remarkable performance by Kennedy Kiprop Chelimo, who completed the 42.195km marathon in 2:13:57, breaking the race record and establishing the Halong Bay Heritage Marathon as “The Fastest Race in the Region.” This achievement further demonstrates the potential of the Ha Long course to host highly competitive races and attract international athletes.
Speaking at the announcement ceremony, Mr. Nguyen Thanh Tung, Deputy Director of the Quang Ninh Department of Culture, Sports and Tourism, highly appreciated the Organizing Committee’s efforts, dedication and professionalism in continuously innovating and improving the quality of the race, gradually strengthening its reputation among the domestic and international running community.
According to the Organizing Committee, in order to maintain the World Athletics Label standard, the 2026 season will continue to upgrade operational standards, from medical and rescue systems and race-course safety to athlete experience and support services. At the announcement ceremony, the Green Dragon Cup was also introduced as a dedicated competition for the business community, aiming to strengthen connections, encourage interaction and promote the spirit of sports.
With an expected field of approximately 18,000 runners, together with domestic and international visitors, the Halong Bay Heritage Marathon 2026 Powered by Li-Ning is expected to continue developing as a distinctive sports tourism product of Quang Ninh.
