About Halong Bay Heritage Marathon
One of the World’s Greatest Races
Recognized by Runner’s World UK as one of the 50 greatest races on Earth, the Halong Bay Heritage Marathon is a must-run event for runners worldwide. In 2018, British ultra-runner Lee Grantham, a former world record holder for the 100-km ultramarathon, competed in this race, further cementing its reputation as a premier international event.
The Halong Bay Heritage Marathon is a unique experience that blends athleticism, breathtaking scenery, and cultural exploration.
Beyond the race – A celebration by the bay
The Halong Bay Heritage Marathon is not just about competition. It is designed to be a vibrant and engaging experience, set against the stunning backdrop of Ha Long Bay, a UNESCO-recognized World Natural Heritage site. The event offers runners the chance to:
- Compete on a course surrounded by one of the world’s most spectacular coastal landscapes.
- Combine the love of running with a memorable weekend getaway for family and friends.
- Experience the rich culture and fresh seafood of northern Vietnam.
What makes the Halong Bay Heritage Marathon unique?
Certified world-class race
- Officially recognized by World Athletics and AIMS (Association of International Marathons and Distance Races).
- Results from this race can be used to qualify for Abbott World Marathon Majors, including Boston, New York, Chicago,London, Tokyo, and Berlin.
- Part of Vietnam’s high-performance competition system, under the Vietnam Sports Administration and Vietnam Athletics Federation.
Course designed for performance
- A new, fully blocked route with no Bai Chay Bridge crossing.
- Minimal elevation gain, providing an ideal setting for runners aiming for personal bests.
- A scenic track along Ha Long’s most beautiful coastal road, offering panoramic views of the bay.
- Cool and comfortable weather in November (17-22°C), perfect for running.
Global running community
- The largest international marathon in northern Vietnam, attracting a growing number of foreign participants each year.
- An opportunity to connect with professional and amateur runners from around the world.
- Dedicated check-in points along the course for capturing race-day memories.
- Professional media coverage, including live reporting on VTV and high-quality photography.
An unforgettable destination
- Convenient and accessible travel to Ha Long, with modern infrastructure and amenities.
- A wide range of entertainment, shopping, and leisure options for runners and their families.
- Famous attractions to explore, including Ha Long Bay, the old town, night markets, Tuan Chau Island, Cua Van fishing village, Bai Tho Mountain, and Bai Chay Beach.
- A chance to enjoy some of the freshest seafood in Vietnam.
- A festive atmosphere as the event coincides with the year-end holiday season.
The Halong Bay Heritage Marathon is more than just a race—it is an opportunity to challenge yourself, connect with fellow runners, and experience the natural and cultural beauty of Ha Long Bay.
General Information
Race Date : November 22, 2026
Age eligibility
- 42-km Marathon: At least 18 years old on the Race Day.
- 21-km Half Marathon: At least 16 years old on Race Day.
- 10-km: At least 12 years old on the Race Day.
- 5-km: At least 5 years old on the Race Day
Place of Start/Finish line
Start/Finish line: The Quang Ninh Exhibition of Planning and Expo Center, Tran Quoc Nghien street, Ha Long city.
The Start/Finish line is at the central beachfront area, allowing easy access from other tourist sites in the area.
Runners are required to be at the Start line 30 minutes before the start of the race.
You can take a taxi to the Start line if you stay at other hotels. Please ask your hotel reception for assistance. It takes about 20 minutes (around 8 to 10 km) from Bai Chay to the Start line on Hon Gai island.
Refer to previous editions of the Halong Bay Heritage Marathon :
Bib number
- All runners must wear the official Bib number that will be handed out before the race in the Race Kit.
- The Bib number must be worn visible during the race on the front of the runner’s body.
- Runners cannot participate without their Bib numbers.
Race Kit pickup
Details of time and place are emailed to each registered runner.
Timing Chip
The official time measurement is done by a professional timing agency, Sportstats Asia.
Runners will have the chip attached to the back of their Bib number. Please do not fold the Bib.
For a perfect, correct time measurement and certified race results, runners MUST pass all the time mats at the start, finish and checkpoints on the course.
Race tracks
Official race track with checkpoints, water stations, med stations and WC are announced on the website.
Kilometer Signs
Kilometer signs can be found along the entire route. Owing to the conditions, however, they may be placed with “+/- meters” from the exact point. The signs are therefore only for orientation and runners shouldn’t calculate speed based only on the signs.
Race Officials and Supporters
English-speaking volunteers, supporters from the Organizer Committee (OC), police department, other authorized agencies and DHA Vietnam are in charge of the event with full support to the athletes.
Official Medical Team
The Official Medical Teams including doctors and ambulances are in charge of the event and running courses. All decisions made by security officials and medical teams are final. This also includes removing a participant from the race if needed due to health conditions.
Health
Marathon runners participate at their own risk. By taking the Bib number, each runner accepts the Terms and Conditions.
Furthermore, runners also declare that they have taken a health check performed by a specialist at least three months before the race.
Water and Refreshment Points (RP)
Facilities such as first aid, refreshments (water, electrolytic drinks) and banana can be found every 3 km to 4 km.
Please throw the empty cup into the dust bin to avoid obstructing fellow runners.
Pacers
If runners wish to score a certain time, please follow pacers.
How do I recognize them? They wear big colored balloons with the time print.
Race Results
There will be live timing during the race via https://sportstats.one/event/halong-bay-heritage-marathon .
The results will be posted immediately after the event.
Instructions for Checking Baggage
|
Distance |
Opening Hours |
| 42 km – Full Marathon | 3:00 – 11:00 |
| 21 km – Half Marathon | 4:00 – 9:00 |
| 10 km | 5:00 – 9:00 |
| 5 km | 6:30 – 9:30 |
Checked Bag Number
Checked Bag Number Sticker to be placed on Bib
Receive the Checked Bag Number Sticker upon checking your baggage. Present the same sticker on your bib to reclaim baggage.
Keep in mind when checking baggage:
- Check in your items one hour before your starting time
- Please prepare your own bag to hold all your check-in items.
- The organisers reserve the right to refuse the following items:
- Valuable goods such as cash, jewellery, electronics like laptops or cell phones.
- Hazardous and flammable goods.
- Bulky items (any items with a dimension exceeding 60cm)
- Fragile goods, ones that may fade colour, valuable documents.
Runners must seal their checked bags. The organisers reserve the right to inspect checked items upon request from authorities in charge of security. The organisers are not liable for any damages or losses incurred at the checked bags areas
After baggage hours, unclaimed goods will be transferred to the office of DHA Vietnam at 505 Minh Khai, Vinh Tuy ward, Hai Ba Trung district, Hanoi – where it will be stored around 7 days after race date. To reclaim baggage, please contact us at halongrace@dhavietnam.vn or 096 207 4489 to reclaim your items 7 days after the race date. After 7 days we reserve the rights to resolve the matter at our own discretion.
Runner’s Briefing
The pre-race briefing will take place in the OC’ official hotel in Halong in the afternoon of the day before the Race Day to provide runners all necessary and useful information for the competition.
The detailed schedule will be announced to all runners seven to 10 days prior the race day.
Photo Opportunities
The OC will arrange professional photographers and video cameramen at some nice view locations of the running course and at the Finish line. The photo service is free of charge.
Vietnam’s Entry Visa
All foreign runners are responsible for the purpose of visiting Vietnam, including participating in the marathon, during their visa application and immigration.
According to the security regulation and policies from the Quang Ninh provincial authority for any international events, foreigners are required to share accommodation information during their stay in Ha Long with the OC. If runners don’t choose the official hotels, please inform the OC of the hotel address at least three weeks before the Race Day.
The OC disclaims all responsibilities if runners fail to provide their hotel information in Ha Long.
Policies
Terms and Conditions
The race regulations outline the rules, rights, and responsibilities of participants to ensure fairness, safety, and transparency.
The regulations include conditions for registration, athlete classification, race rules, time limits, and penalties for rule violations. The document also details the organizer’s responsibilities in supporting participants and handling any issues during the event.
Runners must comply fully with the regulations to contribute to a professional and successful race.
Green Dragon Award 2026
Personal Data Protection Policy
The organizers commit to protecting participants’ personal data in accordance with applicable laws. The collected information is solely used for event organization and will not be shared with third parties without consent, the highest security measures are applied to prevent unauthorized access to personal data.
Payment Instructions
Participants can pay via Visa, MasterCard, American Express, or JCB through the Onepay gateway.
Bank transfers can be made using a system-generated QR code at checkout. The system will generate a transaction reference number to confirm the runner’s registration automatically.
BIB Delivery Policy
Once payment is successfully completed, the system will generate a BIB number and send it along with the registration confirmation and payment receipt to the runner’s registered email. VRunners can change their BIB number via the BIB change service, subject to the designated fee.
If runners do not receive their BIB due to network issues, they should notify the organizers via email hanglorace@dhavietnam.vn, or hotline +84 96 207 4489, we will support as soon as possible.
