Hosted by the municipal Department of Culture and Sports in collaboration with the HCMC Athletics Federation and relevant units, the event kicked start a series of activities to celebrate the 50th anniversary of Southern Liberation and National Reunification Day (April 30, 1975 – 2025) and to welcome the Lunar New Year (Tet) Festival 2025.

The main races featured 10km, 21km, and 42km distances, starting and finishing in front of Independence Palace.

Athletes came from 66 countries and territories, with the proportion of international athletes this year increasing by 18% compared to 2024.

The tournament themed “The People’s Victory - Proudly striding” conveys a message that victory goes beyond crossing the finish line—it’s about proud and united steps toward a common goal, overcoming challenges together.

According to Deputy Director of the municipal Department of Culture and Sports Nguyen Nam Nhan, the marathon attracted a large number of foreigners to HCM City who joined the event as part of their travel itinerary.

The trend of tourism combined with sports is set to become one of the key activities for the southern metropolis in attracting international tourists, he went on.