Hanoi Midnight Marathon: From Local Event to International Fixture in 5 Years

The VnExpress Marathon Hanoi Midnight, launched in 2020, has achieved remarkable growth over five years, transforming from a local race into an international sporting event attracting runners from Vietnam and abroad. The 2025 edition saw over 1,000 international participants from 43 countries and territories, underscoring its global appeal. The inaugural event in late November 2020, themed "Run to the Light," centered around Hoan Kiem Lake. Runners competed in four distances – 5km, 10km, 21km, and 42km – starting at midnight and traversing the city's central streets, typically busy during the day. The urban lights, cool late autumn/early winter weather, and iconic landmarks provided a picturesque backdrop. After a hiatus in 2021 due to the COVID-19 pandemic, the marathon returned in November 2022 with approximately 9,500 participants. This edition introduced a team competition featuring 36 running groups, adding a strategic element beyond individual performance and fostering a sense of community. By 2023, the team competition had grown significantly, with 52 clubs and around 1,300 runners vying for team honors. The course was also revamped, incorporating challenges like crossing major Hanoi bridges. The event drew about 11,000 participants, solidifying its status as a highly anticipated annual fixture. The 2024 edition saw a shift in the event's spatial organization, with the start and finish lines relocated to the Tran Nhan Tong pedestrian street and Thong Nhat Park area, moving away from the Hoan Kiem Lake vicinity. The scale remained over 10,000 participants, with enhanced experiences including expos and pre-race community activities. In 2025, the 5th anniversary edition witnessed strong performances, with Trịnh Minh Tâm setting a personal best in the marathon at 2:27:34, aided by favorable weather conditions of around 14 degrees Celsius. Sports brand Puma joined as a strategic partner and official apparel sponsor, contributing to the event's quality. The 5th-anniversary medal featured a nostalgic design depicting the VMHM-05 train entering Hanoi Station, with the Hanoi Flag Tower and Long Bien Bridge in the background, symbolizing runners moving towards a common goal. The Hanoi Midnight Marathon has become so popular that "hái mít," a slang term for registering for the race, is widely used among runners. Lê Thị Hoàng Yến, Deputy Director of the General Department of Sports and Physical Education, acknowledged the marathon as an integral part of Hanoi's autumn identity. The 6th edition is scheduled for November 29, 2026, with Puma continuing as a partner. Super Early Bird registration is currently open.