HDBank Green Marathon 2026: Community Playground in the Can Gio Mangrove Forest

On the coast of Can Gio, where mangrove forests stretch far, footsteps will once again “draw” a green journey in the autumn of 2026. HDBank Green Marathon 2026 has just been officially announced, promising to become the most notable community running event in the Southern region of Vietnam. The tournament is co-organized by Ho Chi Minh City Development Joint Stock Commercial Bank (HDBank), Unique International Joint Stock Company, and the Ho Chi Minh City Athletics Federation. This is the 5th consecutive year the event has been held under the message “Green Steps – Digital Life”. More than just a race, it is a sports festival for all ages, from families and groups of friends to amateur runners who want to challenge themselves with the full marathon distance. The unique highlight of this year is the race course through the Can Gio Mangrove Biosphere Reserve – a coastal wetland recognized by UNESCO. Runners will experience the pristine natural landscape, merging into the green of the mangrove forest, winding canals, and fresh air rarely found in a big city. However, the terrain with sand, roots, and high humidity presents interesting challenges, requiring runners to adopt a reasonable pacing strategy. The tournament continues to offer a diverse range of distances: 5 km, 10 km, half marathon (21.0975 km), full marathon (42.195 km), along with children’s and team events. The 42 km distance is seen as the ultimate treat for endurance enthusiasts, but it does not create performance pressure. All distances are designed according to international standards of the Association of International Marathons and Distance Races (AIMS), affirming the route’s accuracy and bringing peace of mind to participants. A notable highlight is the integration of digital technology. HDBank will connect its digital banking platform to the registration process, allowing runners to sign up, pay, and track results directly via a mobile application. Additionally, the event introduces “Green Marathon online”, where participants can run anywhere, at any time, and contribute to a tree-planting fund. This initiative helps maintain regular training habits while spreading the message of environmental protection. In terms of social responsibility, HDBank Green Marathon has become a typical activity tied to sustainable development. Over the years, the organizers have planted more than 2,000 trees in Can Gio and other locations, organized beach cleanups, and raised community awareness about ecosystem protection. This consistency has won support not only from locals but also from international tourists who love running. From a strategic perspective, this event shows the potential of the sports economy in tourism and brand promotion. Although classified as a community race and not part of professional athlete selection, HDBank Green Marathon represents a new model of a running event that attracts diverse segments of society. It helps build a long-term running culture and could uncover promising young talents in the future. The event is expected to take place in September 2026. The Ho Chi Minh City People’s Committee, along with the Department of Culture and Sports, has provided specific directives on security, traffic safety, and epidemic prevention for this large-scale event. With several successful editions behind them, HDBank and related units are working hard to prepare facilities, staff, and communication plans to deliver a seamless experience. For running enthusiasts, HDBank Green Marathon 2026 is a perfect opportunity to exercise, connect with nature, and contribute to a green environment. The event is not just for the fastest runners but is open to all who are passionate about the sport. Detailed information on regulations, routes, and registration will be announced shortly on HDBank’s official media channels. Amid the fast-paced urban life, HDBank Green Marathon brings a breath of fresh air, reminding us of the value of physical activity and responsibility towards nature. A well-organized and creative community race can have an impact far beyond a mere sporting event. It becomes a symbol of a green lifestyle and drives the Vietnamese sports industry toward a more modern and sustainable future.