HDBank Green Marathon 2026: A Green Race in Can Gio Mangrove Forest and the Sustainability of Community Sports

In September 2026, the Can Gio Mangrove Biosphere Reserve in Ho Chi Minh City will welcome thousands of runners for the fifth edition of the HDBank Green Marathon. This is not an elite competition with world records. Instead, it is a carefully structured community road race with distances of 5 km, 10 km, half marathon and full marathon, plus children's and team events. The marathon course is certified by AIMS, the Association of International Marathons and Distance Races, ensuring international route standards. Can Gio is famous for its UNESCO-recognized mangrove ecosystem. Runners will pass along rivers, forests and coastal paths, although the natural terrain also requires careful pacing. Organised by HDBank, Unique Company and the Ho Chi Minh City Athletics Federation, the event promotes green living and digital engagement. The race includes an online component linked with HDBank's digital banking app and eKYC platform. Previous editions planted more than 2,000 trees, and the 2026 season continues this environmental commitment. The commercial value of the event may matter more than its purely athletic significance. Community races like this broaden Vietnam's running culture and help build a grassroots foundation. While no elite athletes have been announced, the event plays a strategic role in connecting sports with tourism, sustainability and digital lifestyle. Its long-term impact will be measured not only by finish times, but by how many people keep running throughout the year.