HDBank Green Marathon 2026: A community green run through Can Gio mangrove forest

The HDBank Green Marathon 2026 will return to Can Gio District, Ho Chi Minh City, in September 2026. It is the fifth season of the race and is branded around the message of green living and digital integration. Organizers include HDBank, Unique Company and the Ho Chi Minh City Athletics Federation. The event offers 5km, 10km, 21km and 42km distances, plus children and team categories. The 42km marathon is the flagship distance. The course passes through Can Gio mangrove forest, a UNESCO biosphere reserve, and has obtained AIMS certification. That ensures international measurement standards, but the terrain includes sand, roots and humid conditions, making pacing difficult. The race is designed as a community event rather than an elite competition. No elite athletes or qualifying standards are announced. However, the competition has planted more than 2,000 trees across previous seasons and includes an online “Green Marathon” feature through HDBank’s app. This expands access and extends engagement beyond race day. From a risk perspective, the event has low competitive and doping risk. The largest challenge is terrain and weather. The event provides long-term value by supporting sports tourism, youth activity and Vietnam’s growing running culture. The focus should be on participation numbers and public engagement rather than medals.