Runner voices · [Race distance] · Techcombank Hanoi International Marathon, 4 Oct 2026
“[Pull quote from the runner — one line, their exact words]”
On Sunday 4 October, the organiser expected around 14,000 runners at the start beside Hoan Kiem Lake for the fifth edition of the Techcombank Hanoi International Marathon. [Name], a [runner description in their words, e.g. “weekend runner from Melbourne”], was one of them, running [distance] in Vietnam for the first time.
We asked [him/her/them] what it was really like.
Why Hanoi?
[Runner’s answer to “Why did you choose this race?”, edited for length.]
What surprised [Name]
[Runner’s answer.]
The hardest moment
[Runner’s answer.]
Three things [Name] wishes they’d known
- [Lesson 1 headline in the runner’s words]. [Their explanation.]
- [Lesson 2 headline]. [Their explanation.]
- [Lesson 3 headline]. [Their explanation.]
Editor’s notes
[What our race guide says on the points [Name] raised. Keep only the notes that match the runner’s lessons.]
- Kit pickup and the start were 10 km apart. Race kits were handed out only on Friday and Saturday at Marathon Village in Long Bien, while the marathon and half started at Den Ba Kieu Garden by Hoan Kiem Lake. Most Vietnamese races hand out kits before race day only. Racing in Vietnam 101
- Heat and humidity. Dawn humidity in early October is typically 70–85% and the temperature climbs all morning. Racing in Vietnam 101
- Getting to the start. Roads around Hoan Kiem close progressively; runners staying nearby were better off walking.
- No pacers or companions. Anyone on the course without a bib was not allowed, so family couldn’t run the final stretch with runners.
[Name]’s advice for next year
“[Runner’s answer to the “tell a friend” question.]”
Read the full race guide: Techcombank Hanoi International Marathon 2026.
Raced in Vietnam this year? Share your story in our runner group and you could be our next Runner Voice.
Photo: [photographer / courtesy of the runner]. Published with [Name]’s permission.
This is an independent guide for international runners. It is not produced by, or affiliated with, the race organisers. Details change; the organiser’s own channels are always the authority. See our Disclosure.