Founded in 1958, the Tien Phong Marathon—officially known as the National Marathon & Long-Distance Championship organized by Báo Tiền Phong—is Vietnam’s longest-running marathon event.
Amid the nationwide running boom, the race maintains a unique dual mission: developing elite athletics talent while promoting local culture and tourism across Vietnam.

Behind the scenes, the event’s scale and professionalism are sustained by the Organizing Committee and dedicated crew teams—key operators ensuring safe, seamless execution for thousands of runners every season.

67 Years of Nurturing Vietnamese Athletics

First held on 25 December 1958 at Bách Thảo Park, the marathon has grown into a national sporting icon. For nearly seven decades, it has played a pivotal role in talent identification and long-term athlete development, while preserving a strong connection to Vietnam’s sporting heritage.

The first national cross-country race was held at Bach Thao Park (Hanoi) on December 25, 1958 – Archival photo by Tien Phong Newspaper

A Dual Mission: Athletic Excellence & Destination Promotion

The event is co-organized by Báo Tiền Phong in coordination with the Ministry of Culture, Sports and Tourism, the Vietnam Athletics Federation, and host local authorities.

Distinctively, the marathon rotates host locations annually, bringing professional marathon racing to diverse regions—including remote and lesser-known destinations—thereby boosting tourism visibility and community engagement.

A Journey Across Iconic Destinations (Recent Years)

• Vũng Tàu (2019): Scenic coastal marathon through a vibrant seaside city.
   
• Lý Sơn Island (2020): First professional marathon staged on a remote island, offering unique ocean routes.
   
• Pleiku (2021): A demanding Central Highlands course testing endurance and resilience.
   
• Côn Đảo (2022): Sport combined with historical remembrance at a sacred national site.
   
• Lai Châu (2023): The province’s first marathon, featuring environmental initiatives and 4,000+ runners.
   
• Phú Yên (2024): 4,500+ runners, alongside free medical services for local communities.
   
• **Quảng Trị raising ceremony at Hiền Lương Bridge – Bến Hải River, symbolizing national unity.

Race Categories & Meaningful Side Activities

The marathon offers full race distances—5km, 10km, Half Marathon (21.1km), and Marathon (42.195km)—for both elite and mass runners, with team and provincial scoring systems enhancing competitive spirit.

Beyond racing, the event features socially impactful programs: national flag ceremonies at historic sites, memorial tributes, free medical check-ups, and cultural festivals—strengthening the bond between sport, history, and community development.

Crew Teams: The Silent Force Behind Success

Since 2019, professional crew teams—including PDC—have partnered with the Organizing Committee from Vũng Tàu 2019 to Quảng Trị 2025, supporting critical logistics and technical operations.

Though rarely in the spotlight, these teams are indispensable operators, ensuring precision, safety, and a world-class experience for athletes and volunteers alike. Each role contributes to one shared goal: delivering a high-quality marathon experience.

A Pillar of Vietnamese Athletics

After nearly seven decades, Tien Phong Marathon stands as one of Vietnam’s most prestigious sporting events—bridging elite competition and grassroots participation, tradition and modernity.

Its sustained success reflects the seamless collaboration between organizers and professional partners like PDC, reaffirming a simple truth: behind every stride on the racecourse is a dedicated operational system working tirelessly to make excellence possible.