On October 13, the Ha Long Heritage International Marathon, renowned for its stunning route along the shores of Ha Long Bay, was officially awarded the World Athletics Label Road Race certification by the World Athletics Federation. This marks the first and only marathon in Vietnam to receive such a distinguished global recognition.
The World Athletics Label opens new opportunities for Ha Long to become a premier destination for the international running community. Race results will now be globally recognized and can serve as qualifying times for major competitions such as the Olympic Games and the World Championships.
The event annually attracts tens of thousands of runners and visitors from both Vietnam and abroad, helping to promote sports tourism and contributing directly to local revenue through accommodation, services, and cuisine. It also serves as a vibrant showcase of Vietnam and Quang Ninh’s image to the world.
“The World Athletics Label Road Race is a prestigious recognition not only for this event but also for the entire Vietnamese running community. It reflects the collective effort of tens of thousands of runners, local authorities, and sponsors who have supported us along the way. Over the past decade, we have stayed true to our mission of elevating the race to international standards, and today’s certification is proof that we’ve achieved that goal. We believe the marathon will continue to celebrate cultural and heritage values while contributing to Quang Ninh’s economic and tourism development”, said Assoc. Prof. Dr. Nguyen Tri, General Director of DHA Vietnam, the event’s owner and organizer.
Director of the Department of Culture, Sports and Tourism of Quang Ninh province, Nguyen Viet Dung, added: “Having the Ha Long Heritage International Marathon officially recognized with a World Athletics Label is not only a great source of pride for Quang Ninh but also places Vietnam on the global marathon map. I deeply appreciate the Organizing Committee’s dedication over the past 10 years to earn recognition from such a prestigious international body. This certification affirms the professionalism and world-class standards of both the race and its organizer, DHA Vietnam. It also inspires us to further leverage Ha Long’s status as a World Natural Heritage site, transforming the marathon into a must-visit destination for athletes and tourists alike. We will continue improving quality and experience to maintain international recognition and foster sustainable tourism growth”.
The Ha Long Heritage International Marathon 2025 will take place from November 21 to 23, 2025, with the main race day on November 23 in Ha Long ward, Quang Ninh province. The event offers runners the chance to stride proudly along a world heritage route while enjoying the breathtaking beauty of Ha Long Bay where every step represents both a personal achievement and a celebration of Vietnam’s growing presence on the global marathon stage.
This year’s race is expected to welcome the largest number of international participants ever in Vietnam, with nearly 3,000 runners, a 120% increase compared to 2024, including Olympic silver medalist Lee Bong-ju, other elite athletes, and about 1,500 Korean tourists and businesspeople.
