The Read Marathon Hanoi Midnight returns under the theme “One Night, A Different Hanoi,” inviting runners to experience the capital during its quieter hours.
Unlike most marathons in Vietnam, which start early in the morning, the race runs from midnight to dawn, when traffic thins and familiar landmarks take on a different appearance under city lights.
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Runners pass through Trang Tien Street during the Read Marathon Hanoi Midnight 2025. Photo courtesy of Read Marathon |
“Midnight Hanoi has a rhythm of its own. Traffic gradually thins out, but the city is not yet asleep. Late-night eateries remain open, visitors stroll through the streets, and landmarks stand out under the lights,” a race organizer said.
The midnight start allows participants to experience a side of Hanoi they would rarely see during the day, the organizer said.
This year’s Hanoi Midnight marathon route will largely follow those used in 2025. The 5km and 10km races will pass through central Hanoi, including areas around Hoan Kiem Lake.
The 21km course will stay within the inner city, taking runners through the Old Quarter and along Thanh Nien, Van Cao, Kim Ma and Phan Dinh Phung streets.
The 42km race will be the only distance to cross the Red River, taking runners over Long Bien and Vinh Tuy bridges to eastern Hanoi before returning to the city center. The bridges offer open views and river breezes but their slopes and potentially strong winds will challenge participants.
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Runners pass Dong Xuan Market in Hanoi’s Old Quarter during the 2025 race. Photo courtesy of Read Marathon |
The four distances will start between midnight and 2 a.m., exposing participants to different stages of the city’s overnight atmosphere, from streets with open shops and eateries to quieter neighborhoods.
In 2025, organizers set up 10 cheering stations run by clubs from Hanoi and other provinces. Restaurants, public spaces and residential areas also remained active along parts of the route.
Late November marks Hanoi’s transition from autumn to winter. Overnight and early-morning temperatures typically range from 15 to 18 degrees Celsius, according to AccuWeather data cited by the organizers. Runners may also encounter seasonal scenes, including steaming street food and residents dressed for cooler weather.
Registration for the half marathon closed on Oct. 17 after all slots were filled. Regular registration for the other distances remains open until Nov. 6, with fees of VND620,000 (US$24) for 5km, VND790,000 for 10km and VND1.15 million for 42km.
Runners can register here.