Tourists cheer runners at Read Marathon Ho Chi Minh City Midnight 2026

The marathon began at 0:05 a.m. on March 22, with 13,000 participants, drawing attention from visitors in the city center. Many spectators stood on sidewalks, offering words of encouragement and high-fives to runners.

Sophie Flo, a U.S. tourist exploring the city with friends, said she was surprised to see a large group of runners in bright neon outfits at that hour. “We have never seen so many people running at the same time in the center of a large city. The lively atmosphere made our group decide to stop and cheer,” she said.

In addition to spectating, many tourists joined the race to experience the city’s landmarks at night while engaging in the local environment.

According to organizers, over 1,000 international runners from 54 countries and territories participated this year. South Korean runners represented the largest group with more than 300 athletes, followed by participants from China and the Philippines.

Hamish McNair, 46, a British resident of Ho Chi Minh City for 10 years who has participated in around 15 races locally, noted that the night route offered a unique perspective.

“The night route is great as it passes through many of the city’s distinctive landmarks such as Nguyen Hue Pedestrian Street, Ba Son Bridge, Independence Palace, and Notre Dame Cathedral, giving me a complete experience,” he said.

According to McNair, the route highlights both the central urban areas and more open spaces in Thu Thiem and Sala. The combination of cityscapes and continuous crowds creates an engaging and dynamic experience.

The American couple Athena and Evan Hoerl participated in the 21km category for their first night race. Athena said the city’s night scenery helped ease fatigue and complete the course.

“We were really tired, but the beautiful scenery along the route helped a lot. The course is relatively flat, passing through historical and cultural landmarks and connecting to new urban developments. I don’t think many cities offer such a combination,” she said.

Athena Hoerl (bib number 80430) forms a heart shape while running on Ba Son Bridge during VM HCMC Midnight 2026. Photo courtesy of Read Marathon

Beyond the scenery, the Hoerls appreciated the encouragement from local residents. Evan noted that support along bridge sections and in the final kilometers helped motivate them to finish.

Ouk Rohit from Cambodia, who finished second in the men’s 21km category, said the most memorable moment was running among thousands of participants, creating a vibrant night-time atmosphere in the city.

“It is rare to see 13,000 runners moving together at night. It felt like a stream of sport flowing through a modern urban area. That will be a memory I will always remember,” Rohit said.