[UEH 50] An Explosion of Emotions at the Opening Ceremony of Vinh Long Marathon 2026: The Highlight of Kids Run and the Beginning of the “Mekong Heart Journey”

01 Jun, 2026

On the evening of May 30, 2026, at the Vinh Long Provincial Multi-Purpose Sports Arena, the Opening Ceremony of Vinh Long Marathon 2026 – “Mekong Heart Journey” officially took place in a vibrant, colorful, and emotional atmosphere. Thousands of runners, local residents, visitors, students, and volunteers came together to create a unique “marathon festival,” spreading the spirit of sportsmanship, community connection, and appreciation for Vinh Long's hospitable and culturally rich land.

Now in its second season - Vinh Long Marathon 2026 - Mekong Heart Journey was officially launched with the participation of more than 2,400 professional and amateur runners from across Vietnam and abroad, demonstrating the event’s growing appeal within the running community. Opening this year’s activities was the exciting 1KM Kids Run, where young runners enthusiastically took on the course. Their energetic and determined strides not only energized the opening ceremony but also conveyed a positive message about healthy living, resilience, and aspiration among younger generations.

The event also celebrated several major national occasions, including the 51st Anniversary of the Reunification of Vietnam (April 30, 1975 - April 30, 2026), the 140th International Workers’ Day (May 1, 1886 - May 1, 2026), the 136th Birth Anniversary of President Ho Chi Minh (May 19, 1890 - May 19, 2026), International Children’s Day (June 1), the upcoming 80th Anniversary of the People's Public Security Force (July 12, 1946 - July 12, 2026), and especially the 50th Anniversary of the University of Economics Ho Chi Minh City (UEH).

Overview of the event: from EXPO Day to KIDS RUN

From EXPO Day to the Kids Run Starting Line

Beginning at 8:00 AM on May 30, the Vinh Long Provincial Multi-Purpose Sports Arena came alive with the excitement of EXPO Day. Thousands of runners and visitors gathered to collect race kits, explore exhibition booths, shop, and participate in interactive activities, creating a festive sports and cultural atmosphere ahead of race day.

At 5:30 PM, attention shifted to the starting line as nearly 250 "mini runners" and their families joined the 1KM - Kids Run. Filled with smiles, determination, and proud moments at the finish line, the event became a meaningful bridge connecting families while inspiring a new generation to embrace an active, confident, and healthy lifestyle.

Young athletes enthusiastically competed in the 1KM Kids Run

Official Opening of Vinh Long Marathon 2026 - Mekong Heart Journey

Overview of the Opening Ceremony

Attending the ceremony on behalf of Vinh Long provincial leaders and the Organizing Committee were Ms. Le Thi Thuy Kieu, Member of the Provincial Party Committee and Vice Chairwoman of the Provincial People’s Council; Ms. Nguyen Thi Be Muoi, Member of the Provincial Party Committee, Vice Chairwoman of the Provincial People’s Committee, and Head of the Organizing Committee; along with leaders of provincial departments and agencies, including Mr. Duong Hoang Sum, Member of the Provincial Party Committee, Director of the Department of Culture, Sports and Tourism, and Deputy Head of the Organizing Committee.

Other members of the Organizing Committee included Colonel Pham Thanh Tung, Deputy Director of the Provincial Police Department; Mr. Nguyen Van Be Hai, Deputy Director of the Department of Health; Mr. Duong Thanh Huynh, Deputy Director of the Department of Construction; Mr. Le Minh Chi, Deputy Chief of the Provincial People’s Committee Office; Mr. Vo Thanh Nhan, Deputy Director of Vinh Long Radio and Television Station; Mr. Nguyen Thanh Trang, Deputy Director of Vinh Long Power Company; and Mr. Le Thanh Nam, Vice Chairman of Long Chau Ward People’s Committee, together with representatives from provincial departments and agencies.

Representing the race operator was Mr. Phan Ngoc Son, Chief Executive Officer of Running World Co., Ltd.

Representing UEH, the co-organizing institution, were Assoc. Prof. Bui Quang Hung, President of UEH and Deputy Head of the Organizing Committee; Dr. Nguyen Thi Thy Lieu, Director of UEH Mekong Campus and Deputy Head of the Organizing Committee; Mr. Ho Thien Quyen, Deputy Director of UEH Mekong Campus; faculty members from UEH Mekong; and runners participating in the event.

Representatives of sponsoring organizations included the Gold Sponsor, represented by Mr. Chau Minh Sen, Deputy Director in Charge of VIKKI Digital One Member Limited Liability Bank, Vinh Long Branch, and Mr. Phan Ngoc Son, CEO of Running World Co., Ltd.; Silver Sponsor Pocari Sweat; and supporting sponsors including SHB, VPBank, Vinamilk, Oxi Plus, Zoccer Shoes, My Ty Mai, and Vietcombank.

In her opening remarks, Ms. Nguyen Thi Be Muoi, Member of the Provincial Party Committee, Vice Chairwoman of the Provincial People’s Committee, and Head of the Organizing Committee, emphasized: “Vinh Long Marathon 2026 - The Mekong Heart Journey is not only a large-scale community sporting event with more than 2,400 participants competing in the 1KM, 5KM, 10KM, 21KM, and 42KM categories, but also a space that connects communities while linking sports with culture and tourism. Through this marathon, Vinh Long Province aims to promote a healthy, positive lifestyle, encourage physical fitness activities, and showcase Vinh Long's friendly, hospitable, and culturally rich image to domestic and international visitors. We highly appreciate the responsible preparation of the Organizing Committee, supporting organizations, volunteers, and enthusiastic athletes who have contributed to a professional, safe, and meaningful event. We also sincerely thank the University of Economics Ho Chi Minh City for sponsoring and co-organizing the Marathon."

Ms. Nguyen Thi Be Muoi, Member of the Provincial Party Committee, Vice Chairwoman of the Provincial People’s Committee, and Head of the Organizing Committee, delivering the opening speech

Speaking at the event, Assoc. Prof. Bui Quang Hung, President of UEH and Deputy Head of the Organizing Committee, shared: “Building on the success of the inaugural season in 2025, Vinh Long Marathon 2026 – The Mekong Heart Journey has attracted more than 2,400 runners from across the country, demonstrating the growing influence of the event. This is not merely a sporting event but also a journey that connects communities while promoting the cultural, tourism, and sustainable development values of Vinh Long Province and the Mekong Delta region. UEH believes that every step taken today is not only a journey of overcoming personal limits but also a journey of connecting people who share a passion for sports, their homeland, and the culturally rich and warm-hearted Mekong region. UEH’s continued partnership with Vinh Long Province in organizing this marathon for two consecutive years also reflects the University’s social responsibility, educational mission, and commitment to sustainable development, especially in the Mekong Delta through UEH Mekong."

Assoc. Prof. Bui Quang Hung speaking at the Opening Ceremony

Ms. Nguyen Thi Be Muoi - Provincial Party Committee Member, Vice Chairwoman of the Provincial People's Committee, and Head of the Organizing Committee - presented a thank-you letter, flowers, and a commemorative trophy to Assoc. Prof. Bui Quang Hung - President of UEH, the sponsoring and co-organizing institution

During the ceremony, the Organizing Committee presented certificates of appreciation to sponsors and partners whose contributions were instrumental to the success of the Vinh Long Marathon 2026 - The Mekong Heart Journey.

Mr. Duong Hoang Sum, Provincial Party Committee Member and Director of the Department of Culture, Sports and Tourism, Deputy Head of the Organizing Committee, and Assoc. Prof. Bui Quang Hung, President of the University of Economics Ho Chi Minh City, Deputy Head of the Organizing Committee, presented thank-you letters to representatives of the sponsoring organizations

A meaningful highlight of the evening was the ribbon-cutting ceremony that officially launched the Vinh Long Marathon 2026 - The Mekong Heart Journey. In a joyful atmosphere, the ceremony marked the beginning of a journey that connects sports enthusiasts, promotes healthy and active lifestyles, and affirms Vinh Long’s position as an emerging destination for large-scale community sporting events.

Nghi thức Lễ khai mạc giải chạy

Honoring the Young Champions: Awards Ceremony for the 1KM Kids Run

One of the most emotional moments of opening night was the awards ceremony for the 1KM Kids Run, where the young “little warriors” truly illuminated the event's spirit with their enthusiasm and determination. Starting at 5:30 PM, the Kids Run attracted nearly 240 children from various localities.

In their memorable first-race experiences, the children demonstrated sportsmanship through confidence, enthusiasm, and determination to reach the finish line. Their small yet determined strides, bright smiles upon completion, and the cheers of parents and spectators created a heartwarming and inspiring atmosphere. More than just the opening event of the marathon season, Kids Run strongly promoted messages of active living, self-improvement, and a love for sports among younger generations. These young runners helped create a vibrant start to the “Mekong Heart Journey,” bringing positive energy, joy, and a sense of community to all participants.

Following the exciting competition, the Organizing Committee honored ten outstanding young runners who achieved the best results in the 1KM Kids Run category.

Ms. Nguyen Thi Be Muoi - Provincial Party Committee Member, Vice Chairwoman of the Provincial People's Committee, Head of the Organizing Committee, and Assoc. Prof. Bui Quang Hung - President of UEH, Deputy Head of the Organizing Committee - presented commemorative medals and prizes from UEH Mekong and the Sponsor (My Ty Mai) to young athletes

Ready for Race Day: Conquering the Roads of the “Mekong Heart Journey”

Following the emotional opening night and the 1KM Kids Run, Vinh Long Marathon 2026 - The Mekong Heart Journey officially enters Race Day in the early morning of May 31, 2026.

Beginning at 3:00 AM, 4:25 AM, 4:50 AM, and 5:15 AM, thousands of runners will start the 42KM, 21KM, 10KM, and 5KM races, respectively, conquering routes that showcase the unique charm of Vietnam’s Mekong Delta. Amid the cool morning air and sunrise, participants will experience both the challenge of surpassing their limits and the beauty of Vinh Long’s distinctive culture. The Organizing Committee has prepared hydration stations, nutrition support, medical services, and volunteer assistance to ensure the best racing conditions.

Join us in following, supporting, and experiencing the excitement of the Vinh Long Marathon 2026!

Race Day Information

- Race Start Time: 03:00 AM, May 31, 2026 (Sunday)

- Closing Ceremony and Awards Presentation: 10:00 AM, May 31, 2026 (Sunday)

- Opening and Closing Ceremony Venue: Vinh Long Provincial Multi-Purpose Sports Arena
(79 Nguyen Hue Street, Long Chau Ward, Vinh Long Province)

A JOURNEY OF HEARTS CONNECTING PEOPLE AND THE MEKONG REGION

Vinh Long Marathon 2026 - The Mekong Heart Journey not only promotes healthy living, positive values, and social responsibility but also serves as an opportunity to introduce Vinh Long as a friendly, hospitable, and vibrant destination to domestic and international visitors. The event further demonstrates the role of sports in strengthening communities and fostering sustainable cultural and tourism development.

More photos from the Opening Ceremony and 1KM Run: