[UEH 50] Vinh Long Marathon 2026 – Mekong Heart Journey: Champions Honored at Closing Ceremony

31 May, 2026

On the morning of May 31, 2026, the "Vinh Long Marathon 2026 – Mekong Heart Journey" officially concluded after two days of vibrant, safe, and emotionally charged competition in Vinh Long province. The second season left many lasting impressions with over 2,400 professional and amateur athletes from various provinces and cities, both domestic and international, participating in the race.

Overview of the Closing Ceremony

Athletes stepping to the starting line, ready for the race

Ms. Nguyen Thi Be Muoi – Member of the Provincial Party Committee, Vice Chairwoman of the Vinh Long Provincial People's Committee, and Head of the Organizing Committee – gave the starting signal, energizing over 2,400 athletes as they embarked on their journey to conquer the Vinh Long Marathon 2026

Leaders of the Vinh Long Provincial People's Committee along with leaders from various departments and agencies participating in the 5KM race

Contributing to the success of the tournament was the close coordination of functional forces, particularly the Vinh Long Provincial Police, the medical team, referees, logistics personnel, and nearly 500 volunteers from the University of Economics Ho Chi Minh City. All worked together to deliver a safe, professional, and emotionally charged season.

Water stations and security forces along the race route, with referees on duty

Over 2,400 runners push their limits on the "Mekong Heart" route

From 3:00 AM on May 31, athletes officially started at distances of 42KM, 21KM, 10KM, and 5KM. In the cool morning air of the Mekong Delta, thousands of footsteps created a vibrant sports festival along routes rich in the cultural and everyday life of Vinh Long.

Notably, this season marked the first time the Full Marathon 42KM distance was included in the competition, attracting a large number of runners to take on this new challenge. Each distance was not only a journey of surpassing personal limits but also an opportunity for athletes to experience the natural beauty, culture, and people of Vinh Long along every stretch of the road. More than just a physical race, each step was a journey of cultural experience, connecting people and spreading the spirit of sustainable sports.

The presence and direct participation of provincial leaders and heads of departments and agencies at Vinh Long Marathon 2026 not only demonstrated a spirit of health and fitness but also represented companionship and the spread of a positive lifestyle message and aspirations for the development of Vinh Long. This beautiful image served as a powerful inspiration for residents, athletes, and the community to join hands in building a dynamic, healthy, and compassionate locality, while affirming a pioneering, responsible, and united spirit for the province's sustainable development, contributing to the special meaning of the "Mekong Heart Journey."

Leaders of the Vinh Long Provincial People's Committee along with leaders from various departments and agencies participating in the race

Athletes competing with high spirit and determination

Athletes celebrating joyfully in meaningful attire at the race

Alongside thrilling sprints, Vinh Long Marathon 2026 also captivated audiences with its cosplay runners. Participants transformed the Mekong route into a unique fashion runway. These costumes provided a tremendous energy boost, dispelling fatigue for runners along the course.

Athletes in cosplay with unique costumes

Attending the Closing and Award Ceremony, from the Vinh Long Provincial Leadership and Organizing Committee members, were: Ms. Nguyen Thi Be Muoi – Member of the Provincial Party Committee, Vice Chairwoman of the Provincial People's Committee, Head of the Organizing Committee; Mr. Duong Hoang Sum – Member of the Provincial Party Committee, Director of the Department of Culture, Sports and Tourism, Deputy Head of the Organizing Committee; Mr. Cao Quoc Dung – Deputy Director of the Department of Culture, Sports and Tourism, Deputy Head of the Organizing Committee.

From the provincial departments and agencies, also serving as organizing committee members, the event was attended by: Ms. Nguyen Thi Hai Yen – Deputy Director of the Provincial Police; Mr. Vo Thanh Nhan – Deputy Director of Vinh Long Newspaper and Radio-Television; Mr. Le Hoang Nam – Vice Chairman of the Long Chau Ward People's Committee, along with distinguished guests from various provincial departments and agencies.

From UEH – the co-organizing unit, the event was attended by Dr. Dinh Cong Khai – Vice President of UEH; Dr. Nguyen Thi Thy Lieu – Director of Vinh Long Campus UEH Mekong, Deputy Head of the Organizing Committee; MSc. Ho Thien Quyen – Deputy Director of Vinh Long Campus UEH Mekong, along with faculty and staff from UEH Mekong.

Champions honored on the Mekong Heart Journey

After determined strides and moments of triumph at the finish line, Vinh Long Marathon 2026 was not just a sporting event but a journey of community connection, spreading the will to overcome personal limits.

At the Closing and Award Ceremony, the Organizing Committee honored outstanding athletes in each competition category. Medals, trophies, prizes, gifts from sponsors, and the joy of victory created memorable milestones, concluding a season of connection and emotion.

With over 2,400 athletes participating, the tournament recorded many impressive achievements from domestic and international runners. Notably, outstanding athletes were the first to cross the finish line in the 42km, 21km, 10km, and 5km categories, demonstrating their mettle, endurance, and conquering spirit on the "Mekong Heart" route.

Ms. Nguyen Thi Be Muoi – Member of the Provincial Party Committee, Vice Chairwoman of the Provincial People's Committee, Head of the Organizing Committee, and Dr. Dinh Cong Khai – Vice President of the University of Economics Ho Chi Minh City, presenting awards to the female runners who achieved First, Second, and Third place in the 10km category

Ms. Nguyen Thi Be Muoi – Member of the Provincial Party Committee, Vice Chairwoman of the Provincial People's Committee, Head of the Organizing Committee, and Mr. Duong Hoang Sum – Member of the Provincial Party Committee, Director of the Department of Culture, Sports and Tourism, Deputy Head of the Organizing Committee, presenting trophies and prizes to the male athletes who achieved First, Second, and Third place in the 42km category

Ms. Nguyen Thi Be Muoi – Member of the Provincial Party Committee, Vice Chairwoman of the Provincial People's Committee, Head of the Organizing Committee, and Dr. Nguyen Thi Thy Lieu – Director of Vinh Long Campus UEH Mekong, Deputy Head of the Organizing Committee, presenting awards to the female runners who achieved First, Second, and Third place in the 42km category

Mr. Duong Hoang Sum – Member of the Provincial Party Committee, Director of the Department of Culture, Sports and Tourism, Deputy Head of the Organizing Committee, and Dr. Dinh Cong Khai – Vice President of the University of Economics Ho Chi Minh City, presenting awards to the male runners who achieved First, Second, and Third place in the 21km category

Mr. Duong Hoang Sum – Member of the Provincial Party Committee, Director of the Department of Culture, Sports and Tourism, Deputy Head of the Organizing Committee, and Dr. Nguyen Thi Thy Lieu – Director of UEH Mekong, Deputy Head of the Organizing Committee, presenting awards to the male runners who achieved First, Second, and Third place in the 10km category

Ms. Nguyen Thi Hai Yen – Deputy Director of the Provincial Police, and Dr. Nguyen Thi Thy Lieu – Director of UEH Mekong, Deputy Head of the Organizing Committee, presenting awards to the female runners who achieved First, Second, and Third place in the 21km category

Ms. Nguyen Thi Hai Yen – Deputy Director of the Provincial Police, and Dr. Dinh Cong Khai – Vice President of the University of Economics Ho Chi Minh City, presenting awards to the male runners who achieved First, Second, and Third place in the 5km category

Mr. Duong Hoang Sum – Member of the Provincial Party Committee, Director of the Department of Culture, Sports and Tourism, Deputy Head of the Organizing Committee, and Dr. Nguyen Thi Thy Lieu – Director of UEH Mekong, Deputy Head of the Organizing Committee, presenting awards to the female runners who achieved First, Second, and Third place in the 5km category

MSc. Ho Thien Quyen – Deputy Director of UEH Mekong, and Mr. Le Hoang Nam – Vice Chairman of the Long Chau Ward People's Committee, Organizing Committee Member, presenting awards to the female runners who achieved 4th to 10th place in the 42km category

Mr. Vo Thanh Nhan – Deputy Director of Vinh Long Newspaper and Radio-Television, Deputy Head of the Organizing Committee, and Ms. Nguyen Thi Hai Yen – Deputy Director of the Provincial Police, presenting awards to the male runners who achieved 4th to 10th place in the 42km category

Organizing Committee members presenting awards to the female runners who achieved 4th to 10th place in the 21km category

Organizing Committee members presenting awards to the male runners who achieved 4th to 10th place in the 21km category

Organizing Committee members presenting awards to the female runners who achieved 4th to 10th place in the 10km category

Organizing Committee members presenting awards to the male runners who achieved 4th to 10th place in the 10km category

Organizing Committee members presenting awards to the female runners who achieved 4th to 10th place in the 5km category

Organizing Committee members presenting awards to the male runners who achieved 4th to 10th place in the 5km category

The "Vinh Long Marathon 2026 – Mekong Heart Journey" has officially concluded with many beautiful memories and remarkable emotions. The success of the event is the result of the close attention and guidance of the Vinh Long Provincial People's Committee leadership; the close coordination and accompaniment of the provincial Department of Culture, Sports and Tourism along with various departments, agencies, and localities; the support of sponsors and partners; and especially the enthusiastic response of over 2,400 athletes from many domestic and international provinces and cities.

The Organizing Committee would like to express its sincere gratitude to the agencies, units, businesses, functional forces, medical teams, referees, volunteers, and the entire running community for their contributions to a safe, professional, and emotionally resonant season. During the organization process, despite the Organizing Committee's efforts to prepare and operate with the highest sense of responsibility, it was difficult to avoid some unforeseen limitations or shortcomings. The Organizing Committee sincerely appreciates the understanding, sharing, and valuable feedback from athletes, running clubs, and the sports-loving community. This is not only a cherished partnership but also motivation for the tournament to continue improving and enhancing its quality in future seasons.

Concluding its second season with many memorable milestones, Vinh Long Marathon 2026 is not just about finishing lines or victory medals, but also about leaving behind sustainable values of sportsmanship, community connection, and love for the land of Vinh Long – the heart of the Mekong Delta. These impressions will continue to spread, contributing to promoting the image of a dynamic, friendly, and culturally rich Vinh Long, while continuing the journey of cultivating sustainable development values that Vinh Long province and UEH are jointly pursuing. The Mekong Heart Journey will continue to be extended through footsteps, beautiful stories, and a spirit of sharing co-created by the running community, Vinh Long province, and UEH.

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