HDBank Green Marathon 2026: When community steps paint a green picture in the Can Gio mangrove forest

When dawn broke over the Can Gio mangrove forest, I saw streams of green-shirted figures moving along the dirt road by the river. They were not professional athletes running to break records, but ordinary people – the elderly, children, families, bank employees – all running for a single message: a greener environment. It was a scene completely opposite to the elite competitions I had followed. Amid rapid breaths and drops of sweat, there was a strange peace, as if every step taken was nourishing life. I once wrote: 'Glory does not come from stadium lights, but from women who dare to dream.' Watching the female runners disappear among the mangrove roots, I understood that saying applies to those women daring to dream of completing 42km. They run not for rankings, not for prize money, but for themselves and for a greater cause: the living environment of the community. A few months ago, the HDBank Green Marathon 2026 officially opened registration under the message 'Green Steps – Digital Life.' This is the fifth consecutive season, marking the return of one of Vietnam's most notable community running events. The race does not target records or individual achievements, but focuses on natural experiences, sustainability, and community connection. The event is organized by HDBank in coordination with Unique Company and the Ho Chi Minh City Athletics Federation, under the direction of the city's Department of Culture and Sports. The biggest highlight of the race is its route through the Can Gio Mangrove Biosphere Reserve, a world-recognized UNESCO site. Participants not only run on a uniquely scenic course but also immerse themselves in nature. The route has also been certified by AIMS – the Association of International Marathons and Distance Races – ensuring accuracy and safety according to international standards. This is a major advantage, giving runners confidence in the distance parameters and the quality of organization. In addition to the official 42km marathon distance, the race includes 21km, 10km, and 5km categories for all ages. Moreover, children's groups and team competitions have been added, making the event more community-oriented than a fierce competition. The multi-distance structure not only allows beginners to get acquainted with running, but also creates a playground for experienced runners on their journey to conquer the full marathon distance. What makes HDBank Green Marathon different from other races lies in the online platform 'Green Marathon online.' Participants can register and race through the HDBank banking app, with features supporting training and performance tracking. This format not only helps athletes maintain fitness before official race day, but also extends the connection between the brand and the running community, turning a one-day event into a year-round training movement. As I often say in my commentary pieces: 'Watching Germany leave the 2026 World Cup, I understood: tactics are not a formula; they are the whisper of the match.' In this race, tactics are not one person's footsteps, but the whisper of the whole community. One person cannot create a forest, but thousands of people placing their steps on the land will nurture a sustainable ecosystem. In its fifth edition, the race has attracted thousands of participants in previous seasons. The large community participation not only shows the growing love of running, but also proves a financially sustainable event model. With the support of the Ho Chi Minh City Athletics Federation, the race is a testament to the close cooperation between businesses and the local sports system. HDBank, with over 36 years of involvement in Vietnamese sports, not only invests in the race but also views it as a bridge between digital banking and people's spiritual life. A HDBank representative emphasized that the race is not merely a sporting event, but a journey of commitment to the environment and community. Over 2,000 trees have been planted through previous editions, along with beach cleanup activities – a respectable number for a community race. This shows that sport can become a driving force for sustainable development goals, a lesson many top competitions are still seeking. In 2026, when many races had to be postponed, I still remember the feeling of looking out at empty stadiums. But I realized: '2026 was empty of spectators but not empty of football. It just shifted to whispering in everyone's ear.' And now, the same applies to marathon – it does not need a stadium; it whispers in nature. Maintaining a race amid difficult circumstances has proven the resilience of Vietnam's running community. Many people look down on community races because there are no elite athletes, no impressive achievements. But it is precisely events like HDBank Green Marathon that provide an important foundation for the long-term development of athletics. I was born and raised in Kenya, a country famous for marathon legends. Kenya did not have modern training centers from the start. Our success began with local races where children ran on red dirt roads. Community races in Vietnam, even without world champions, are creating a running culture – the fertile soil for future talents. Can Gio is not just a tourist area. With its route through the mangrove forest, the race is turning the area into an attractive destination for domestic and international runners. The combination of eco-tourism and sport is a smart direction, promoting Vietnam's image sustainably. When green steps imprint on the white sand of Can Gio, the question is no longer who will break the race record. The bigger question is: can this model be replicated across Vietnam? If so, we may see not only healthier runners, but also cleaner forests and coastlines – and that is the true definition of victory. The silence among the mangrove trees is not a place to stop, but a chance for each person to hear their own footsteps more clearly. I believe that from a community race like HDBank Green Marathon, the seeds of Vietnamese athletics talent will sprout. And by then, no one will call it just a 'movement race' anymore.