Racing the Old Quarter
Few marathons send you through streets this old. The Heritage Race takes runners into Hanoi’s Old Quarter, a grid of narrow trade streets that grew up beside Hoan Kiem Lake. Many of those streets are still named for the goods once sold on them.
On an ordinary day the narrow shophouse fronts face motorbikes parked on the pavement and plastic stools at the kerb. On race morning the roads are closed and the field fills them instead. The marathon is AIMS/World Athletics certified, so a finishing time here counts as a properly measured result.
Dates, expo and entry
The weekend has two parts:
- Expo: November 6-8, 2026
- Main race day: Sunday, November 8, 2026
- Certification: AIMS / World Athletics
Big-city marathons usually hand out bibs at the expo, so plan to arrive in Hanoi by November 7 at the latest. Check the official site for collection rules, including any ID or medical form you must bring.
This guide does not cover race distances, start times, the start and finish location, or entry fees. Take all of these from the official site and your registration confirmation, not from third-party listings.
Running Hanoi in November
November is the start of Hanoi’s dry season. Air is cooler and less humid than in the summer months, which makes it one of the better times of year to run a long distance here. Air quality varies from day to day in Hanoi, so check a live AQI app the evening before.
A long race weekend fits well around these Old Quarter landmarks:
- Hoan Kiem Lake and the red Huc Bridge to Ngoc Son Temple
- Dong Xuan Market, the large covered market at the quarter’s north edge
- Temple of Literature, a short ride west
- St Joseph’s Cathedral, just southwest of the lake
Book a room within walking distance of the Old Quarter. Road closures on race morning make taxis unreliable, and walking to the start avoids the problem.
Getting around race weekend
Hanoi’s streets work by their own rules, and runners who know them have an easier weekend.
- Crossing the street: walk at a steady, predictable pace and don’t stop suddenly. Motorbikes steer around you; a sudden dash is what causes accidents.
- Transport: Grab is the standard ride-hailing app for cars and motorbike taxis. Expect detours or no service near closed roads on race morning.
- Paying: street stalls and pho counters mostly take cash in Vietnamese dong. Hotels, cafés and the expo are more likely to take cards.
- Fuelling: pho and bánh mì are breakfast foods here, and many stalls open early. Stick to what your stomach knows before the race and save the street food for afterwards.
- Spectating: supporters should pick a spot on the course before roads close. Crossing the route once the race starts can mean long waits.
People don’t usually tip at street stalls. Leaving small change at sit-down restaurants is appreciated but not expected. Confirm timing, the course map and tickets on the official site.
Frequently asked questions
When is the Standard Chartered Hanoi Marathon – Heritage Race in 2026?
The main race day is November 8, 2026, and the expo runs November 6-8. Confirm exact timing on the official site.
Where does the race take place?
The course runs through Hanoi's Old Quarter, the old trading district beside Hoan Kiem Lake. Check the official site for the start and finish location and the full course map.
Is the course certified?
Yes. It is AIMS/World Athletics certified, so finishing times are officially measured results.
When should I arrive in Hanoi?
Plan to arrive by November 7 so you can visit the expo, which is usually where bibs are collected, and get to know the Old Quarter streets before race day.
What is the weather like for the race?
November is the start of Hanoi's dry season. It is generally cooler and less humid than summer, but check the daily air-quality reading before you run.
Plan your trip to Hanoi
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