Standard Chartered fosters community connection through Hanoi Marathon Heritage Race

According to Trinh Nhu Quynh, Head of Corporate Affairs, Brand & Marketing at Standard Chartered Bank Vietnam, the marathon embodies the spirit of perseverance, inclusion, and connection. It also reflects the bank's commitment to sustainability and social responsibility, upheld for more than 120 years in Vietnam.

Trinh Nhu Quynh, Head of Corporate Affairs, Brand & Marketing Standard Chartered Bank Vietnam. Photo courtesy of Standard Chartered

What inspired Standard Chartered to become the title sponsor of the Hanoi Marathon Heritage Race?

Vietnam is an important market for Standard Chartered, and we are deeply committed to supporting its growth and sustainable development. Guided by our brand promise "Here for good," we wanted to bring the globally recognized Standard Chartered Marathon series to Vietnam — with the aim of promoting community connection, healthy living, and positive values.

The Standard Chartered Hanoi Marathon Heritage Race demonstrates our strong commitment to Vietnam. It is more than a sporting event — it serves as a cultural and tourism bridge that celebrates Hanoi's architectural heritage while fostering sustainability and social cohesion. The race is also the 10th event in the global Standard Chartered Marathon franchise.

Standard Chartered is the title sponsor of the Standard Chartered Hanoi Marathon Heritage Race. Photo courtesy of Standard Chartered

What makes the 2025 edition different from previous years?

This year's race marks a new milestone with Quan Ngua Sports Palace serving as the start and finish point, offering a spacious and convenient venue for runners. This is the first time a large-scale marathon in Hanoi will take place at this iconic location.

The race route features many of the capital's historical landmarks and scenic views, including the final 10 kilometers along West Lake, promising runners a unique and challenging experience. Alongside the race, there will also be various cultural and sports activities to strengthen community connection and encourage an active lifestyle.

What activities is Standard Chartered preparing ahead of the marathon?

We are organizing several activities to engage the community before race day. A highlight is the online "3F – Fun Fit Fest" initiative, designed to inspire people to stay active and participate in spreading the message "Break limits, spread good."

Participants can join by running, walking, or cycling via the V-Race platform, or by sharing photos of their training on Facebook. Each kilometer recorded or post shared is converted into donations to the Will to Live Fund, which supports people with disabilities in building sustainable livelihoods.

Within two weeks of the program's launch, over 11,000 participants joined through V-Race and Facebook, helping raise more than VND170 million (US$6,500), or about 85% of our fundraising target. We are truly grateful for the community's enthusiastic response.

Could you share some of the social and sustainability initiatives linked to the marathon?

One of our signature initiatives since the first race has been the "Give Old Shoes, Receive Love" campaign, which collected nearly 400 pairs of shoes for underprivileged students in Ha Giang and Quang Tri provinces. This program promotes reuse and environmental awareness while offering tangible support to those in need. We plan to expand it further in 2025.

We also organize The Leaders Run, an event for business leaders to raise funds for charity. The proceeds go toward community development initiatives, reinforcing the spirit of sportsmanship, connection, and sustainability.

Another new feature in 2025 is the "Thanh Am Di San" Choir Festival, which brings together music and sports to celebrate both traditional and modern cultural values. The event will connect local and international businesses and educational institutions through choral performances — a creative way to foster unity and pride in Vietnam's cultural heritage.

Nearly 400 pairs of shoes were donated to underprivileged students in Quang Tri Province. Photo courtesy of Standard Chartered

Diversity and inclusion are core values of Standard Chartered. How does the marathon embody these principles?

At Standard Chartered, diversity and inclusion guide everything we do. The Standard Chartered Hanoi Marathon Heritage Race is designed so everyone, from professional athletes to casual runners and people with disabilities, can take part.

Nguyen Thuy Hanh (4th, L), CEO of Standard Chartered Vietnam, with international runners at the Standard Chartered Hanoi Marathon Heritage Race 2024. Photo courtesy of Standard Chartered

This year, nearly 2,500 international runners from about 70 countries have registered, a nearly 50% increase from 2024. The event also continues its "Light Up the Run" activity, where visually impaired participants run alongside sighted companions, a powerful expression of resilience and solidarity.

Ultimately, the Standard Chartered Hanoi Marathon Heritage Race stands as more than a race — it's a platform for inclusion, connection, and sustainability, reflecting our enduring commitment to Vietnam for over a century.