On the morning of September 19, 2026, at Thong Nhat Park, the National Economics University organized the NEU Marathon 2026 with the theme “Aspiration to Reach Farther.” With the participation of over 500 athletes, including staff, faculty members, students, alumni, postgraduate students, and international students, the marathon is a meaningful activity aimed at commemorating the 70th anniversary of the National Economics University, promoting physical fitness, strengthening the NEU community connection, and igniting the aspiration to continuously move forward.

University leaders and athletes participating in the NEU Marathon 2026 with the theme “Aspiration to Reach Farther” take a commemorative photo

The program was attended by: Assoc. Prof. Dr. Bui Duc Tho – Party Secretary, University Director; Assoc. Prof. Dr. Bui Huy Nhuong – Deputy University Director; Prof. Dr. Nguyen Thanh Hieu – Deputy University Director; Prof. Dr. Nguyen Huu Anh – Deputy University Director; along with leaders of various units, staff, faculty members, alumni, postgraduate students, and students of the National Economics University.

Carrying the message “Aspiration to Reach Farther,” the NEU Marathon 2026 was organized as a sports festival for the National Economics University community. Each step is not merely a journey to conquer different distances, but also an opportunity for generations of NEU members to meet, connect, and spread the spirit of sportsmanship, youthfulness, endurance, and the will to surpass personal limits. Notably, this year’s marathon holds significance in connection with the 70-year journey of building and developing the National Economics University.

Assoc. Prof. Dr. Bui Duc Tho – Party Secretary, University Director of the National Economics University delivers a speech

In his opening speech at the Marathon, Assoc. Prof. Dr. Bui Duc Tho – Party Secretary, University Director, and Chairman of the Executive Board of the Alumni Network of the National Economics University extended his best wishes to all athletes participating in the NEU Marathon 2026, officially commencing the journey “Aspiration to Reach Farther.”

Immediately after the opening ceremony, athletes competed in three distances: 5km, 7km, and 10km. From the first steps to the finish line, each distance presented different challenges in terms of physical strength, endurance, and the ability to maintain pace. Along the course, the spirit of encouragement, companionship, and determination to achieve goals created a vibrant and cohesive atmosphere at Thong Nhat Park.

After completing the competitions, the Organizing Committee awarded and honored athletes with outstanding achievements in the categories of 5km men, 5km women, 7km men, 7km women, 10km men, and 10km women. Besides the direct race at Thong Nhat Park, the spirit of NEU Marathon 2026 was further expanded through the NEU Marathon Online 2026, connecting additional athletes participating remotely.

Within the framework of NEU Marathon 2026, the Alumni Running Club Liaison Committee, NEU Runners, was officially launched. The establishment of the club provides a space for generations of alumni and students to engage in physical fitness, socialize, connect, and maintain their bond with the University through community activities.

NEU Marathon 2026 also receives support from sponsors and NEU alumni, contributing to the creation of a highly connective sports event as part of the series of activities celebrating the 70th anniversary of the University’s founding.

University leaders along with representatives from various units present awards to the athletes

From the strides at Thong Nhat Park, the message “Aspiration to Reach Further” is spread as a continuation of the spirit of NEU generations: persistent, connected, and continuously moving forward. On the journey towards the 70th anniversary milestone, NEU Marathon 2026 adds a youthful, dynamic hue, connecting staff, faculty members, alumni, students, and current students under the common roof of the National Economics University, sharing pride and the aspiration to reach new horizons.

Article and photos: Department of Political Affairs & Student Management and Communication Department