Looking Back at the UEH50 Milestones on the Heritage Run of UEH Half Marathon 2026

11 Jun, 2026

Launched at the beginning of 2026 and officially held on June 7, 2026, at Sala Urban Area, UEH Half Marathon 2026 attracted nearly 4,000 athletes to compete. More than just a large-scale sporting event, the race was also a special occasion for generations of UEHers to reunite and share their pride in the 50-year journey of the University of Economics Ho Chi Minh City.

In his closing remarks, Assoc. Prof. Dr. Bui Quang Hung - President of UEH, shared: “UEH Run Half Marathon 2026 marks a special milestone in UEH’s 50-year journey of establishment and development. What is most valuable is not only the participation of more than 4,000 athletes, but also the gathering of multiple generations of UEHers on a shared journey. This is a symbolic representation of UEH’s upcoming development strategy: connecting stakeholders around a shared vision - co-creating value for the future.”

Understanding this distinctive vision from the University’s leadership, the Organizing Committee designed the entire athlete experience as a journey of heritage discovery, where every detail carried a story about UEH50.

The Concept of a UEH “Heritage Run”

For the first time, UEH’s 50-year story was transformed into a unique running route concept.

The idea of the “Heritage Run” was inspired by UEH’s network of more than 14 campuses for education, research, and innovation in Ho Chi Minh City, together with its branches in Vinh Long and Khanh Hoa. Viewed from above, these campuses form a connected map spanning tradition and modernity, knowledge, people, and the future.
Based on this idea, the map of UEH campuses was stylized into a symbolic “Heritage Run.” Every step taken by the athletes was not only a journey to conquer the distance but also a journey through important milestones in UEH’s development over the past half-century.

Stylized image of the Heritage Run - the main concept of UEH Half Marathon 2026

The morning running route at Sala

A Race Kit Inspired by the 50-Year Journey

One of the highlights most loved by the running community was the Race Kit specially designed for UEH Half Marathon 2026.

The running shirt was inspired by UEH sportswear designs from different stages of the University’s development. Every detail and color evoked familiar memories for generations of lecturers, alumni, and students, while recreating the University’s proud journey of development. In addition, the Finisher shirt for athletes completing the 21km distance stood out in the symbolic red color, representing UEH’s aspirations for the future and its spirit of continuous advancement.

The Race Kit bag and finisher medal were also designed in harmony with the Heritage Run concept, becoming commemorative items bearing the distinctive spirit of UEH50.

EXPO DAY - An Immersive UEH50 Experience

The UEH50 journey was not limited to the official race day but was also vividly brought to life at EXPO DAY.

The event space was filled with UEH50’s signature red color, featuring a series of check-in booths, interactive experience areas, and activities dedicated to the running community. The designs were modern and youthful while incorporating historical milestones and UEH’s spirit of innovation.

At the check-in points, athletes had the opportunity to capture memorable moments alongside the University’s 50-year milestone, creating a vibrant and inspiring atmosphere ahead of race day.

UEH50 check-in corners at UEH Half Marathon 2026

When the Heritage Run Became a Reality

On the morning of June 7, thousands of runners in Heritage Run shirts came together to create an emotional scene along the Sala route.

Along the running route were booths representing UEH’s iconic campuses, giving athletes the feeling of actually passing through important milestones in the University’s development journey. Each stop was not only a place to check in but also told a story about knowledge, innovation, and the aspiration for sustainable development.

From the first steps to the moment they crossed the finish line, the runners completed a journey whose meaning went beyond sporting achievements. It was a journey connecting the past, present, and future; connecting generations of UEHers through a shared sense of pride.

UEH Half Marathon 2026 has come to an end, but the values created by the event will continue to spread. Every medal, every Finisher shirt, every check-in photo, and every step on the Heritage Run has become part of the UEH50 story.

News, photos: UEH 50th Anniversary Organizing Committee, Department of Communications and Partnerships