RACE REGULATIONS

Can Tho Heritage Marathon 2026

Abbreviations and Terms

OC: Organizing Committee
Athlete: Athlete/runner participating in the race
COT (Cut-off Time): The maximum time allowed to complete a race distance
BIB: The race number assigned to an athlete participating in the event
Sub-: A performance faster than a specified time benchmark
DNF: Did Not Finish
DQ: Disqualification
N/A: Not Applicable
CCCD: Citizen ID Card

Article 1: Race Name and Objectives

1.1. Race Name

Vietnamese: Giải Marathon Quốc tế Di sản Cần Thơ – Quán quân 21
English: Can Tho Heritage Marathon – Champion21
Abbreviation: CTHM

1.2. Objectives

Can Tho Heritage Marathon – Champion21 promotes the image of Vietnam and its people both domestically and internationally, while showcasing the beauty of Can Tho City – the center of the Mekong Delta – together with the distinctive cultural values of Southern Vietnam’s river region and local cultural identity.
Can Tho Heritage Marathon – Champion21 seeks broad support from communities, society, and businesses, contributing to tourism development and local economic growth.
Can Tho Heritage Marathon – Champion21 is carefully prepared and organized in a safe, economical, and effective manner; ensuring political security, social order and safety, environmental protection, and the spirit of sport in order to achieve the stated objectives and requirements.
Can Tho Heritage Marathon – Champion21 is organized and operated with a high level of professionalism, with national stature and an international model.

Article 2: Date, Venue, and Race Distances

2.1. Race Day

Sunday, December 20, 2026

2.2. Venue

Song Hau Park, Cai Khe Ward, Can Tho City

2.3. Race Distances

097 km (also known as Half Marathon, HM, 21 km)
10 km
5 km

Article 3: Eligibility

3.1. 21 km Half Marathon

3.1.1. Age Requirement

Athletes participating in the Half Marathon must be at least 16 years old, as specifically announced in the General Information. Any underage Athlete found participating in the race will be disqualified (DQ) and removed from the race.

3.1.2. Awards

Athletes participating in the Half Marathon may receive Overall Awards and Age Group Awards, but may receive only the highest-value award among the awards for which they qualify.

3.1.2.1. All Athletes registered for the Half Marathon who do not violate these Race Regulations are eligible for consideration for Overall Awards.

3.1.2.2. Athletes are divided into the following age groups:

Under 30
30–39
40–49
50 and above

3.1.2.3. The Organizing Committee has the right to require Athletes to present a Citizen ID Card or other identification document to verify their age before Age Group Awards are presented.

3.2. 10 km Distance

3.2.1. Age Requirement

Athletes participating in the 10 km distance must be at least 12 years old, as specifically announced in the General Information. Any underage Athlete found participating in the race will be disqualified (DQ) and removed from the race.

3.2.2. Awards

Athletes participating in the 10 km distance will be eligible for Overall Awards.

3.3. 5 km Distance

3.3.1. Age Requirement

Athletes participating in the 5 km distance must be at least 7 years old as of the date specifically announced in the General Information, except for young Athletes running with their parents. Any Athlete who does not meet this requirement and is found participating in the race will be disqualified (DQ) and removed from the race.

3.3.2. Awards

Athletes participating in the 5 km distance will be eligible for Overall Awards. The Organizing Committee has the right to require Athletes to present a Citizen ID Card or other valid legal document (a birth certificate for children) to verify age before presenting an award.

3.4. Legal Parent/Guardian

Any minor participating in the race must have a legal parent/guardian as stipulated in Article 8.1.

Article 4: Competition Time

4.1. Cut-off Time (COT) by Distance

Distance	COT
21 km – Half Marathon	3.5 h
10 km	2 h
5 km	1.5 h

4.2. Opening and Closing Times of the Start Area

Athletes must be present at the start area within the time specified by the Organizing Committee.
Athletes arriving more than 15 minutes after the official start time will not be allowed to enter the start area and will be recorded as DNS.

4.3. Cut-off Time (COT) Regulations

4.3.1. All competing Athletes must complete the course within the prescribed COT, including intermediate segment COTs and the overall COT (the full-course COT) at the finish line. Intermediate segment COTs and the overall COT apply equally to Athletes starting from different pens/waves.

4.3.2. Athletes who fail to meet an intermediate segment COT will be recorded as Did Not Finish (DNF). Their BIBs will be marked DNF, they will be required to leave the race course, and they will not be entitled to receive a finisher medal or other finisher items (if any).

4.3.3. The Organizing Committee will close each section of the course after the COT for that section has expired.

4.3.4. All Organizing Committee services, including but not limited to hydration, medical support, pacing, and photography, will cease once the COT for that section has expired.

4.3.5. The specific COT for each race distance will be announced annually by the Organizing Committee.

Article 5: Result Calculation

5.1. Gun Time and Electronic Chip Time

5.1.1. Gun Time: the time from the official start signal until the Athlete crosses the timing mat at the finish line.

5.1.2. Chip Time: the time from when the Athlete crosses the timing mat at the start line until the Athlete crosses the timing mat at the finish line.

5.2. Result Calculation Rules

5.2.1. The official competition time for all Athletes is based on electronic chip time. Times will be rounded up to the next whole second.

5.2.2. Overall Awards will be determined based on gun time. Age Group Awards will be determined based on electronic chip time.

5.2.3. Any questions concerning competition results must be submitted to the Organizing Committee in writing within 24 hours after the race has ended. For complaints submitted after this deadline, the Organizing Committee reserves the right to review the matter and consider the seriousness of the alleged violation before making an appropriate decision.

Article 6: Competition Rules

6.1. Course Regulations

6.1.1. Athletes must strictly follow the course designated by the Organizing Committee. An Athlete who leaves the race course without permission from a course referee will be deemed to have committed a violation and will be disqualified (DQ). Any Athlete who shortens the race route (“cuts the course”) for any reason will be disqualified. Course cutting may be identified by referees, monitoring equipment, or video footage. The final decision rests with the Organizing Committee.

6.1.2. Athletes must run within the lane/section of the course announced and directed by the Organizing Committee. Any Athlete found running outside the announced lane or failing to follow the Organizing Committee’s course instructions will be disqualified (DQ).

6.2. BIB Regulations

6.2.1. Athletes must wear the BIB provided by the Organizing Committee. The BIB number must be attached to the front of the Athlete’s chest and must remain worn throughout the race.

6.2.2. Any exchange, sale, gift, or transfer of a BIB to another person without the Organizing Committee’s permission is considered a violation of the Race Regulations. The Organizing Committee has the right to deny an Athlete entry to the start area, stop the Athlete from competing, and refuse to recognize the result in any case where the Athlete’s BIB does not match the Organizing Committee’s registration records. The Organizing Committee also has the right to remove an Athlete from the start area or race course if the Athlete is found using a BIB not issued by the Organizing Committee.

6.2.3. Any Athlete found using a BIB not issued by the Organizing Committee will be disqualified from the race.

6.2.4. If the Organizing Committee finds that an Athlete is competing with another person’s BIB, both the Athlete and the registered owner of that BIB will have their results canceled.

6.2.5. If the Organizing Committee finds that an Athlete is wearing more than one Organizing Committee timing device (timing BIB) during the race, the Athlete will be deemed ineligible. The Organizing Committee has the right to temporarily retain the extra BIB and return it to the Athlete at the referee area after the race has ended.

6.3. Electronic Timing Chip Regulations

6.3.1. The Organizing Committee provides electronic timing chips to all Athletes for result measurement. Athletes are responsible for safeguarding their own timing chips in order for their results to be recorded.

6.3.2. The Organizing Committee is not responsible for any case in which an Athlete’s result cannot be accurately calculated because the timing chip is damaged after it has been handed over to the Athlete or the Athlete’s representative.

6.3.3. Athletes must cross the start timing mat, all timing/checkpoint mats along the course, and the finish timing mat. Any Athlete whose chip is not detected at all required electronic timing mats will be deemed not to have completed the race and will not have a recognized result.

6.4. Finish and Completion of the Race Distance

Athletes must cross the timing mat at the finish line in order to be considered to have completed the race. After finishing, Athletes must follow the Organizing Committee’s flow-control instructions to proceed to the medal and finisher-item distribution area (if applicable), and then follow directions to the post-race recovery and food areas. Athletes who fail to comply with post-race flow-control instructions may be asked to leave the area.

6.5. Course Changes

The Organizing Committee has the right to change the race course if necessary. Any route changes will be communicated in a timely manner to Athletes and relevant parties.

6.6. Athlete Information

Athlete information, including full name, date of birth, Citizen ID Card/passport number, gender, and email, will be recorded according to the Athlete’s identification document (Citizen ID Card/Passport) or other valid legal document issued by a competent authority. If an Athlete’s gender cannot be determined, the final decision rests with the Organizing Committee.
Any Athlete found to have registered information or to be wearing a BIB that does not match the information on their identification document will be disqualified (DQ) and removed from the event.

Article 7: Awards

7.1. Award Structure

The Organizing Committee determines and announces the award structure for each edition of the event, including Overall Awards, Age Group Awards, and Awards for Children (under 12 years old).

7.2. Award Determination Time

Overall Awards are determined based on gun time, measured from the official start signal until the Athlete crosses the finish line.
Athletes are responsible for ensuring that their identification information is accurate in accordance with Article 6.6.

7.3. Verification Process for Leading Finishers

The first Athletes to finish each race distance will receive provisional ranking cards. After the Athlete fully verifies their information with the referee team and the referee team confirms that the information is valid and matches the registration information submitted to the Organizing Committee, the Athlete will be officially notified and awarded the relevant prize.

7.4. Receiving Awards

Athletes officially notified as award winners will receive awards in cash, in kind, and/or other services (if any). Cash awards are provided in accordance with Article 7.1.
Cash awards are subject to personal income tax deductions in accordance with applicable Vietnamese tax law.
Awards in kind, shopping cards/vouchers, and/or service-use vouchers with a cash-equivalent value cannot be converted into cash.
The list and structure of awards will be publicly announced on the official information channels of the Race. The deadline for receiving and completing award-claim documentation will follow the timeframe prescribed by the Organizing Committee and officially communicated to Athletes from the date the notification email is sent.

Notifications and instructions for completing award-claim documentation will be sent by the Organizing Committee directly to the email address used by the Athlete to register for the Race.

7.5. Complaints and Handling of Violations

Any questions or complaints regarding awards must be submitted to the Organizing Committee in writing within 24 hours after the awards are announced.
The Organizing Committee has the right to cancel the result of any award-winning Athlete if the Athlete is found to have violated the Race Regulations, and the Athlete is required to return all awards received to the Organizing Committee in full.

7.6. Award Presentation

The award ceremony will be held at the time announced by the Organizing Committee for each edition, after the referee team has accurately verified the information of the award winners.
Cash and in-kind awards will be transferred/delivered to Athletes after the Organizing Committee completes its review of the race results.
To receive an award, an award-winning Athlete must complete the following procedures:
Complete the award-claim form;
Submit a copy of the Citizen ID Card/passport;
Sign the personal income tax commitment form.
If an Athlete fails to provide any of the required documents in full, the Organizing Committee has the right to withhold the award and require the award-winning Athlete to supplement the missing documentation within the prescribed period. If the deadline stated in the Organizing Committee’s notice passes without completion, the right to receive the award will expire.
For Athletes who do not have a personal bank account or are under 18 years old, the Organizing Committee will transfer cash awards only to authorized persons who provide all valid documents, including: a letter of authorization certified by a competent authority; a notarized copy of the authorized person’s Citizen ID Card/passport; and the authorized person’s personal bank account details.

Article 8: Registration and Registration Confirmation

8.1. Registration Age

8.1.1. Registration age requirements for each race category are governed by Article 3.

8.1.2. Legal Parent/Guardian

A minor (child) registering to compete must have a legal parent/guardian.
The legal parent/guardian must sign a guarantee/consent form allowing the child to participate and assumes full responsibility for the child’s safety and any risks that may arise.

8.2. Other Registration Regulations

Athletes residing abroad must register online via the Race website. If an Athlete encounters difficulties or technical problems with online registration, the Organizing Committee will provide support through alternative registration and payment methods.
An Athlete who registers twice for the same Can Tho Heritage Marathon; uses a false name; provides a false date of birth, false gender, false image, etc., will be deemed ineligible to participate in the Race.
Registered Athletes will receive a race kit including: BIB number, electronic timing chip, T-shirt, bag, and instruction materials.
If an individual acts as a representative and/or authorized person to register and/or collect a race kit for another person or group, that individual must confirm that they have been authorized to act on behalf of such person and/or group in completing registration and collecting the race kit. Registration through a representative or authorized person remains fully subject to these Race Regulations, in the same manner as if the participant had registered directly.

8.3. Registration Fee Refunds

Once registration and payment of the participation fee have been completed, Athletes may not request a refund from the Organizing Committee for any registration-related fees for any reason. However, Athletes may transfer their registration or change race distance in accordance with the Organizing Committee’s regulations or announcements, subject to the applicable conversion/transfer fee prescribed by the Organizing Committee.

8.4. Changes to Registration Information and Transfer of Participation Rights

8.4.1. Information Athletes May Change Themselves

Within the period permitted by the Organizing Committee for changes to registration information, Athletes may modify information from their original registration.

Athletes may review their registration information and make permitted changes at https://member.vietnamheritagemarathon.com, as follows:

Information Athletes may change themselves free of charge:

Downgrading distance: If an Athlete changes to a shorter distance than originally registered, the Athlete may make the change directly and will not be charged a fee. The Athlete will not receive a refund of any difference if the new distance has a lower registration fee than the original distance.

Information Athletes may change themselves subject to a fee:

Transfer: If an Athlete wishes to transfer the registration to another Athlete, the transferee must comply with the rules on personal-information changes or transfer procedures announced by the Organizing Committee for each edition. The registration transfer fee is prescribed annually by the Organizing Committee.
Upgrading distance: Athletes may directly upgrade their registered distance in the system. The Athlete must pay the difference in registration fees between the two distances.

8.4.2. The Organizing Committee Supports Athletes in Changing the Following Information

Athletes cannot directly change personally identifying information including: Name, email, and Citizen ID Card/Passport number. If an Athlete made an error when submitting the original registration, the Athlete must contact canthomarathon@dhavietnam.vn to request support from the Organizing Committee within the permitted information-update period.

8.5. The Organizing Committee is not responsible for delays in cases where registration applications cannot be processed due to Internet connection errors and/or errors by third parties responsible for payment processing. Registration is considered effective only according to the time at which payment is reflected in the Organizing Committee’s account.

8.6. The provisions of Article 8.5 also apply to the Organizing Committee’s discount and promotional programs.

Article 9: Compliance with Security Laws, Course Regulations, and Athletes’ Personal Property

9.1. Athletes undertake to comply with all laws and regulations of the Socialist Republic of Vietnam.

9.2. Athletes must comply with World Athletics anti-doping regulations and are strictly prohibited from using or intending to use any prohibited substance included on the list published by the World Anti-Doping Agency (WADA). In coordination with the Athletics Integrity Unit (AIU) of World Athletics, the Organizing Committee may conduct doping sample collection before, during, and after the race.

Athletes selected for testing are required to fully cooperate with doping control officers and provide samples when requested. Any refusal, evasion, or tampering in relation to doping control may result in immediate disqualification of competition results and may also lead to other disciplinary measures under World Athletics regulations.

9.3. By participating in the Race, Athletes confirm that they are physically fit to participate in the registered distance and complete it within the time required by the Organizing Committee. Athletes confirm that they understand their own health limitations and are able to recognize when they should stop physical activity before placing themselves at risk.

9.4. If an Athlete cannot complete the course within the prescribed time limit, the Organizing Committee has the right to require the Athlete to stop the race, and the Athlete will not be entitled to any compensation, including financial and/or other compensation, as a result of such requirement.

9.5. Athletes acknowledge all risks associated with marathon running, long-distance running, and the race course, including but not limited to: tripping and falling, collisions with other participants on the course, weather conditions, traffic, and course conditions, which may result in minor injury, serious injury, or even death. Athletes are solely responsible for their own safety and health throughout the course and agree to release the Organizing Committee from liability.

9.6. The Race Organizing Committee purchases public liability insurance and personal insurance for participating Athletes, except for Athletes over 80 years old or those with underlying medical conditions specified in Article 10. To ensure their benefits, Athletes must provide complete and accurate personal information (full name, date of birth, Citizen ID Card/passport) consistent with the registration submitted to the Organizing Committee. If the information provided by an Athlete is incomplete or inaccurate, the Organizing Committee and the insurance company may refuse liability for payment when an incident occurs.

9.7. Athletes are responsible for carefully studying the race course before the official Race Day and bear full responsibility if they run the wrong route, resulting in failure to complete the course or non-recognition of their result.

9.8. Athletes must follow the instructions of course security staff, volunteers, medical staff, security forces, and traffic police throughout the race course. Athletes must give priority and yield the way to medical personnel, ambulances, and other emergency situations arising along the course.

9.9. Athletes may deposit personal belongings in a bag or backpack at the Organizing Committee’s baggage storage area. The Organizing Committee does not accept responsibility for holding valuable items such as phones, cash, jewelry, expensive items, etc.

9.10. The Organizing Committee is not responsible for any loss arising from the following causes:

Illness or accident (including emergency treatment) as stipulated in Article 10;
Loss of or damage to personal property;
Late arrival due to difficulties and/or disruptions in public transportation or due to road conditions.

Article 10: Medical Regulations

10.1. Before participating in the Race, Athletes must sign a medical liability waiver releasing the Organizing Committee from medical liability.

10.2. The Organizing Committee has the right to stop an Athlete’s participation if the Athlete is found to have a medical condition, including but not limited to the following:

Cardiovascular conditions;
Respiratory conditions;
Central nervous system disorders;
Injuries;
Body temperature disorders;
Fluid and electrolyte disorders;
Altered consciousness;
Seizures;

10.3. When instructed by the Organizing Committee to leave the race course for medical reasons, an Athlete must strictly comply. Any Athlete who fails to comply will have their BIB withdrawn and will be disqualified (DQ). The Athlete will not be entitled to any compensation, including financial and/or other compensation, as a result of this requirement.

10.4. The Organizing Committee provides first aid or professional medical care for injuries, illnesses, or accidents that occur and, where necessary, will transfer the patient to the nearest hospital.

10.5. Any Athlete who is hospitalized is responsible for fully paying all costs of care and treatment charged by the medical facility.

Article 11: Prohibited Conduct

The Organizing Committee has the right to remind, warn, or prohibit an Athlete from participating in the Race and/or prohibit the Athlete from continuing after the Race has started if the Athlete is found to have violated these Race Regulations or any of the provisions below. An Athlete in violation will be disqualified (DQ).

11.1. Athletes may not use any type of wheeled vehicle or device while running on the course (for example, skateboards, strollers, shoes fitted with wheels, bicycles, motorcycles, cars, etc.).

11.2. Athletes may not use any foods or pharmaceutical products containing substances included on the prohibited list published by the World Anti-Doping Agency (WADA). Athletes may not use stimulants, narcotic drugs, or other drugs intended to increase feelings of excitement/euphoria during competition.

11.3. Athletes may not receive any assistance other than assistance designated by the Organizing Committee (such as water, nutrition, official pacers, etc.).

11.4. Athletes may not bring pets while competing. Littering or any conduct that pollutes the environment at the start area, finish area, or on the race course is strictly prohibited.

11.5. Athletes may not engage in conduct or speech involving harassment, incitement of crowds, rioting, violations of law, damage to or harm to the reputation of the Race, sexual harassment, or insults toward third parties.

11.6. Athletes may not bring to the Race any items or equipment inappropriate for the event; weapons, clubs, sharp objects capable of injuring or killing others; or bulky items that may affect safety on the race course.

11.7. Athletes may not bring to the Race documents, leaflets, or other materials containing content of an oppositional nature or content that violates the laws of the State and people of Vietnam; content contrary to the policies of the Party and the State; or content inconsistent with Vietnam’s traditional customs and social norms.

11.8. Athletes are prohibited from carrying flags that are not recognized by the United Nations and Vietnam as national flags while participating in the Race, as well as flags containing politically or diplomatically sensitive elements.

11.9. Athletes may not wear clothing displaying offensive images or images inconsistent with Vietnam’s traditions and social customs; images of an oppositional nature or images that violate the laws of the State and people of Vietnam; or images contrary to the policies of the Party and the State. Athletes may not run with their entire face covered or shirtless. Athletes may not wear clothing or costumes that could cause them to be mistaken for members of the Organizing Committee.

11.10. Athletes may not climb over barriers installed by the Organizing Committee on the race course or in the start/finish areas. Any Athlete who intentionally crosses the finish line for a second or subsequent time will be considered DQ.

11.11. Athletes may not violate applicable traffic laws within the race-course area. Any Athlete who violates such laws bears full responsibility under Vietnamese law and must compensate the Organizing Committee for any resulting damage (if any).

11.12. Foreign Athletes are responsible for making appropriate declarations and clearly stating the purpose of entering Vietnam to participate in the Race when applying for a visa and completing immigration procedures. Athletes are also responsible for informing the Organizing Committee and relevant authorities of the address of their temporary hotel accommodation during their participation in the Race.

11.13. Athletes may not conduct activities that cause delays or affect the Race, such as dancing/jumping, changing clothes, playing musical instruments, fundraising, requesting signatures/autographs, etc. Athletes may not obstruct the Race by failing to follow the Organizing Committee’s instructions. Athletes may not urinate or defecate in unauthorized locations.

Article 12: Postponement, Cancellation, and Force Majeure

12.1. In all cases where the Race is postponed or canceled, the registration fee will not be refunded to registered Athletes.

12.2. Once registration and payment of the participation fee have been completed, Athletes will not be entitled to a refund of this fee for any reason.

12.3. In the event of adverse weather conditions or force majeure circumstances beyond the Organizing Committee’s control that require the Race to be postponed or canceled, the Organizing Committee will notify Athletes of the force majeure event and the postponement, and will also announce the rescheduled date of the event.

In such case, the participation fee will be carried forward to the rescheduled event.

Article 13: Copyright

13.1. Copyright in any articles, recordings, images, videos, and data of the Race, as well as the right to use such information on the official website, social media pages, and in media and press channels for the marketing and promotion of the Race, belongs to the Organizing Committee.

13.2. Such information includes, but is not limited to, participants’ names and information such as age, address (hometown, province, city), images, and videos referred to in articles relating to the event.

Article 14: Personal Data Protection

14.1. By checking the box indicating agreement with the Race Regulations in order to complete registration and payment of the participation fee, the Athlete simultaneously agrees to the Race’s Personal Data Protection Policy.

14.2. The Race’s Personal Data Protection Policy is published on the official Race website or communicated to Athletes through other communication channels deemed appropriate by the Organizing Committee.

14.3. The Organizing Committee has the right to amend, adjust, or supplement this Personal Data Protection Policy at any time. Notices of amendments to the Personal Data Protection Policy will be updated on the Race website and/or other communication channels deemed appropriate by the Organizing Committee. The Organizing Committee recommends that Athletes regularly review the Personal Data Protection Policy to stay informed of changes and of how the Organizing Committee is protecting Athletes’ personal data. An Athlete’s registration and/or payment of the participation fee is deemed acceptance of the Organizing Committee’s Personal Data Protection Policy together with any related amendments or supplements.

Article 15: Competition Rules and Format

All matters concerning competition rules and format shall be governed by these Race Regulations, the rules of the Association of International Marathons and Distance Races (AIMS), and the applicable athletics rules.

See website: http://aims-worldrunning.org/

Article 16: Race Funding

Funding for the Can Tho Heritage Marathon is derived from socialized funding sources and is managed by DHA Company.

Article 17: Commendation and Discipline

17.1. The Organizing Committee will commend Athletes who comply with the Race Regulations and achieve outstanding results during the competition.

17.2. Athletes who violate the Race Regulations will be subject to appropriate disciplinary measures depending on the severity of the violation, ranging from reminders and warnings to removal from the ongoing event or prohibition from participating in the Race for a number of subsequent years.

Article 18: Implementation Provisions

18.1. To ensure the safety of the Race, the Organizing Committee will apply these Race Regulations throughout the event to all Athletes. Any person who fails to comply with the Race Regulations will be deemed ineligible to participate in the Race.

18.2. The Organizing Committee has the right to change the terms and conditions and Race Regulations in an emergency without prior notice.