A harvest of medals: Xtep athletes win 6 gold medals, 2 silver and 2 bronze
HO CHI MINH CITY, Vietnam, December 9, 2025 /PRNewswire/ — Attracting 23,000 runners worldwide, the 8th edition of the Techcombank Ho Chi Minh City International Marathon was successfully launched on December 7. After an intense competition, the elite athletes sponsored by Xtep produced a dominant performance. In the men’s full marathon, the Ethiopian international elites swept the podium: Ayalew Seleshi Simaneh took the victory with an impressive time of 02:23:12followed by Wondale Melsew Baye (02:23:23) And Kebede Leta Girma (02:23:32). Among women, the local ambassador of the Xtep brand Ph.OhevenYou HOhng LEh obtained first place with 02:48:07while Ethiopian athletes Mohamed Yenework Husen (02:48:45) And Zega to the town of Sirabz (02:50:52) took second and fourth place respectively. Additionally, the Vietnamese runner Bon VAheartrepresenting local team Xtep, achieved third place among men with 02:33:01. As a long-standing and committed partner of the event, technical footwear and apparel brand Xtep marked its 4th consecutive year as the exclusive apparel sponsor, further highlighting the brand’s professional spirit and enduring dedication to high-performance running and athlete-driven innovation.
Ho Chi Minh City is quickly becoming a leading hub in Southeast Asia. According to data from event organizers, registrations for this year’s race are up about 28 percent from last year, continuing a multi-year trend of strong growth. This momentum reflects the city’s improving running environment and increasingly vibrant sports culture. Mr. Le Truong Hien Hoa, Deputy Director of Ho Chi Minh City Tourism Department, highlighted the broader significance of the event, saying: “It is one of the city’s most distinctive sporting and tourism events, attracting international visitors while inspiring and uniting the community. Echoing this view, Mr. Nguyen Nam Nhan, Deputy Director of the Department of Culture and Sports of Ho Chi Minh City, added“The race also helps position Ho Chi Minh City as an attractive international destination for regional sporting events. Going forward, we remain committed to supporting the marathon’s growth so that it becomes one of the region’s leading community marathons, contributing significantly to the city’s sustainable development and international reputation.“Ho Chi Minh City has systematically accelerated the development of urban green spaces and public spaces to provide better conditions for residents and running enthusiasts. These initiatives are resulting in ever-increasing public enthusiasm and participation within the community.
At the pre-race Marathon Expo that opened on December 5, Xtep’s line of high-performance running products caught the attention of attendees. Ms. Đào Thị Thu Hương, Deputy General Manager of Xtep Vietnam, highlighted the philosophy behind these innovations during the opening ceremony of the race: “Guided by our mission to become a leading global sports brand combining performance and style, Xtep is committed to continuous innovation. We are committed to providing athletes with the best possible equipment, enabling them to perform at their best.“This commitment was on full display with products such as the Championship Caliber 160X 7.0, designed to help riders feel comfortable, confident and comfortable on every part of the course. The brand’s professional proposition was further demonstrated through its sponsorship of elite athletes, supporting a local team of 6 and an international team of 6 competitors. This strategic blend of top international talent and dedicated local riders does more than guarantee victories; it actively elevates the competitive landscape for all participants, setting a new benchmark for the event and accelerating its journey to becoming a world-class race Additionally, Xtep’s running club,
Building on this successful experience in empowering runners, Xtep is committed to further deepening its engagement with the running community in Vietnam. Looking ahead, Xtep is committed to deepening its support for Ho Chi Minh City Marathon runners. This commitment will be delivered through continued product innovation, including the introduction of advanced footwear such as the 160X series adapted to local conditions, and through community initiatives such as the organization of running clinics and training workshops. These multi-faceted efforts embody Xtep’s core philosophy of “influencing the masses through professionalism” – aiming to improve the running experience for athletes of all levels, promote a scientific approach to sports, and contribute to a sustainable and vibrant running culture in Vietnam.
About XTEP
XTEP Group, one of the leading sports brands in China, was founded in 1987 and officially established under the brand name XTEP in 2001. The group was listed on the Hong Kong Stock Exchange on June 3, 2008 (01368.hk). In 2019, the Group launched its global strategy, integrating Saucony, Merrell, K•SWISS and Palladium to become a leading international sports group with multiple sports brands. To learn more about XTEP, please visit https://www.globalxtep.com/
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SOURCE EXtep
