Xtep Launches Inaugural X-RUN CAMP for The Standard Chartered Heritage Marathon Hanoi in Vietnam

HANOI, Vietnam, Oct. 21, 2025 /PRNewswire/ -- As the strategic technology partner and exclusive gear sponsor of The Standard Chartered Heritage Marathon Hanoi, Xtep proudly supported the official launch of the SCHM X-RUN CAMP, held on October 19, 2025. Co-hosted by Xtep and Standard Chartered, the camp commenced at 5:00 a.m. at Hoang Mai Stadium.

The Standard Chartered Heritage Marathon Hanoi has established itself as one of Vietnam's premier running events, attracting nearly 2,000 international athletes from close to 60 countries annually. Known for its challenging course and humid conditions, the race demands a high level of endurance and pacing strategy—placing significant responsibility on its official pacers, who must maintain precise timing under variable circumstances. "The professionalism and reliability of pacers are crucial to the event's integrity and every runner's experience," emphasized Assoc. Prof. Dr. Nguyen Tri–Chief Executive Officer, DHA Vietnam. "They are not just pace-setters; they are leaders on the course" Now in its seventh consecutive year as the event's official apparel sponsor, Xtep was entrusted by the organizing committee to launch the inaugural SCHM X-RUN CAMP—a decision that underscores the brand's proven commitment and expertise in advancing Vietnam's running ecosystem. 

The SCHM X-RUN CAMP was designed specifically for the event's official pacers and 50 elite runners, providing them with a comprehensive training experience. The camp equipped participants with professional coaching, race-simulated environments, and high-performance footwear from the 160X, 260X, and 360X series. Through tailored programs—including running form drills and 1,000-meter interval sessions—participants refined their rhythm control and energy management strategies. The camp's intensive curriculum was designed to help pacers stabilize their pacing and build race-day confidence, enabling them to deliver more accurate and dependable guidance to the broader running community. By integrating cutting-edge equipment with specialized training, Xtep elevated the competency of the official pacing team, reinforcing the marathon's international stature as a professionally driven event.

Throughout October, Xtep Vietnam is also collaborating with the XRC running community to host three joint routine training sessions across Vietnam's key regions: Hanoi, Ho Chi Minh, and Haiphong. These sessions, integrated into the XRC's regular training schedule, are open to all registered participants of The Standard Chartered Heritage Marathon Hanoi and feature professional guidance combined with experience in Xtep's high-performance footwear, including the 160X 7.0. Designed to help runners build stamina, refine strategy, and push toward new personal bests, the initiative extends Xtep's professional running support beyond specialized camps and into the community's ongoing training rhythm.

The successful launch of the first-ever SCHM X-RUN CAMP in Vietnam underscores the brand's commitment to deepening its roots in the local running community. This initiative not only builds momentum for the Hanoi Marathon on November 9 but also reflects Xtep's strategic focus on nurturing running culture at the grassroots level in key Southeast Asian markets. As more runners join the XRC training initiatives, the energy surrounding the event and the performance level of participants are expected to climb. The Xtep XRC community will continue to serve as a key platform for connection and growth among Vietnamese runners, pushing the sport toward a more performance-driven and community-focused future through structured training and shared resources.

As part of its continued engagement, Xtep invites all running enthusiasts to visit its booth at the Hanoi Marathon Expo from November 7 to 9, where the brand will showcase its professional running products and host interactive sessions with KOLs and athletes. Attendees can also participate in daily lucky draws to win practical accessories like socks and bags, with a chance to receive a pair of the high-performance 160X 7.0 running shoes. Stay updated on Xtep's activities by following @Xtep Vietnam on Facebook.

About XTEP

XTEP Group, one of the leading sports brands in China, was founded in 1987 and officially established as the brand 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, incorporating Saucony, Merrell, K•SWISS, and Palladium to become a leading international sports group with multiple sports brands. For more about XTEP, please visit https://www.globalxtep.com/

 

** The press release content is from PR Newswire. Bastille Post is not involved in its creation. **

Xtep Launches Inaugural X-RUN CAMP for The Standard Chartered Heritage Marathon Hanoi in Vietnam

Xtep Launches Inaugural X-RUN CAMP for The Standard Chartered Heritage Marathon Hanoi in Vietnam

Xtep Launches Inaugural X-RUN CAMP for The Standard Chartered Heritage Marathon Hanoi in Vietnam

SANYA, China, Jan. 16, 2026 /PRNewswire/ -- Orange Lion Sports (formerly Alibaba Sports), a global sports event operator, is redefining how major athletic competitions and tourism converge through the coordinated integration of digital platforms and consumer services. The recent 2025 Hainan (Sanya) Marathon, supported by the company, showcased an "event-as-journey" experience that delivered a professionally operated, high-quality racing platform while supporting measurable economic growth for the host city. The marathon saw hotel occupancy in Sanya soar to 92%, with a notable 35% surge in spending at local businesses along the race route, establishing a promising blueprint for the scalable "racecation" model.

"We are committed to creating lasting value for athletes and sports enthusiasts," said Yang Yong, General Manager of Events and Commercialization at event partner Orange Lion Sports. "We activated resources across the Alibaba ecosystem, including Taobao, Fliggy, Alibaba Health, Ant Chain, and Amap, to extend engagement beyond race day. This approach attracted runners from across Hainan, other parts of China, and overseas, while encouraging additional event-related spending."

The provincial tourism and sports department has introduced funding incentives for 2026 sports events to attract national and international competitions. Orange Lion Sports has demonstrated how large-scale events can generate sustained economic activity and benefit local businesses by digitally integrating dining, lodging, transportation, entertainment, and shopping. In partnership with Taobao, the company launched a "Winter Warm-up Festival" that distributed tailored promotional vouchers and offers ahead of the event, designed to connect race participation with consumer engagement by introducing regional culinary specialties such as fermented vinegar hot pot and traditional Li-Miao cuisine to runners across China.

The economic benefits were sustained beyond the race period. According to Fliggy data, hotel bookings in Sanya began rising steadily from late October 2025, when event promotions launched, and remained strong throughout the marathon period. The momentum extended beyond the race, coinciding with the New Year holiday travel period. Data from the Sanya tourism bureau shows that during the 2026 New Year holiday, the city welcomed 650,800 visitor arrivals, with tourism revenue of 1.299 billion yuan (approx. US$186 million) generated, illustrating the role of the "racecation" model in supporting tourism demand.

In the future, Orange Lion Sports will harness AI technology to enhance sports events and promote fitness for all, in line with their assertion at CES in 2017: AI is the future of sports development.

** The press release content is from PR Newswire. Bastille Post is not involved in its creation. **

Harnessing the Power of Sports: Orange Lion Sports Leads the Way in Driving the Emerging Trend of "Racecation"