Vietnam Mountain Marathon

Vietnam mountain marathon adds 160-km distance

Vietnam Mountain Marathon to kick off at weekend

Nguyen Tien Hung wins Vietnam's biggest mountain race in Sa Pa

Vietnam Mountain Marathon 2019 wraps up

Around 4000 runners to join 2019 Vietnam Mountain Marathon

Vietnamese runner conquers the mountains to win 100km ...

 The Vietnam Mountain Marathon 2016 is set to be bigger and better than ever, with 1,500 runners arriving in Sapa on September 24. 
 This year 1,500 adventurous runners – many of them Vietnamese – are set to descend on the beautifully located mountain town of Sapa on September 24 and 25. They will race on some of the toughest and most beautiful trails of any trail race in the world. 
 Some will tackle a half marathon (21km), others will aim to complete the full marathon distance (42km) while some hardcore individuals will be aiming to complete the ultra distances of 70km or 100km. 
The race opens up parts of Sapa that normally remain out of reach making it a magnet for adventurers who want to see truly remote Vietnam. The buffalo-beaten race trails venture far from the normal tourist path through the land of ethnic minority villages and the magnificent rice-terraced valleys that Sapa is famous for. 
 Race director, Asger Koppen said: “This race was created due to my love of these mountains. I have always wanted to share the beauty of this area with those who love the great outdoors and now adventurous racers can see more of it than ever on our new 100km route.” 
 Double VMM 70km champion, Simon Grimstrup of Denmark will be returning this year to help with race organisation. He said: “I’ve raced all over the world and the VMM course is both one of the most stunning and most challenging out there. It is a very special race because of its ambiance and the great camaraderie between the participants.” 
 The race is supported by Topas Travel and Topas Ecolodge, the unique resort where the finish line is located. Set on a hill top deep in the mountains, Topas Ecolodge transforms into a unique running party venue at the end of the race. Crowds of runners cheer finishers across the line throughout the day and a DJ, BBQ and bonfire ensure the party keeps going until way after dark. 
 Charity 
 Over the last few years the Vietnam Mountain Marathon has donated thousands of dollars to good causes. This year we will continue to give back, with $20 from every single race entry donated to the local community. 
 For a video featuring the race route, please see: https://www.facebook.com/ VietnamMountainMarathon/videos/418913654974094/. 

Vietnam's Ultimate Ultra is Back

Credit : David W Lloyd Photography
 The third Vietnam Mountain Marathon took place over the weekend with almost 1000 runners from 45 nations descending on the mountains of Sapa to take on trails of 10, 21, 42 and a monstrous 70km in length. 
 The race was organised by Topas Travel and sponsored by Salomon, Lloyd and Deboodt Photo Tours and the American Chiropractic Clinic. 
 This was no ordinary trail race – the buffalo beaten paths took the runners into remote parts of the Sapa hills, across rice paddies and even right through villagers’ front yards as local kids cheered them on. Conditions were hard with rain falling throughout much of the event, making the paths slippery and the going tough. 
 International winners 
 Winner of the male 70km was Thailand’s Sanya Khanchai, while the women’s 70km was won by Hanoi-based American, Samantha Young. 
 Samantha has history with this race, having won the 21km event in 2013 and back that up with the 42km in 2014. 
 After finishing the race (and doing a handstand on the line to celebrate), Sam said: “It was doing the 21km race here in 2013 that made me fall in love with trail running in the first place, so it was incredibly special to get to try the longest distance this year. Doing the full 70km meant I got to see even more remote parts of the course and being in the mountains as the sun rose is something I will never forget.” 
Credit : David W Lloyd Photography
 In the 42km race, another Hanoi-based runner, Graham Knight, took out the top spot, making it a very good day out for the capital’s Red River Runners. 
Graham said: “It was a real pleasure to take part in the Vietnam Mountain Marathon this year. It was a once in a lifetime opportunity to run in a beautiful part of the world. The rain made it quite slippery underfoot and definitely contributed to sorer legs that usual, but at the same time it added to the aura of the race. What struck me most though was the camaraderie between individual runners, every competitor was clapped and cheered across the line and out on the course everyone was supporting each other. The sense of relief crossing the line knowing there were no more hills to run up was huge.” 
 Vietnamese winners 
 The 10km race was held on Sunday, starting in Sapa before dropping down into the stunning valley and passing through Cat Cat village. Runners then faced a brutal climb back up to Sapa town where huge crowds cheered in the winners.  In the men’s race, local runner Sùng A Tỏa triumphed for the second year in a row. 
 Legendary H’mong boy returns 
 Last year a young H’mong boy stole the show by turning up and running the entire 21km route in over-sized flip flops. This year he was back, standing on the start line shouting ‘let’s go, let’s go!’ before tearing off with the main pack. Once again, he completed the full distance, albeit in better fitting sandals this year! 
 Huge sums raised 
 This year the race supported Operation Smile, a Vietnam-based Operation Smile. VND 200,000,000/$9100 was raised to provide surgery for children with harelips and cleft palates in the northern mountainous province of Lao Cai. 
Credit : David W Lloyd Photography

Local and international runners triumph in the mountains

Credit : Vietnam Mountain Marathon
 The third edition of the Vietnam Mountain Marathon will be the biggest off-road running event ever in Vietnam. It offers trail runs of 10km, 21km, 42km and 70km in the stunning rice terrace-clad hills surrounding Sapa. 
 Runners can expect an extraordinary adventure along twisting, buffalo-beaten trails. The route will take them across bamboo bridges and through small villages where colorfully dressed ethnic minority folk will be out in force to cheer them on. 
 The finish line will be at the hilltop Topas Ecolodge where there is always a jubilant atmosphere. With a BBQ smoking and a backdrop of tall peaks and deep valleys, there will be great camaraderie among runners and supporters as they cheer finishers across the line until nightfall and beyond. 
 The 2015 event also features a 10km run which provides runners with a great opportunity to get a taste of off-road running. The 10km race promises to attracts plenty of local runners who are keen to show the international contingent how it’s done. 
 Giving back 
 Every entry fee for the event includes a $20 donation to Sapa O’Chau. Sapa O’Chau runs a variety of local projects, including its own school with over 70 students. Many ethnic minority kids from the villages surrounding Sapa have limited access to educational opportunities beyond the age of ten. Even before that, many drop out of school to help their families. There is a clear need to enhance the educational opportunities of ethnic minority youths in Sapa. Through their participation in the Vietnam Mountain Marathon, runners can help make this happen. 


Trails beaten by buffalo

Credit : David W Lloyd
 The second Vietnam Mountain Marathon took place over the weekend of 20-21 September, with almost 400 runners from 40 nations descending on the mountains of Sapa to take on trails of 10, 21, 42 and a monstrous 70km in length. 
 And this was no ordinary race – the buffalo beaten paths took the runners into remote parts of the Sapa hills, across rice paddies and even right through villagers’ front yards as local kids cheered them on. 
 International winners 
 Winner of the 2013 70km race, Simon Grimstrup of Denmark, successfully defended his title, beating back very tough competition. “It’s a unique experience in an remote environment with amazing views, very varied terrain, fantastic local culture and excellent trails,” he said. “It was a really tough race that everyone should be proud to finish!” 
 The women’s 70km was won by Switzerland’s Nora Senn, who said: “I loved all the technical trails, the cool rivers and the steep climb in the end. A huge smile was on my face for the whole race.” 
Credit : David W Lloyd
 In the 42km race, Hanoi-based runners stole the show. The men’s event was won by Britain, David Lloyd, while American, Samantha Young, took top spot on the female podium. 
 She described the beauty of the course as the highlight of her weekend: “After kilometer 10 we headed up a buffalo trail. Off to the left the ground fell away into a valley with mountains rising up again on the other side as far as you could see. Shadows were heightening the contours of all the mountains, clouds clinging to the tops and there was no one else in sight.It was one of those moments of giddy happiness feeling engulfed by the mountains and thinking ‘this is why I run!’ 
Credit : David W Lloyd
 Vietnamese winners 
 The inaugural 10km race was held on the Sunday in Sapa town, drawing large crowds and seeing local runners top the podium in both the men’s and women’s events.  In the men’s race, Sùng A Tỏa lead in the field while Vàng Thị Theo claimed victory among the females. 
 H’mong boy steals the show 
 It was a young H’mong boy of just seven years old who stole the show, however. Appearing from nowhere on the start line with a huge grin and no shortage of energy, he joined in the race and never stopped running. Half a marathon (21km) through the mountains later, he bounded down the finish shoot smiling from ear-to-ear as the crowd gave the biggest cheers of the day. 
Credit : David W Lloyd
 Huge sums raised 
 Every entry fee for the event included a $20 donation to Sapa O’Chau and a total of VND123,000,000 was raised. Sapa O’Chau runs a variety of local projects, including its own school with over 70 students. Many ethnic minority kids from the villages surrounding Sapa have limited access to educational opportunities beyond the age of ten. Even before that, many drop out of school to help their families. There is a clear need to enhance the educational opportunities of ethnic minority youths in Sapa and the Vietnam Mountain Marathon is proud to be part of these efforts. 
 
 Q and A with Simon Grimstrup, winner of the Vietnam Mountain Marathon 2014 (and 2013) and top 30 finisher at UTMB 2014 
 How did you feel coming in to this year’s race? 
 I felt a little worried. It was only three weeks after UTMB,  my first 100 miler. After the Ultra Trail Mont Blanc (UTMB), I had huge issues with my left foot and I thought I would not be on the start line for the VMM. However, two days before the race I ran 5km and decided to go for it and just take one check point at a time. 
 What was your race plan? 
 My plan was to see how my body reacted. Knowing that I had not fully recovered from UTMB – I would go out with the frontrunners and see how it went. I was ready to quit if my foot got worse – knowing that it could result in serious injuries and could ruin my next couple of months. 
Credit : David W Lloyd
 How did your race go? 
 We went out in an okay pace. I was with another Dane, Henrik Westerlin, who is one of Denmarks fastest ultrarunners. We chatted about his training and his amazing times on 12 and 24 hour races. It was an interesting chat on the first flat part of the course. There were a few runners on our backs, but I didn’t look back to check who they were. 
 The very wet and slippery conditions made the race extra hard, but I felt fortunate that it was like that. At the first little downhill I took time on the other runners. I found a technique – sliding down with both feet on the ground, somewhat like skiing. 
 What was the hardest part? 
 The mountain at the start of the last 21 km – it was not steep enough to power hike, but I felt so hot I had to walk a lot where I would normally run. That was probably a result of my UTMB. 
 What do you think of the addition of the final mountain? 
 It was very hard, but I like it when it is very steep. It made a proper mountain trail ending with stunning views! That said, I was absolutely boiling hot at that point with the uphill effort. At that point I had to switch to competition mode and push hard. 
 How did your nutrition work out? 
 Splendid! I had Tailwind in small zip locks and filled up with a liter of water at every checkpoint where I also ate one and a half energy bars. 
 What do you think makes this race so special? 
 It is a unique experience because most people run in an exotic and unknown environment with good views, very varied terrain, local culture and very nice trails. And the extra mountain made it a really tough trail race that everyone should be proud to finish! 
 The race also has a good social vibe to it – with a lot of different nationalities hanging around the Topas Ecolodge after the race, chatting about all their experiences on the trails. 
 What are your plans for your next race? 
 I have a year off my normal job as a teacher and I am going to stay in Southeast Asia until the end of november – hoping to discover some great trails! 
 I have found a race in the Philippines at the end of november – the Clark-Miyamit Falls Trail Ultra 50 miles –  which I will do before I return to Denmark. 
 In 2015 I would really like to do Ultra Trail Mount Fuji. I’m keen to find a nice stage-race too – I always look for races which give some really good experiences. Lastly, I would love to improve my time at the UTMB. 

Vietnamese and international runners win at Vietnam Mountain Marathon

Credit : Vietnam Mountain Marathon
 It offers unique trail runs of 21km, 42km and 70km in the stunning rice terrace-clad mountains surrounding Sapa. September is the most beautiful time of year to visit these northern hills – the rice fields will be bursting with colour and the harvest season will be in full swing. 
 With an expected field of 400 runners, this will be the largest mountain marathon ever seen in Vietnam. Competitors from Vietnam, Singapore, Malaysia,  France,  Denmark,  Hong  Kong,  Brunei, England, and Switzerland have already signed up. 
 Vietnam’s Ly A Song, winner of the 2013 21km race, is set to return to defend his title, while Simon Grimstrup of Denmark will be looking to keep his 70km crown. 
 Set in the beautiful mountain ranges of Hoang Lien National Park, runners can expect an extraordinary adventure along twisting, buffalo-beaten trails. The route will take them across bamboo bridges and through small villages where colorfully dressed ethnic minorities will be out in force to cheer them on. 
 This is a pristine corner of Vietnam that is usually completely closed to all but the few ethnic minority people who live there, so running in the area will be a true privilege for all involved.  
The 2014 event also features a 10km fun run on September 21. This will be a great opportunity for more people to get a taste of off-road running. 
 Starting and finishing in Sapa town, the fun run promises to attract plenty of running talent from the local minority groups who will be keen to show the international contingent how it’s done. 
 Charity 
Every entry fee for the event includes a $20 donation to Sapa O’Chau. Sapa O’Chau runs a variety of local projects, including its own school with over 70 students. Many ethnic minority kids from the villages surrounding Sapa have limited access to educational opportunities beyond the age of ten. Even before that, many drop out of school to help their families. There is a clear need to enhance the educational opportunities of ethnic minority youths in Sapa. Through their participation in the Vietnam Mountain Marathon, runners can help make this happen.

Following the success of the first Vietnam Mountain Marathon in 2013, the event is set to return this year on September 20

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 Hello, on October 5th 2013, you’ll be organizing the Mountain Marathon Vietnam. Can you tell us where it is located? 
 The 3-day event takes place in the high mountains of Northern Vietnam in Hoang Lien National Park next to Fansipan (3,143m), the highest summit of Indochina. The area is famous for its many rice fields and farmers from many colorful ethnic minority groups with their own language, costumes and culture. The race is close to the Chinese border. 
 This is the first edition of the race. What was your motivation to create it? 
 I am a runner myself and live on a hilltop right in the middle of the mountains and work as the director of Topas Ecolodge. I simply wanted to create an event for adventurous runners who like running in spectacular nature, along rice fields, water buffaloes and cheerful minority children. I wanted a multiday event for all types of runners from low budget to luxury accommodations. 
  Credit : Vietnam Mountain Marathon 
 What kind of route have you set up for the runners? How would you describe it? 
 The Mountain Marathon is rough with a 2,240m elevation gain. The runners will be transferred to the starting point and will run through areas which are rarely visited by foreigners. The route goes along dirt and hilly trails through small minority villages, hillsides, forests and rice fields. It is NOT for beginners as the altitude is around 1,500m and because you have to carry both water and energy supplies. 
 How many runners do you expect on Saturday morning? What type of runners do you plan to attract? 
 We expect around 100 adventurous marathon runners excited to explore great nature. 
 Do you organize other races during the Weekend? If so, on what distances? 
 We have 3 distances running October 5th, 21k, 42k, and 65k. All running at the same time and hopefully finish around the same hours. The two longer routes are for experienced runners but Half Marathon is not necessarily, as you can hike your way through. There is still a +1,300m elevation gain! 
  Credit : Vietnam Mountain Marathon 
 At that time of the year, what kind of weather can we expect? 
 It is fall in Northern Vietnam and the rice fields are beautiful yellow and now ready for harvest. We expect around 25° C (77° F) and fresh mountain air. 
 Have you planned festivities around the marathon? 
 Yes, the event lasts 3 days. First day we explore the local and remote area around our runners’ camp located on the hilltop of Topas Ecolodge. The area is populated by Red Dao and Black H’mong minority groups. Race info in the afternoon and several optional activities. 
 The second day is race day, but we also have a special and optional program for following partners/children with Vietnamese cooking class, water buffalo riding and local handicraft. Campfire for all runners in the evening! 
 The third day is a time for relaxing or exploring the famous Sapa town before heading back to Hanoi by night train. 
 The race finished, what advice would you give a runner who has never been to Sa pa before? A good restaurant, a fancy sightseeing? 
 I recommend all to buy runners packages return from Hanoi, then you’ll have train ticket, run and food arranged. We collaborate with one of the best restaurants and cafes in town called ‘Hillstation’. 
 If you want to explore town I can recommend the local markets, both food and ethnic minority market. There is an old colonial church and a pretty hilltop situated next to town. All this will be announced to the participants before their arrival. 
 In a single sentence, what would you tell the readers of ahotu Marathons to make them register for the Mountain Marathon Vietnam? 
 Join if you are truly adventurous and want to explore the mountains and minorities of Vietnam. 
 Credit : Vietnam Mountain Marathon 
 Interview with Asger Køppen, Race Organizer. Asger is  a Danish adventure racer/runner. He lives in the middle of the Vietnamese mountains which he loves to explore as a hobby. 

News: Vietnam Mountain Marathon

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