The Vietnam Mountain Marathon (VMM) 2016, to be held on September 24 and 25 in Sapa, is expected to attract 1,500 runners, including the British Ambassador, to take on some of the toughest and most beautiful running trails in the world.  

In its fourth edition, for the first time the event includes a 100 km race, making it the longest one day run ever in Vietnam. Other options are 70 km, 42 km, 21 km and 10 km.

The course passes through the ethnic minority villages and magnificent rice-terraced valleys Sapa is famous for, providing access to parts of Sapa that normally remain out of reach and making it attractive to adventurous people seeking to glimpse remote stretches of Vietnam.

Since the race began the proportion of Vietnamese entrants has rocketed from a tiny percentage to the second largest overall. This year over 400 Vietnamese people are set to take on the VMM, demonstrating the huge increase in the popularity of endurance events in the country.

Race director Asger Koppen founded the race while living in the mountains near Sapa and managing Topas Ecolodge. “I wanted to build a great race in Vietnam and share the beauty of this area with others who love the great outdoors,” he said. “This year I’m very excited that some seriously adventurous racers will see even more of the area on our new 100 km route.”

“The VMM is a huge physical and mental challenge,” said British Ambassador Giles Lever, who will compete in the 70 km race this year after finishing the 42 km race last year. “But it’s also a wonderful experience, because of the beauty of the mountains and valleys, the friendliness of the local people, and the camaraderie among the runners.”

The Ambassador also thinks that adventure races like this do a lot to promote environmentally-sensitive tourism in Vietnam. “And because the VMM is increasingly popular with Vietnamese runners, it’s a great event for building international friendships,” he believes.

The race has a strong charitable focus and thousands of dollars have been donated to good causes over the last three events. This year, $20 from every entry will be given to charity. Operation Smile will once again benefit from these funds together with the local communities that live along the route.

Operation Smile Vietnam repairs childhood facial deformities while building public and private partnerships that advocate for sustainable healthcare systems for children and families. Through the partnership with VMM it continues to change lives.

The race is organized by Topas Travel and supported by Topas Ecolodge, the unique resort where the finish line is located. Set on a hilltop deep in the mountains, Topas Ecolodge transforms into a unique party venue at the end of the race. Crowds cheer runners across the finish line throughout the day and a DJ, BBQ and bonfire ensure the party keeps going until way after dark.

VN Economic Times