The Lam Dong Trail in Dalat, Vietnam, is rapidly becoming one our series’ most popular events towards the end of the year. Held on 9 November, the race through lush pine forests, across several hills and coffee plantations is a textbook example of trail running in its purest form. The event centre and finish line is at the picturesque Valley of Love, located just outside Dalat City, one of the country’s main tourism hubs and known for its mild highland climate.

As the official press release reads, Lam Dong, nestled in the southern reaches of Vietnam's Central Highlands, is a province adorned with majestic mountainous landscapes. It's a convergence of rugged hills and winding trails, offering a picturesque tapestry of natural beauty.

Taking advantage of its terrain and favorable weather in November, Lam Dong becomes the rallying point for thousands of trail running enthusiasts eager to conquer its lofty peaks. Following two successful editions, this year's race promises significant changes and commitments aimed at fostering community health and supporting volunteer efforts to showcase Lam Dong's cultural heritage and natural splendor.

Race-wise, the event programme has five different categories, as described below. As always, ATM Championship and Grandmaster Quest point seekers need to focus on the 75 km race.

• + Health & Wellness Commitment (5km): Designed for the whole family, the 5km trail will be a fun and bonding experience, helping children and adults alike to discover the beauty of Lam Dong together.

• + Nature Restoration Commitment (15km): Immerse yourself in the breathtaking beauty of the plateau landscape and winding trails that traverse forests, valleys, and majestic pine-covered hills.

• + Local Culture Preservation Commitment (25km): Setting a common goal for conservation and value enhancement, the natural beauty of Lam Dong through volunteer activities is a special highlight of this event.

• + Personal Limits Breakthrough Commitment (45km): With the goal of building a trail-loving community to share, cheer on, and nurture passion in this discipline.

• + Emotional Connection Commitment (75km): With special challenges awaiting elites, athletes, or newcomers seeking intense sensations on the running trail.

The event has seen some of Vietnam’s greatest trail runners already at the start line. In 2022, Hau Ha and Quang Tran won the female and male races, respectively. Last season, it was Loi Luong and Nhon Trong.

You can find all details and registration facilities on the official website linked below.

Nhon Trong won last year’s men’s LDT 70

Loi Luong was the surprising winner of last year’s female LDT 70

A typical view in Dalat : trails in the pine forest

Conditions for the third edition of Cuc Phuong Jungle Paths in Vietnam were very similar to last year: damp, moist, cloudy and humid but not that hot. 100k ultra runners were warned in advance and clearly were better prepared mentally for the task at hand. Last season’s ATM Finalist for Vietnam, Nguyen Tien Vo was quickest of all in 15h45 and scored his first ever race win in our series. Tien Vo was in a league of his own, finishing almost two hours ahead of Tran Van Bac and Trung Nguyen, a double ATM Finalist for Singapore in the past two seasons. Trung entered the race battered and bruised from a bad fall on training, but nevertheless scored a solid podium. Do Trung Kien had to settle for fourth just a few moments later. Then, it was American Tara Savage as fifth and winner of the female 100k. Based in Thailand and already fifth in VTM early this year, Savage lived up to her status as race favourite and kept main challenger, the experienced Vy Le Phuong, behind by some 45 minutes. For Savage, who has a background in martial arts and is also coaching track & field in schools, it is the second ATM race win after UTCR 125 last October. Third place went to Pham Thi Thu Thuy.

On the (much) more runable 42km medium distance points race, Nguyen Si Hieu more than beat his own expectations. The winner of last year’s 100km finished first in 3h45 - well under four hours and that for a trail marathon! A very impressive result and only six minutes slower than established marathon runner Hisashi Kitamura a year ago! Is Nguyen Si Hieu actually even more competitive on the medium than on the long ultras? With that speed, he can get very far in this year’s ATM Championship Final. Only 20 minutes later, Nguyen Xuan Tu came second - also a strong run. The final step on the podium went to Tokyo’s famous Roppongi Runner Tomohiro Mizukoshi. No longer the youngest in the field, but still fast and competitive. The 42km course was also perfectly suited for him. Tomohiro clocked 4h36. Another pre-race favourite, Tu Do, did not have the best of days with stomach issues, yet still managed to get fourth place.

The women’s 42km was hotly contested and the most exciting to follow from a competition point of view. Ho Chi Minh-based Japanese Mude Sports runner Akane Nemoto grabbed the victory after a tight battle with primarily Claire Berton and last year’s Lam Dong Trail winner and teammate Loi Luong. Nemoto, sixth in last season’s ATM Final in Indonesia, is typically very fast on runable trails and did not want to let this opportunity slide. She kept Berton behind by a mere two minutes and scored her second ATM race win after VMM 70 in 5h14.. However, the latter then got strangely disqualified by the race referees for not having a headlamp with her. Strange, because the race was held from sunrise to sunset in daytime. Loi Luong inherited second place in 5h21. Officially, third place went to Nguyen Phuong Van.

Nguyen Tien Vo scored his first ever ATM race win and did so impressively on the tough 100km

That’s 2 ATM race wins for Thailand-based American Tara Savage!

Also Akane Nemoto grabbed her 2nd ATM race win on the 42 km against great opposition!

Unbeatable in Cuc Phuong. Last year the 100, this year the 42: Nguyen Si Hieu

Great to be back on the overall podium: Tokyo’s Tomohiro Mizukoshi may no longer be the youngest in the field but remains a contender wherever he starts!

Last year’s winner in Lam Dong Trail, Loi Luong had to be content with 3rd place in Cuc Phuong, later upgraded to 2nd following the unfortunate DQ of Claire Berton

ATM double Finalist for Singapore, Trung Nguyen entered the race hurt and bruised from a fall, but still took a podium on the 100k!

If last year’s edition showed anything it was that Cuc Phuong Jungle Paths near Ninh Binh in Vietnam is a trail event with two significantly different faces. On the one hand a borderline extreme 100km going deep into the old rainforest, and on the other hand a very runable and pleasant 42 km. No wonder the event attracts all kinds of trail runners to the oldest national park in Vietnam, 120km south of Hanoi. Also this weekend, runners score ATM Championship points in both the 100k and 42k races. Those only looking for a Grandmaster point can also opt for the 70km.

Plenty of runners hardly knew what happened a year ago. Cuc Phuong’s 100km has a total elevation gain of about 2600 hm, which is peanuts in Asian terms. The first half of the race until CP6 also reflected this. But not only is most of the elevation covered in the second half, those hills are also deep into the jungle of Cuc Phuong with continuously treacherous, slippery and dark single trails. Armies of leeches added even more to the flavour. Some runners felt it was more adventure than trail running and retired at the first logical opportunity to do so. Those who continued to the finish loved it and were truly excited about their achievement. Nguyen Si Hieu in the men’s and Shindy Patricia in the women’s were the greatest stars of the day. This year’s 100km is virtually a mirror copy. The difference is that runners have been warned and should be better prepared. Among the expected contenders for the race victory we have Nguyen Tien Vo, already 4th in VTM in January. In the women’s 100km, Thailand-based Tara Savage is no stranger to tough ultras and might be the one to look out for. Savage won UTCR 125 last year and was an ATM Finalist, too. At VTM earlier this season she finished 5th. Vietnam’s Vy le Phuong has the experience, too, to eye a strong result.

Nevertheless, ultra specialist Nguyen Si Hieu has decided the 42km is enough for this season. He will start as a race favourite in any case, with the likes of in-form Tu Do and Tomohiro Mizukoshi as other known contenders. Mizukoshi was also a survivor of the 100 last year, but the Japanese Grandmaster will find the 42km perfectly suited to his competitive ability. A year ago, Hisashi Kitamura took top honours. Can Mizukoshi step into his footsteps? Trinh Nam Phong was a strong local contender last season. Can he make it onto the podium this time? The women’s 42km will feature Loi Luong, winner of the Lam Dong Trail in Dalat last November and part of the Mude Sports Team, which also features Hau Ha and the aforementioned Tu Do. Loi Luong may find the path to victory obstructed by her own teammate Akane Nemoto, Japanese but based in Ho Chi Minh City. Nemoto was an ATM Finalist last year (6th) and particularly quick on a 42km distance. Phung Thi Trang was third last year and is back on the start list. Can she cause an upset?

ATM will be reporting live from Cuc Phuong with focus on the 42km and 100km race. Mobile connectivity is not guaranteed outside of start/finish, so we need to wait and see how much information comes through in real time.

Last year he won the 100km, this year he is going for the 42 km

Loi Luong burst onto the competitive trail scene last year, a.o. with a great victory in Lam Dong Trail

ATM Finalist last year, Tara Savage will be trying to follow into Shindy Patricia’s footsteps on the 100k

One of the toughest ultra races on our ATM Championship calendar since last year is Cuc Phuong Jungle Paths 100 in Vietnam. Not necessarily because of high-altitude mountains, but because runners go deep into ancient rain forest to get a real “Indiana Jones” experience. It is one those 100km races that makes every finisher proud of himself. However, runners who are more into faster and runable trail courses also find their playground at the CPJP event with the 42 km race. Both the 100km and 42km offer ATM Championship points, and if you’re only looking to score a Grandmaster finish point, there’s also a 70k option.

Cuc Phuong Jungle Paths is scheduled for the first weekend of April and registrations are open. The event by Race Jungle is quite easily accessible from Hanoi as runners can book and take the event bus to the race venue inside the Cuc Phuong National Park. Participants with more time on their hands can also explore nearby Ninh Binh and other very popular tourist areas such as Tam Coc.

If you are choosing to tackle the 100km, you will need to be prepared and perhaps even more mentally than physically. Know that in the second part of the race on the long way back to the start/finish arena you will literally disappear off the map as there is zero connectivity inside the deep forest. Marshals and event staff are present as well, of course, yet be aware that you are expected to be able to handle yourself for a while in case of injury or other issues. Runners are expected to show fair play and help people in need, too. Given the high degree of technicality and adventure (never mind leeches!), participants should also take the mandatory gear list seriously.

Last season, Nguyen Si Hieu and Shindy Patricia were the toughest of the bunch in the inaugural 100k race through the National Park. Hisashi Kitamura and Christine Mitchell were the fastest runners on the 42km distance.

All information and details can be found on the website of Race Jungle, including on travel and accommodation packages. if not yet registered, please do so quickly.

For the 100km runners: the path to the deep old rainforest of Cuc Phuong National Park

On a truly beautiful running day in and around Moc Chau, Vietnam-based Frenchman Valentin Orange won the Vietnam Trail Marathon 70km just inside the course record time set by Quang Tran earlier! It’s Orange’s first ever ATM points race victory in a time of 7h01'40". He ran solo for basically the entire race as co-favourite Hung Hai had an off-day and never challenged for the win. It’s the kind of performance that would make Valentin Orange a favourite for this season’s ATM Championship. Until halfway, Nguyen Si Hieu was able to keep the gap at around 15 minutes, but in the second half of the runable but steep rollercoaster Orange boosted his advantage to an impressive margin of over 1 hour at the finish. Nguyen Si Hieu still got caught by the ever improving Nguyen Duc Tuan Anh (better known as Tu Do) and the two finished side-by-side. Si Hieu admitted that Tu Do had waited for him in the final kilometers. Nguyen Tien Vo was fourth and kept the podium within reach but was unable to close the gap in the end. Hung Hai appeared somewhat disinterested but still finished fifth. Who knows those ATM points can still be important later in the season.. Tomohiro Mizukoshi was running 6th for as far as 50 km, but then began to suffer from the midday sun and dropped down the order quite dramatically to finish 12th. Brian Angwin did well in the second half to take sixth ahead of Luis Alvelais.

Men's Top Results:

1. Valentin Orange

2. Nguyen Duc Tuan Anh (Tu Do) at 1h03'48"

2. Nguyen Si Hieu (VIE) at 1h03'48"

4. Nguyen Tien Vo (VIE) at 1h'18'12"

5. Hung Hai (VIE) at 1h35'42"

6. Brian Angwin (GBR/VIE) at 2h30'17"

7. Luis Alvelais (MEX/HKG) at 2h31'38"

8. Tran Van Bac (VIE) at 2h40'34"

9. Ivan Grigoriev (RUS) at 2h42'46"

10.Nguyen Hoang Nghia (VIE) at 2h49'57"

In the women’s race, New Caledonia’s Leslie Nowicki won convincingly ahead of pre-race favourite Vanja Cnops. It was Nowicki’s first race in Vietnam, and nobody had seen her coming, but she is quite experienced as a trail runner. A surprised Vanja Cnops never realised until only halfway into the race that she was running in second. Still, Cnops admitted she did not have the best of race days and finished 23 minutes after Nowicki. Both Nowicki (5th) and Cnops (7th) finished high up the overall result list, indicating their high level of performance. Vietnam-based Japanese Akane Nemoto, 6th in the ATM Final early December, confirmed her competitive progress in long distance races once more with third place on the podium. Vietnam’s Le Thi Hang came fourth (after running a marathon on each day of 2023) just two minutes ahead of Thailand’s duo Tara Savage and Sutinee Rasp.

VTM was the first Vietnamese points race of this season’s ATM Championship series. The next one is Cuc Phuong Jungle Paths early April.

Women's Top Results:

1. Leslie Nowicki (FRA/NCD)

2. Vanja Cnops (BEL/SIN) at 23'22"

3. Akane Nemoto (JPN) at 1h41'19"

4. Le Thi Hang (VIE) at 2h18'17"

5. Tara Savage (USA/THA) at 2h19'35"

6. Sutinee Rasp (THA) at 2h33'30"

7. Mai Thi Hoa (VIE) at 2h52'34"

8. Thuy Nguyen Thu (VIE) at 3h19'26"

This Saturday, for the first time in its 6-year history, the Vietnam Trail Marathon in Moc Chau is a points race for the Asia Trail Master Championship series and Grandmaster Quest. ‘VTM’ has been the traditional series opener of the Vietnam Trail Series, which also includes September’s classic Vietnam Mountain Marathon, and offers a majestic course across Moc Chau’s tea plantations and peach blossoms. The 70km race is the one for points and starts on Saturday morning at 5 am.

While technically our 9th ATM Championship season already started with Izu Trail and Mt Apo Sky Race last month, VTM is the first points race event in 2024. With also V Trail in Laos, Bagtit Ultra in Philippines and The 9 Dragons in Hong Kong coming up in the next few weeks it will indeed be a busy start. The set-up and regulations for the new Season IX mirror those of the past two years. In each race, the fastest 25 runners (male and female) score points for the ATM Championship ranking and at the end of the season the best five male and female points scorers get an invitation to join the ATM Final race to decide the new ATM champions. This year’s final event is projected to take place at the end of Q3 in September, as we are moving gradually away from the usual end-of-year date in December.

Vietnam Trail Marathon is known to have a runable course that nevertheless has about 3000 metres of elevation gain. Looking at the below course profile, competitors for the win and podium do need to keep something in reserve for the final 20km and all participants better measure their efforts early on as the trails go up almost immediately after the start.

Vanja Cnops has been coming to VTM already quite a few times and the 2023 vice-ATM champion will be back again this weekend to open her new ATM season’s account. The more runable trails suit Vanja a lot , even when the race lasts for 70 km. She is clearly the top favourite in the women’s race this Saturday, but behind her the battle for podium seems quite open. Le Thi Hang, who just completed her Project 365 to run a marathon each day in 2023, will be there, but also Japan’s Akane Nemoto. A 2023 ATM Finalist, Nemoto is now part of Team Mude Sports and after being outstanding in Vietnam’s shorter race distances for years is looking to reach the same level of performance consistency on the 70km. Last September, she won the 70km at VMM but then had a tough day at Lam Dong Trail 75 (5th) before claiming 6th in the ATM Final at Siksorogo Lawu 77km. Thailand’s Sutinee Rasp was 3rd in VMM 70k last season, and Tara Savage - winner of UT Chiang Rai and 13th in the ATM Final last year, are other podium candidates.

The men’s 70km is likely to see a battle between Hung Hai and Valentin Orange, with Nguyen Si Hieu, Tomohiro Mizukoshi, Luis Alvelais, Nguyen TienVo and Nguyen Duc Tuan Anh and Ivan Grigorev heading a larger field of podium contenders. At VMM last September, Hung Hai was back in top form, winning the 100km in a very fast time ahead of Sange Sherpa. Definitely the more experienced runner on an ultra distance, Hung Hai has an advantage over Valentin Orange, who has only really moved up from the shorter distance categories in the last year. Orange does carry a lot of speed with him, and as a member of the Mude Sports Team it will be fascinating to see how he fares against Hung Hai this Saturday. And what to expect of Nguyen Si Hieu? His record lists 9 ATM podiums with 2 race wins. Nguyen Si Hieu is always there and can never be ignored for the prizes at the finish.

ATM will be reporting live from VTM from start to finish, starting at 5am local time.

Hung Hai is the man to beat on the 70km this weekend

Vanja Cnops will be looking to score her 8th ATM points race victory

 

Lam Dong Trail is the second ATM points race event in Vietnam’s Central Highlands main city Dalat this year and once again showed how great trail running can be. ‘Challenging but achievable’ is the tagline of the event that is determined to give every participant a very welcoming and enjoyable weekend. With the finish line set at the Valley of Love, just 4-5km outside the Dalat city centre, runners can bring their friends and families along. It does not even get so hot, as Dalat sits on a plateau a good 1500m above sea level.

The 75km points races for men and women saw two local race winners, interestingly both from the Mude Sports Team, the team around Hau Ha. The 2022 ATM Champion herself, who won Lam Dong Trail last year, now has other ambitions so she left the competition open for others to take the spotlights. For the first half of the race, Philippines’ Angelie Cabalo, winner of MMTF 100 in 2022, looked the strongest and on the way to collect her second ATM race victory. Julia Nguyen Thi Duong was in second and Luong Loi third. Cecille Wael (ankle pain) and Akane Nemoto were further back and never got in position to challenge the podium. Japan’s Nemoto also suffered from the mid-day sun. Upon entering the last 15 km, Luong Loi surprised most on-lookers as she overtook Nguyen Thi Duong and Cabalo to take the lead! Still young to trail, Luong Loi had already scored two 3rd place podiums this season, but this was unexpected. She crossed the finish with a big smile as winner with nearly 13 minutes advantage over Cabalo and 25 over Nguyen Thi Duong. In fourth was Le Hang, also not unknown in Vietnam’s competitive trail scene.

The men’s race was dominated by Nhon Trong, who - despite being around for several years now - also scored his first ever ATM race victory. Nhon Trong was too fast for his own protégé, Nghia Van Trang - second at 51 minutes. Nguyen Tien Vo confimed his great and consistent ATM season with a third spot on the podium. Nguyen Tuan Anh and Nguyen Dinh Minh were four and five.

Nghia Van Trang: 2nd place

Rhea Batac: now a 3-star ATM Grandmaster!

We are happy to announce that Vietnam Trail Marathon in Moc Chau will for the first time be a points race event in the new season of the Asia Trail Master Championship. The sister event of VMM is scheduled for 20 January 2024. Runners aiming for championship and Grandmaster points need to focus and sign up for the 70 km race category.

Vietnam Trail Marathon follows VMM and VJM as the third offering by the Topas Team, and is a wonderful early season event characterised by a not-too-difficult and colourful course thanks to the many orchards with white and pink blossoms. This 70k ultra has everything that Moc Chau has to offer. As usual, participants will go through some remote areas and enjoy a warm welcome by the villagers. The course covers a huge variety of trails and landscapes, taking runners to wild areas rarely visited by anyone but locals. Total elevation gain is estimated at 3000 hm.

Registration is already open, click on the button below.

Moc Chau is also located in the north of the country. The international gateway is Hanoi , from where there’s shuttle busses to the event venue. Travel packages including accommodation are also available as usual. The official website has details. Please also make sure you read the mandatory gear list for the 70k race.

Vietnam Trail Marathon 70 will be the first of two Vietnamese points races in the first semester of 2024. The second one will be Cuc Phuong Jungle Paths in April.

 

The 10th anniversary of Vietnam’s maiden trail running event in Sapa saw plenty of stars deliver outstanding performances on what was a dry race day for nearly all competitors. John Ray Onifa outsprinted Kristian Joergensen and the surprisingly quick youngster Godwin Mirar in a spectacular 50km race in which they did not spare each other. They went all out and even to the extent that multiple race winner Gaetan Morizur finished an hour later in fourth. Joergensen had said not to be feeling very well prior to the race, but that did not show during the race. Halfway he even led Onifa by a minute. Mirar was just another minute further back. But Onifa is in fantastic shape these past two months, and managed to return and drop Joergensen for a prestigious victory - his fourth ATM win of the season, and his eighth ever. Godwin Mirar finished just 11 minutes later. Back in 2019, Mirar showed himself for the first time in The Punisher, where he scored a fourth place behind Kitamura, Macaneras and John Ellis. Wisely so for a 23-year-old talent, Mirar focuses on short distance races for the time being with the occasional 50 thrown in. Based on his VMM result, we can expect to see some more great things from this young man from Bukidnon in Mindanao.

The Filipino success continued shortly after as reigning ATM Champion Arnie Macaneras conquered the 70km race in truly dominating fashion. Macaneras had a gap of one-and-a-half hours over Poland’s Michal Lesniak and Nguyen Duc Tuan Anh, who did well himself in scoring a podium at the expense of a.o. Trung Nguyen, who settled for fourth. Since winning the ATM title back in December, Macaneras seems to have gained self-confidence and is now fully unleashing his potential. With this kind of form, he looks like he could just as well defend his ATM title at Siksorogo Lawu Ultra in December, which would be unique as nobody has ever won the ATM title twice.

The 100km men’s race quickly developed into a three-man-battle with Cuc Phuong 100 winner Nguyen Si Hieu slightly behind waiting for someone ahead to implode in order to claim another ATM podium. Shockingly, that man to implode was pre-race favourite Jeff Campbell, who pulled out of the race after about 38km. It turned out Campbell had entered the race with a calf injury that he believed had healed enough for him to do a competitive race at VMM100. Unfortunately, the injury was still there and already at km 28 Campbell was visibly struggling compared to Hung Hai and Nepal’s Sange Sherpa. The latter two went ahead and stayed together until about 20km to go, when Hung Hai launched an attack and managed to drop Sherpa. Hung Hai won VMM for the third time in his career after again spending a month preparing in Sapa itself. His preparation contrasted with Sherpa, who had flown into Vietnam following his completion of TDG in Italy just over a week earlier. The gap at the finish was just ten minutes with Hung Hai winning in an incredible 12h54!

The 50km for women was dominated by Belgian Vanja Cnops, who scored her third ATM win of the season, her seventh ever. Already a winner of VMM 42 a few years ago, Vanja knew the trails already and immediately found the pace to run away from the other competitors. Trần Hồ Nguyên Thảo came second and Giàng Thị Linh third.

On the 100km women, we had a very nicely executed victory for Man Yee Cheung, her first ATM race victory after a 2018 podium in the 9 Dragons Ultra. Since then, she had gained a reputation as one of Hong Kong’s most solid ultra distance runners, and she proved that in Sapa. What adds extra spice to the win is her very late arrival in the mountain town - just three hours before the start. She was running second basically all day, kept leader Le Thi Hang within reach, and pushed the throttle in the last hour of the race. Le Thi Hang, from Vung Tau towards the south of Vietnam, was 4th in Dalat Ultra Trail in March and is known to be running a full marathon distance every day. In addition, she ran VMM 100 in sandals rather than specific trail shoes. In third place of the women’s race we had Luong Thi Loi, and the experienced Le Phuong Vy came fourth.

Akane Nemoto scored a nice victory in her debut on the 70 km distance. The Ho Chi Minh-based Japanese runner had to work hard for it as Le Xuan Suong was with or close to her for most of the race and eventually came in just 11 minutes later. Third place went to Thailand’s Sutinee Rasp.

The fourth and final Vietnamese points race event in the 2023 Asia Trail Master Championship series is Lam Dong Trail in Dalat on 11 November. The 75km distance is the one to aim for there.

The 10th anniversary edition of Vietnam Mountain Marathon in Sapa promises to be one of this year’s major highlights with both high quantity and quality of participants. Many of the Asian region’s most prominent trail runners will be present, albeit distributed over three different race distance categories. Starting on Friday night, we can look forward to Jeff Campbell vs Nguyen Si Hieu, Hung Hai, Sange Sherpa and Sanya Khancai on the 100km, reigning ATM Champion Arnie Macaneras vs Michael Lesniak, Mo Muller and Nguyen Minh Tuan on the 70km, and John Ray Onifa vs Kristian Joergense and Gaetan Morizur on the 50km. And then we have only mentiond the men.

Today Vietnam is one of Asia’s leading trail running countries. No other country sees several thousands of runners flocking the trails several times a year in different parts of the country. The influence Vietnam Mountain Marathon as the original international event has had cannot be underestimated. Many other events in the country took their inspiration from VMM, and Hau Ha would never have become ATM champion and the global elite runner she is today without VMM, which is held in her hometown of Sapa in the Northwest of Vietnam. A year ago, Hau Ha really caught the eye of the Asian trail world when she beat all the men on the 100km at VMM, but this year she is in a resting period following her successful European campaign over summer. Also multiple VMM race winner Quang Tran will not take part in the anniversary edition. Chances for a local runner's victory this weekend therefore rest on the shoulders of Hung Hai and Cuc Phuong Jungle Paths winner Nguyen Si Hieu, as well as Vu Thi Lan Huong and Nguyen Phuong in the women’s 100km race. But the international competition is very big.

Jeff Campbell continues his transition from 50k king to the long ultra distance and this weekend’s 100k race will be a test. Apart from the aforementioned Vietnamese aces, Thailand’s Sanya Khancai and Nepal’s Sange Sherpa will likely be showing him the ropes. If the Canadian Hong Konger can get through this one with distinction, he can go to the Asia Trail Master Championship Final with a boost of confidence. Other 100k contenders this weekend are Miklos Viczena, Tomohiro Mizukoshi and Sean Aying. In the women’s 100km, Nguyen Phuong and Vu Thi Lan Huong will likely face Hong Kong’s Man Yee Cheung, Philippines’ Cecille Wael, France’s Veronique Messina and Malaysia’s Faherina Mohd Esa for top honours.

The 70km race category has reigning ATM Champion Arnie Macaneras scheduled to go head-to-head against Poland’s Michal Lesniak. Important outsiders are Mo Muller - winner of VMM 70 last year -, Nguyen Minh Tuan - winner of VJM 70 last year - , and Trung Nguyen - also a former VJM 70 winner and surprisingly quick every time he puts his mind on a potential podium finish. Important detail for Macaneras: a race finish will give him a wild card for this year’s ATM Final in Indonesia, after already finishing Lantau 70 in March. A dangerman but inexperienced on trails is Vietnamese top marathon runner Le Van Tuan. The women’s 70km will see Singapore’s mountaineering star Vincere Zeng, with Filipino Ann Jilian Pulanco and Malaysia’s Kona Liau as additional contenders for the victory.

The 50km race could be very exciting with in-form John Ray Onifa against Kristian Joergsensen and Gaetan Morizur. Onifa has scored three impressive ATM race wins in the past two months, while Joergensen and Morizur are returning to the ATM scene for the first time this year. Given Onifa’s blistering pace of late, it would be hard to bet against him, but Joergensen is a great and experienced poker player in trail running. Let’s also not forget many other podium candidates with credentials such as Julien Petit, Chris Devoize, Godwin Mirar and Rob West. The women’s 50km will see Belgian Singaporean Vanja Cnops as the runner-to-beat.

Asia Trail Master will be reporting live from Sapa all weekend starting on Friday night on our usual channels on facebook, youtube, X and Instagram.

Jeff Campbell is arguably the one-to-beat on the 100km distance

Reigning ATM Champion Arnie Macaneras will be running the 70km distance this weekend

Cuc Phuong 100 winner Nguyen Si Hieu will use his racing intelligence to try and make Campbell’s life difficult on the 100km

Former VMM winner Hung Hai has again prepared himself for a month in Sapa itself

Important 70k race for Manila’s Ann Jilian Pulanco, winner at Sierra Madre this season. A strong result can cement her spot in ther country’s team for the ATM Final

Whoever wants to win the women’s 50km will need to pass by Vanja Cnops

Dalat in Southwest Vietnam and the Valley of Love are once again calling for trail runners to go back to nature at the 2nd edition of Lam Dong Trail on 11 November. It is the final points race event of the 2023 ATM Championship season in Vietnam with the 75km category as the key race. Lam Dong is the province name around Dalat and the event was a great candidate race in our series last year.

Registration is open for the 75km and other categories via the official website linked below.

The Mude Factory team had a blast at Lam Dong Trail 2022, with all its runners occupying podium spots including the highest ones. Quang Tran was fastest man ahead of Nhon Trong and in between was Hau Ha as fastest woman. Also Valentin Orange scored a win in a shorter category.

The race starts at 3 am on Saturday morning, when temperatures in Dalat can still be very much on the chilly side. Even during the day it rarely gets very hot in Dalat, as we are 1500m above sea level, which explains why the area has become so popular for trail runners. All registered runners can also enjoy a welcoming party on Friday evening at the race pack collection, same venue as the race finish, i.e. Valley of Love. Said valley is about 4km away from the city centre in Dalat and easy to reach via taxi or grab.

Last year Quang Tran won the 70km race ahead of Hau Ha

Dalat in the Central Highlands of southwestern Vietnam is quickly becoming the epicentre of trail running in the country. Prenn Trail Challenge is the latest event born in the outdoor tourism and culinary hotspot and promises to be very distinct from the already established Dalat Ultra Trail and Lam Dong Trail. Not only will Prenn Trail Challenge take place on 31 December - Yes, New Year’s Eve - the event venue and race courses are also different. The event is managed by Unique Events & Media and hosted by the Tea Resort Prenn at Prenn Pass Foot, Da Lat City. It has received the ATM Candidate Race label.

The event features four race categories, of which 80km is the longest and 15km the shortest. Elevation gain for the long distance is moderate at 2600 hm, and remember Dalat is on high plateau of about 1500m above sea level, which leads to cool temperatures for running on most parts of the day. Runners will go through pine forests, tea and coffee plantations that are typical for the Dalat plateau. Highlight will be the Prenn Pass, leading to Pinhatt Peak - the highest point of the course offering a wonderful panorama over the region and the Tuyen Lam Lake. Cut-off time is 20,5 hours for the 80km, which means the big majority of participants should be able to finish and celebrate New Year’s at the event venue.

Runners can reach Dalat via air or land. There’s a domestic airport in Dalat, but you can also take a bus or hired car from Ho Chi Minh City (estimate 5-6 hours drive to Dalat). Accommodation is plenty and can be found easily online.

Registration is open for this one-of-a-kind trail into 2024!

Please check all event details via the official website and facebook page.