Runners compete in last year's VMM. This year, the event will feature more than 4,000 runners from 51 nations. — Photo courtesy of the organising board

Marathon

SA PA — More than 4,000 runners are set to compete at the Việt Nam Mountain Marathon (VMM) in Sa Pa Town, Lào Cai Province this weekend.

The VMM 2023 holds immense significance as it commemorates the 10th anniversary of the event. During Việt Nam's inaugural ultra marathon in 2013, only a single Vietnamese runner managed to complete the race's longest distance of 65km. However, this year, thousands of runners from 51 nations will join to compete on routes spanning 50km, 70km, and 100km. As a result, this anniversary represents a pivotal milestone not only for the race itself but also for the development of mountain running as a sport in Việt Nam.

VMM's race director David Lloyd said: "This 10th anniversary year is not only special for us as organisers but also for mountain runners all over Việt Nam.

"When we began this race in 2013, it was the first of its kind in Việt Nam. In the first edition, we had only one Vietnamese ultra-distance finisher.

"This year, thousands of Vietnamese will be joined by runners from 51 nations. Therefore, we are celebrating not only the race's history but also the birth and growth of ultra-racing here in the country."

The VMM 2023 holds immense significance as it commemorates the 10th anniversary of the event. — Photo courtesy of the organising board

VMM 100km Challenge

The 100km distance started at 9pm in Sa Pa Town on Friday. Runners will race through the night, starting with the ascent of Hàm Rồng Mountain.

The course will then take runners deep into the hills, passing Sử Pán, Lao Chải, and Cát Cát, before they reach the summit of the race's highest point, Cow Mountain, at almost 2,300m. From there, they will face a series of challenging climbs and descents all the way to the finish line at Topas Ecolodge.

The slowest runner to complete the course is expected to take 27 hours, while the fastest is likely to finish in under 15 hours. Many participants, however, will not reach the finish line due to failing to meet cut-off times at designated checkpoints along the course. Those who do complete the VMM 100km consider it a badge of honour.

The 100km category will see runners from around the world competing for the win. One of the key runners to watch is Sange Sherpa from Nepal, who has achieved numerous victories in long-distance races worldwide.

Sange will face off against multiple champion Jeff Campbell, who has won several ultra races and represents the Canadian national team.

Thai runner Sanya Khanchai, known for his cartwheel celebrations at the finish line, will also be participating. Sanya has secured countless victories, including a previous edition of VMM's 70km race.

Japan's Tomohiro Mizukoshi, a past podium finisher, will be returning to Việt Nam aiming to improve upon his third-place finish in the VMM 100km last year.

Among the Vietnamese runners, rising star Nguyễn Sĩ Hiếu, winner of MANTRA166 in 2022, will be looking to claim his first VMM ultra win. Meanwhile, Nguyễn Tiến Hùng, who finished second in the VMM 160km last year, will be hoping to regain his VMM 100km champion title from 2019.

On the women's side, Nguyễn Thị Đường, who recently placed second at the Bali Ultra Trail 100km and won the VMM 70km category, will be competing alongside Vũ Thị Lan Hương, champion of this year's Việt Nam Trail Marathon 70km, and Phương Nguyễn, the champion of VMM 160km in 2022.

The VMM offers runners the chance to see beautiful scenery. — Photo courtesy of the organising board

Strong competition in 50km and 70km races

The 50km and 70km races are expected to feature strong competition among both men and women participants. In the 50km race, Vanja Cnops from Belgium, who has previously won the Việt Nam Jungle Marathon and Việt Nam Trail Marathon, is considered one of the favourites.

On the men's side, Jisub Kim from South Korea, the champion of the 50km category in the SEOUL100 and VMM's 42km races, will face tough competition from John Onifa, who emerged victorious in the Golden 100 Hong Kong and Vibram 100 events.

In the 70km race, top runners include Michal Lesniak from Poland, Moritz Mueller from Germany, and Vietnamese athlete Nguyễn Minh Tuấn.

Among the women participants, Lê Xuân Sương, who secured third place in the VMM 160km race, will compete against Akane Nemoto from Japan, who claimed victory in the DLUT 2022's 45km category.

In addition to the thrilling races, the VMM 2023 will also continue its charitable initiatives. Over the years, the organiser, Topas Travel, has raised approximately US$420,000 for various charitable causes.

In addition to supporting local projects along the race route, the event will benefit charities such as Operation Smile, Blue Dragon Children's Foundation, and Newborns Việt Nam. Teams of runners representing these charities will participate in the race to raise funds and awareness.

Considering the recent devastating floods in Lào Cai Province, the organiser will also contribute funds to the flood relief efforts.

The VMM 2023 is an integral part of the 120th anniversary celebrations of Sa Pa tourism, and runners can expect to enjoy various festivities throughout the weekend. — VNS