HÀ NỘI — The Dalat Ultra Trail International Marathon is scheduled to be held in the city of Đà Lạt, the Central Highlands province of Lâm Đồng, on March 15-17.

The event will attract more than 4,200 domestic and foreign runners to compete in 10km, 21km, 42km and 70km races.

It is expected to bring new challenges to the trail runners with changed routes this year. The runners will travel through the breathtaking scenery of the highlands, surrounded by pine forests, mountains, lakes and waterfalls.

The event will see Tahira Najmunisaa Muhammad Zaid, who topped the Asia Trail Master Championship Rankings 2016; Kim Matthews, winner of the Asia Trail Master Championship Rankings 2017; defending champion of Asia Trail Master Alessandro Sherpa and Vietnamese runner Trần Duy Quang, defending champion of this event.

The athletes will have a chance to run through well-known destinations in Đà Lạt such as Lâm Viên Square, Vang Valley, Love Valley, Langbian Mountain and Bidoup National Park.

The event is one of the first and biggest trail marathons in central Việt Nam and is recognised as one of seven Super Trails in Asia by the Asia Trail Master. The other events include the Nine Dragons (Hong Kong), Cordillera Mountain Ultra (the Philippines), Penang Eco 100 (Malaysia), Ultra Trail Chiang Rai (Thailand), Mantra Summits Challenge (Indonesia) and Izu Trail Journey (Japan).

Dalat Ultra Trail meets the strict requirements of Asia Trail Master, including international prestige, renowned participants, competition categories, quality organising and a long-term commitment to developing trail running.

Alongside Dalat Ultra Trail, a mountain biking event, Dalat Victory Challenge will also take place on the same days.

Cyclists will compete in 42km and 70km race.

The event will give bike lovers a chance to experience a world-class race and enjoy the beauty of Đà Lạt.

The event is organised by the provincial Department of Culture, Sports and Tourism, Việt Nam Cycling and Sport Motor Federation, Việt Nam MTB Series Company and 123Go Company. — VNS