The Việt Nam Trail Marathon 2021 has been delayed due to the fast outbreak of the COVID-19 pandemic in the country. — Photo courtesy of the organiser

HÀ NỘI — The Việt Nam Trail Marathon (VTM) 2021 scheduled to be held in Mộc Châu District, Sơn La Province tomorrow has been postponed due to the recent spread of COVID-19 in the country, the event’s organising board announced yesterday afternoon.

"Due to the rapidly developing COVID-19 situation in Việt Nam the provincial authorities have decreed VTM 2021 cannot go ahead this weekend. We fully agree that we must prioritise the health of our runners, the people of Mộc Châu and the nation as a whole.

"Our whole crew shares in your disappointment.

"We ask for your patience waiting for a further update on the future of the 2021 race. More information will be sent to all registered runners."

Many athletes had already arrived in Mộc Châu over the past few days to prepare for the race.

The VTM is in its third season, after the successful launch in 2019 and the exciting race in 2020. The VTM's speciality is the dreamlike and beautiful race roads of orchards, tea fields and plum blossoms every New Year occasion.

This year, almost 4,300 Việt Nam-based runners from 41 nations signed up to race from 5km to 70km.

The VTM is one of the three trail runs of Topas in Việt Nam, alongside Việt Nam Jungle Marathon and Việt Nam Mountain Marathon. — VNS