On September 18, the Sa Pa Quan Stadium area was bustling with music, cheers and conversations in many languages.
In the rain and high-altitude weather, athletes take turns checking their uniforms, running shoes, and personal belongings before entering the race.
The atmosphere in the starting area became even more exciting as the counter counted down the time the athlete groups set off.
In front of them are long slopes, winding trails, villages located between mountains and forests and a journey where the weather can change at any time.
This year's Vietnam Mountain Marathon (VMM) enters its 13th season, continuing to be held in Sa Pa with nearly 5,500 athletes from 54 countries and territories.
Athletes compete in 6 distances including 10 km, 21 km, 50 km, 70 km, 100 km and 100 miles. The running route stretches through Sa Pa ward and Ta Van, Ban Ho, Ta Phin, Muong Bo communes.
The special feature of VMM is not only in the numbers of distances or the number of athletes. This is a race that requires participants to adapt to the high mountain terrain, continuous slopes, small trails and typical weather conditions of Sa Pa.
VMM has one of the most beautiful and difficult off-road running routes in Asia. This year, the tournament has athletes from more than 50 countries participating, creating competition and an attractive atmosphere," shared Ms. Duong Thi Phuong An, participating in the 70 km distance.
On the runway, the steps will take the athletes through villages, terraced fields, mountainsides and forests. Besides physical challenges, the scenery and life of the highland people become an inseparable part of the race.
In the rain, the already challenging roads become even more unpredictable. Mud, slipperiness and limited visibility require athletes to continuously adjust speed, distribute strength and pay special attention to safety.
The presence of thousands of international athletes continues to create a special multicultural space in Sa Pa. On the same route, runners from many countries also experience the challenges of the Northwest mountains and forests.
The event is not only a sports tournament but also becomes an opportunity to promote the landscape, culture and people of Sa Pa to the international off-road running community.
To ensure the tournament takes place safely and professionally, the Organizing Committee coordinates with local authorities and functional forces to deploy plans on security, health, rescue, logistics and ensuring safety on roads.
According to the Organizing Committee, VMM 2026 will take place from September 17 to 20, with 6 distances including: 10 km, 21 km, 50 km, 70 km, 100 km and 100 miles (equivalent to 161 km). The route runs through Sa Pa ward and Ta Van, Ban Ho, Ta Phin, Muong Bo communes.
Notably, the 50 km and 100 km distances belong to the World Trail Majors system, gathering many athletes who have achieved high results at domestic and international tournaments.
