Changes to regulations
On January 6, many athletes registered to participate in the Phong Nha Wild Trail race held at the end of May 2026 in Quang Tri expressed concern about the new announcement of the organizers regarding not allowing the use of a walking stick for 2 long distances.
Accordingly, on the official fanpage "Phong Nha Wild Trail", the organizers posted a notice with the content that athletes are not allowed to use a walking stick in 2 distances: Hung Thoong 70km and Thuy Cung 50km. This decision was made after the organizers consulted the Sustainability department (the department in charge of environmental protection, ecosystems and natural heritage - PV) and assessed safety factors on the runway.
The organizers said that the above 2 distances have many sections climbing cliffs, the runway has cat-ear stone, narrow and technical paths. Using a cane not only increases the risk of collision and trapping but also affects the natural road surface. Instead of a cane, the organizers recommend athletes to use gloves to grip more firmly when climbing stone and protect their hands on technical sections.
On the official website of the race, the organizers have also updated the ban on using a walking stick for distances of 50km and 70km.
Talking to a reporter from Lao Dong Newspaper, Mr. Anh Phuong said that he spent more than 4 million VND to buy tickets to participate in the 70km race. According to him, at the time of ticket sales, the organizers did not have specific regulations on the ban on using a walking stick.
Mr. Phuong informed that during a long period of training, he was used to using clubs, considering it as part of tactics and long-distance competition plans. When the organizers announced the ban on clubs, he was forced to change the entire training plan.
According to this athlete, the organizers changing an important regulation after the athlete has registered and completed ticket purchases is something that makes many people feel passive. He believes that in this case, the organizers need to have plans to ensure the rights of participants, such as allowing ticket refunds or supporting appropriate distance conversion.
For long distances and highly technical, the treadmill is a familiar support tool for many athletes, especially in climbing and downhill sections.
The change in regulations not allowing the use of clubs for the purpose of nature conservation of the track is understandable and respectable. However, this adjustment significantly changes the competition tactics as well as higher physical requirements, thereby directly affecting the ability of athletes to complete the distance.
Need to have appropriate support plans
Sharing the same view, Mr. Thien Thong said that binding requirements such as banning the use of sticks need to be clearly announced by the organizers from the beginning, before ticket sales. In case of force majeure factors arising, the organizers need to come up with many options for athletes to choose from, instead of applying them rigidly.
Mr. Thong said that regarding the goal of heritage conservation and environmental protection, he completely agrees. However, the implementation of regulations makes many registered athletes feel dissatisfied, because they do not have prior preparation.
According to many athletes, organizing a trail race in a special terrain area requires the organizers to carefully consider the goals of conservation, safety and the rights of participants. Major changes related to the competition regulations need to be communicated soon, transparently and accompanied by appropriate support plans.
Contacting the organizers via the Phong Nha Wild Trail fanpage, the race organizers confirmed this announcement after surveying and consulting from the Sustainability department on safety assurance criteria as well as nature conservation. The organizers will support athletes to change distances based on the regulations and rules previously announced.
When researching on the official website of the race, the race regulations clearly state: "In case of distance change: Pay an additional fee for the difference between 2 ticket prices at the time of registration change or do not refund the difference fee".
This makes many athletes dissatisfied when they are not supported in changing distances as well as canceling tickets to participate in the tournament.
On the same day, a representative of the Department of Culture, Sports and Tourism of Quang Tri said that they had grasped information about the incident. The Department is working with the running race organizing company to ensure compliance with regulations. Changing other conditions compared to the original regulations must ensure the rights of participating athletes.
Phong Nha Wild Trail 2026 race is chaired by Phong Nha Wild Joint Stock Company, under the direction of Quang Tri Provincial People's Committee, Department of Culture, Sports and Tourism, Phong Nha - Ke Bang National Park and international professional partners.
The race takes place from May 28 to 31, 2026 in Phong Nha commune, Quang Tri province. In the first season, the race track includes 5 race distances: 5km, 10km, 20km, 50km and 70km.
