VMM 10KM Trail Run
Distance: 10.4km | Elevation gain: 500m
Bib collection: 14:00-19:00 17/9 and 9:00-21:00 18/9 at Sapa Square (see details here). Please note, you must pick up your own bib.
Departure to start: 7:30 (last bus), pick-up location: Sapa Square – Google maps
*There is no parking for private vehicles at the start area.
Start time: 09:00, Saturday, 19/09/2026
Start & Finish location: Topas Ecolodge – Google maps
CUT-OFF: 13:30 at CP M4 – 15:30 at FINISH
Age restriction: 10km entrants must be at least 18 years old on race day
Outside assistance: No outside assistance is permitted for 10km runners.
Course description
This stunning mountain route will take you through rice terraces, ethnic villages, across bamboo bridges and high into the hills, giving you some of the most spectacular views in the whole Sapa area.
The race begins at Topas Ecolodge, with a fast flat section. Soon you will turn downhill on a narrow path to a suspension bridge across a pretty mountain stream. The course then climbs up to the small village of Thanh Kim.
From here, the trail goes uphill through beautiful rice terraces to your second stream crossing – this time over a bamboo bridge. You will then reach the mountain side ethnic Black Hmong village of Lech Mong (A). Here, we provide a water station.
Next, the trail traverses the hillside, giving incredible views of the valley below and mountain peaks all around. Listen for the sound of our flute player here – you will soon reach him on a grass plateau. If you are not racing hard, this is the perfect place to pause and soak up the majesty of Sapa’s nature.
The trail then descends through forest to the checkpoint at the Red Dao ethnic village of Ban Moi. From here, the route continues downhill through the rice terraces to your final stream crossing.
One last uphill brings you back to the flat section to Topas Ecolodge and your finish line.
Here, you can enjoy your finisher meal, music, and the famously good vibes of our VMM finish area.
Course description
Participate in this year’s biggest public run in Sapa and race against the local Black Hmong, Red Dao and Tay minorities. Maybe you watched your friends and families run the Mountain Marathon on Saturday and now want to show them how to run 10km! Or maybe you just cannot get enough competition and want to combine a Saturday run of 21km, 50km, 70km or 100km, and 100 miles with a 10km run.
Look out as the local runners are eager to compete with the international competitors! The route starts from central Sapa Town and then heads down the main street, and soon you are out of town. Now run 2.5km down the valley on paved road and drop into the famous Hoang Lien National Park and its beautiful scenery with rice fields, rivers and trails beaten by buffaloes. Save some energy for the final challenge… a climb of 500m just before the finish! It is hard, but beautiful! VMM provide 2 checkpoints.
FINISH BAG
01 bag/runner. Hand in/Pick up at the START/FINISH.
Please prepare your own bag. Bags must be sealed/closed. Do not include valuables – the organiser cannot be held responsible for any loss.
ATTACH your luggage tag (given at the race pack collection) on your finish bag before bringing it to the start line.
*If you DNF, then you can also pick up your finish bag in Sapa Square from 7:00-12:00 on Sunday.
Note: no individual requests for bag transfers can be facilitated. ALL bags are moved together.
AGE GROUP AWARDS
Age categories are: Under 30; 30-39; 40-49; 50-59; 60-69; 70+
The overall top 3 are excluded from the age group awards.
Top 3 male/female runners can collect their trophies at a special Age Group Trophy Collection booth at the finish area: Topas Ecolodge. We cannot ship trophies to those who do not come and collect them during this time slot.
Age group runners receive trophies only.
Age group winners are invited to the Sunday prize giving ceremony on Sunday morning from 10:00. Age group award winners from all distances will be invited to the stage together to honor their achievement.
- Read more about the Sapa Travel Packages
- Read more about the Topas Ecolodge Travel Packages
- Run Only Program
