VMM FAQs
A: There are 5 race distances: 10km, 21km, 50km, 70km, 100km.
The long distances from 21km to 100km are held on Saturday, 23/09/2023.
10km is held on Sunday, 24/09/2023.
*Note: 100km runners start on Friday, 22/09/2023.
A: This is sent 1 week prior to the race.
A: You can register online HERE or email us at info@vietnammountainmarathon.com for further assistance.
A: You can pay with domestic ATM card or come to register and pay cash at our office at Topas Travel Office, No. 3, Alley 12/70 Xom Chua, Tay Ho District, Hanoi or settle payment to our BIDV account. Email us at info@vietnammountainmarathon.com for further support.
A: No, you cannot use a nickname. By entering this event you agree that you have entered in your own name and yes, you are required to bring photographic ID or passport with signed Indemnity Form when you come to collect the race kit.
A: There is no paper certificate of achievement but we give a medal to every finisher. The e-certificate will be available for download. Besides, the results are updated on our website and on http://itra.run/.
A: Yes, you can.
- Until 30 days prior to the race date, you can update your own registration details, including transferring it to another runner, via the dedicated link sent together in your “Confirmation of Your Registration” email.
- To secure your personal details, you MUST NOT share this link with another person.
- There will be an email sent to the registered/updated email address every time a change is made.
- If you want to transfer your 3-day/4-day package to another person, kindly email us at info@vietnammountainmarathon.com for further assistance. The deadline to transfer the package is 30 days prior to the race date.
A: You can change race distances after having already registered by sending your request to info@vietnammountainmarathon.com . To change distances a $20 administration fee must be paid.
- Participants who wish to change to a longer distance must also pay the extra amount.
- No refunds are available if changing to a shorter distance.
- No change of distance within 1 month (30 days) prior to the race date or after sold out.
- Changing distances to 10km policy: $20 admin fee must be paid. Full refund of the price difference for changes 3 months or earlier prior to the race date. Refund 50% of the price difference for changes within 3 months to 1 month prior to the race date.
A: You can find the cancellation/refund policy HERE.
A: We are sorry that it is impossible to transfer the entry of this year to another year. The only exception is if you are pregnant – please see details here.
A: Yes, totally. You can change your t-shirt size after double checking the size chart HERE. Deadline is 45 days prior to the race date.
A: Yes, for sure! You leave a bag with clean clothing at the race start line. This will be ready for you at the finish. There, you can have a shower, change into your clean clothing, then enjoy the day at Topas Ecolodge!
A: On the day before the race (Thursday), Topas Ecolodge is open for resident guests only. We are happy to welcome you to enjoy Topas Ecolodge on race day!
A: Yes. Put a swimming costume in your drop bag at the start line, pick it up at the finish, then you can take a shower and jump in!
A: The registration is scheduled to close 1 month before race date or when the quota for registration is full (for 21km – 100km). Registration for Sunday contest can open until Thursday of the race week or close earlier if sold out.
Please visit each distance’s webpage for details to age restriction and qualification: 10km, 21km, 50km, 70km, 100km
For 100km runners: Please note you must submit the qualifying result by the deadline. Failure to do so less than 30 days prior to race day will result in refusal of entry and no refund.
A: Kindly see details HERE.
A: Yes and for runners without inclusive packages only. See details HERE.
A: You can find the information of mandatory equipment for each distance HERE.
A: Trail shoes. The specific brand and model depends on individual choice, but the shoes should be for off road trail running, not road shoes. For clothing, the mountains can be very hot, or cool and wet, so you need to be prepared!
A: You should be prepared for a long day on your feet and practice being in the mountains, whether that is hiking or running. You must be able to look after your own nutrition especially if you take on the ultra marathon 70km or 100km. Make sure you are comfortable with good footwear and carry the right clothing to put on if it rains or turns chilly.
A: We provide bus transfer for 70km runners from meeting point in Sapa town to the start line. This is included in your race fee. Buses DO NOT wait for late runners. The bus departure time for each race distance is announced HERE and included in the race program.
We also provide buses for runners from the finish area back to Sapa.
For Sunday contests, since the race starts and finishes in Sapa Park (next to Sapa Square), you will walk to the starting line on racing day.
*Please note these buses are for runners only – because we have to transfer over 3,500 people, we cannot also provide provision for non-runners, sorry!
A: Yes, every checkpoint has water. You must prepare your own water bottles or camelbag. You should carry your own favourite electrolyte powder.
A: Every checkpoint has bananas plus one other type of fruit. Ultra 70km/100km runners will get extra food at CP4.
A: For 100k only we have drop bags. 1 for CP4. Another for CP Topas Ecolodge. Your CP Topas Ecolodge bag is also your finish bag.
All other distances, we have no drop bags for checkpoints. We will however take your finish bag to the finish for you. Give it to us at the start line.
Drop bags Rules:
- Drop bags may not contain valuables. The organiser cannot be held responsible for them.
- No individual requests to receive drop bags outside of the designated time slots will be accepted.
A: No, we provide fruit at checkpoints. Bananas plus one other fruit. You should prepare energy gel/bars of your choice. Be mindful that intentional littering results in disqualification.
A: The daily average temperature for Sapa in September is approximately 20°C. Kindly note, this is a mountain area, and the weather can therefore turn wet and colder, so you must prepare adequate clothing for all conditions, including sunblock and headwear.
A: You could take our Topas Mountain Express (luxury van) at USD50/way, night train to Lao Cai or bus to Sapa Town.
A: Yes and it is free. At Topas Ecolodge, wifi is available in the restaurant area only.
A: You may access the course, but there is no provision provided for this.
A: You could register for a late departure bus at $15/person, departing at 1:30PM on departure date. You will get picked up at the airport and your bib will be handed out at VMM hotel.
A: Yes and upon request only. All fees are VAT included.
Kindly send your request with full and final details (Company name, address, tax code; Recipient’s email address for e-invoice) AT LEAST 7 days prior to the race date to info@vietnammountainmarathon.com. The invoice is issued for the month of the race and sent to your email in the following month.
A: Yes, the three longest race categories offer points for the Championship. 100 miles and 100 km have A-status and 70 km has B-status according to the regulations of the ATM Championship
A: Yes, every finisher of the 100km and 70km score 1 point for their Grandmaster Quest challenge
A: Outside assistance is allowed at checkpoints only. Supporters must arrange their own transport to and from checkpoints.
A: Our staff cannot take anything from you. Your own supporters can. However, be aware that all MANDATORY KIT MUST BE WITH YOU AT THE FINISH, not only at the start.
A. Please email us at info@vietnammoutainmarathon.com to add the package if you already have the race entry. In your email, kindly advise the specific package option you are interested in.
A. Please send a photo of your entry and full registration details as per this form to info@vietnammoutainmarathon.com to have your registration confirmed.
A. Yes. Race categories are as below:
VMM 100km: 100K
VMM 70km: 100K
VMM 50km: 50K
VMM 21km: 20K
To have your VMM results synced with your UTMB Index, please note to register with the correct information as in your UTMB profile.
