*To clarify, Outside Assistance at CP M2 is only allowed once at km 34.4.
100 Miles Course Update
Due to the weather conditions in Sapa this week, the 100mile course has been updated. The original, remote loop from Checkpoint PM5 to M9 and Checkpoint Topas Ecolodge has been removed. This section is only on the 100 mile route. This update is therefore for the 100 miles only.
The replacement course provides you with a route of similar elevation gain and distance, closer to Sapa town.
The update is four loops out of Sapa town, running over beautiful Ham Rong mountain to CPM2, then down to Y Linh Ho Bridge, and back up into Sapa town.
This solution means the 100 miles will pass through the Sapa Checkpoint right next to the expo four times. This means you will get a special checkpoint experience, with runners and the public watching as you pass through town.
After completing these four loops, you will run on the original course (minus the aforementioned M5-M9 loop).
A new GPX is already available at the GPX link here.
The Cut Off Times that were originally planned for Sapa and M4 and M7 have been reassigned for the updated course.
After Topas Ecolodge, the course remains the same.
You will then hit the long climb up to CP Topas Ecolodge where a buffet style feast is prepared by the lodge chefs. The Topas massage team will also welcome you here.
Next up, a road section takes you past Su Pan village, then a steep descent takes you past more homes, then through a bamboo forest to your Water Station at the river.
Across the river you will face a very steep climb then some great trail sections on your way to the Red Dao ethnic village of Giang Ta Chai and on to the CP1 in Lao Chai village.
From Lao Chai you will climb up through rice terraces passing some remote Hmong villages with panoramic views of the valley. Your downhill to the Water Station at Y Linh Ho includes some technical terrain and yet more stunning views. From Y Linh Ho a beautiful uphill brings you through a deep gorge, before you emerge back into the open valley and on to Cat Cat village.
From Cat Cat, you will climb on mixed terrain up to CP3 at O Quy Ho. Next comes what is many runners’ favourite part of our course – Cow Mountain (Đồi Bò). After an initial climb through farmland you will emerge onto the ridge line, with single track trail taking you to the peak.
On a clear day at the top, you will have stunning panoramic views of the surrounding mountains, including Mount Fansipan. For us, this is one of the most jaw dropping vistas of the course and indeed, all of Vietnam.
If you have good legs, the following descent is a sheer joy, especially in the dry; in the wet however, it can be challenging. In the dry, much of it is runnable, and the views are incredible. You’ll finish your downhill in Ta Phin village at CP4. From here, the character of the course changes again, with a riverside trail section, then some forest on your way to CP5.
The trail from CP5 (31 Bridge) takes you through Sau Chua village on great quality, but very challenging trail with some seriously steep uphill. On a clear day, the views here will help take the edge off the challenge, we promise!
From CP6 you will face a mainly downhill section to CP7, running through lots of small villages as well as some bamboo forest sections.
After CP7 comes the infamous Mount Silverstone climb on steep trail. Your reward at the top is another great view.
From here it’s time for the final section to the finish line and the famous welcome at Topas Ecolodge. Here you can relax and enjoy the feeling of triumph together with your fellow mountain runners.
IMPORTANT: Read the RACE RULES HERE.
Distance: 161km | Elevation gain: 8900m
Bib collection: 14:00-19:00 17/9 at Sapa Square (see details here). Please note, you must pick up your own bib.
Start: 08:00, Friday 18/09/2026
Start location: Sapa Square
Finish location: Topas Ecolodge – Google maps
Outside assistance (personal support): permitted for 100km and 100 miles only and at the designated checkpoints (see the checkpoint table above).
Runners may have support from 1 individual and that individual must carry the supporter card. It does not have to be the same individual who supports you at each checkpoint, but the person must carry the supporter card.
You can register for this card via “Your VMM 2026 profile link” sent in the confirmation email. Please pick-up your supporter card at INFO area at race kit collection.
Please see full details here.
FINISH AND DROP BAGS
FINISH AND DROP BAGS
You can give us 3 bags:
- 1 Bag = Finish Bag
- 1 Bag = CP Sapa (Access 4 times)
- 1 Bag = CP2
Handing in your bags: Leave 3 bags at the START LINE
Please use the designated tag for each bag. Please prepare your own bags. Bags must be sealed/closed.
No valuables should be left in the bags – we cannot be held responsible for any loss.
Picking up your bag after the race:
- Finish Bags will be at finish line before the first finisher
- CP Sapa and CP2 Bags will be moved back to the Sapa Expo area – please collect on Sunday morning, 07:00 – 12:00
*If you DNF, then you can also pick up your finish bag in Sapa Square from 11:00-12:00 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.
PACERS
We think pacers can play a great role in helping people complete this hardcore race distance, so we welcome them warmly! Please read the pacer info below to ensure you stay within the rules on race day.
- For the 100 miles race only, pacers (companion runners) are allowed for the final 70km of your run (CP Topas Ecolodge KM 86.3 – Finish).
- The pacer must have run at least one official TRAIL race of 40km+ with significant elevation to qualify as your pacer.
- Pacers may NOT CARRY any equipment, food or water for you. They are there for moral support and encouragement, not physical help.
- Pacers must wear the special pacer bib that will match your own bib number.
- Pacers are responsible for their own transport to checkpoints.
- Pacers must carry the same mandatory kit as defined for VMM 70km runners.
- You may have 2 pacers, but only one can accompany you at any time. Change over of pacers is permitted at checkpoints only.
- There is NO bag drop provision for pacers.
- There is no t-shirt or other swag for pacers, but they will get a pacer bib.
- The pacer(s) must be present at race pack collection and sign the indemnity form. Pacer’s bib collection is handed out at INFO counter during following schedule:
- 14:00-19:00, Thursday 17/09/2026
- 09:00-21:00, Friday 18/09/2026
Please send your pacer(s)’ information to info@vietnammountainmarathon.com by 18/8/2026. No change of pacers is allowed after this date.
- Full name
- Gender
- Date of birth
- Passport / ID number
- Nationality
- Mobile phone
- Link to the qualifying result
VMM 100 miles is a 6-point qualifying race for ITRA, an ITRA National League race, a 100M UTMB Index race, and a Western States 2027 Qualifying Race.
- Read more about the Sapa Travel Packages
- Read more about the Topas Ecolodge Travel Packages
- Run Only Program
