Pu Luong hosts ultra showdown at Vietnam Jungle Marathon
Set against the breathtaking backdrop and pristine beauty of Vietnam’s Pu Luong Nature Reserve, the eighth edition of the Vietnam Jungle Marathon (VJM) will take place on October 18. This year, the race will welcome passionate trail runners from 36 nations.
The VJM course holds a special place in the heart of many trail runners who have the chance to run against a backdrop of rugged limestone mountains, rolling rice terraces, unique water wheels, and cascading waterfalls, all while passing through timeless ethnic villages.
New for this year, Leo Village is set to host both the Start and Finish area, immersing participants in a race village atmosphere for the whole weekend.
Race Director, David Lloyd, shares: “Every year I look forward to my trips to Pu Luong. I don’t only come for the race – I’ve had countless great family holidays here too. Pu Luong has everything: awesome trails; incredible scenery; welcoming homestays; delicious food; friendly people. Sharing this with VJM runners is a highlight of the year for all of us at Topas. I can’t wait to welcome our friends from all over the world to Pu Luong this weekend and see what they all think of our newly updated courses.”
The Men’s 70k battle: France vs Vietnam
The 70km male race sees Valentin Orange of France on the start line of his “favourite race”. A previous winner of the race and also a two-time champion of the Vietnam Trail Marathon 70km (2021, 2024), where he claimed his first ultra victory, Valentin returns to the trails of Pu Luong as the highest-rated contender with an impressive ITRA index of 799.
On coming back to the trails of Pu Luong, Valentin shares: “I’m super happy and super excited to come back to Vietnam and return to Pu Luong for Vietnam Jungle Marathon. This is my favourite race. I’m also happy to be competing against my friend Si Hieu in the 70km distance!”
Nguyen Si Hieu, is coming into the race with great form and momentum after securing the second at the prestigious Vietnam Mountain Marathon (VMM) 100km as part of World Trail Majors just last month.
Si Hieu shares: “VJM 2017 was my very first trail race; since then I have loved his sport. I will never forget that moment when I stepped out of the forest onto the viewpoint of The Spike (also known as Dốc Quýt), with the golded rice fields between marvelous mountains. The stunning natural scenes and beautiful villages mesmerized me, becoming the source of my passion for trail running.”
Completing the contenders is Le Quang Hoi, who claimed 2nd place in both the 50km VMM 2024 and the 50km VJM 2024, now stepping up to the ultra 70km.
Vietnamese Women Dominate the 70km field
The women’s 70km race has a top field of Vietnamese runners. Tran Thu Trang returns to defend her crown. Last year, she won with a time of 10:53:16, nearly an hour ahead of her closest rival. That rival, Le Phuong Vy, returns for a rematch.
Le Phuong Vy is a familiar face in Vietnam’s running community. Having taken part in many races both in Vietnam and abroad, VJM holds a special place in her heart. She shared: “I come back to Pu Luong again and again to enjoy the trails, enjoy the fresh mountain air, enjoy the people, and enjoy the breathtaking beauty of this land.
“I’ve taken part in many races, both in Vietnam and abroad, and I can honestly say that the scenery in Pu Luong rivals that of any international trail race.”
However, it won’t be easy for either of them, as Giang Thi Linh, the 2024 VMM 100km and 2025 VTM 70km champion is travelling down from Sapa looking to score her first VJM victory.
Also racing is Nguyen Thi Nguyet, who was second, two hours behind Linh at VMM 100km 2024 and also second to Linh at the VTM 70km 2025, where the time gap was much smaller at around 12minutes. It will be interesting to see how the two go in this third head-to-head.
Stepping up in distance following her double victories at Vietnam Ultra Marathon 25km and Vietnam Mountain Marathon 21km is Phung Trang.
The 50km Race
The women’s 50km also sees a wealth of Vietnam’s talent on the start line. The race includes Luu Hong Van – the champion of VMM 2025, Nguyen Thi Ngoc Anh – the champion of VTM 42km 2025. Rising star Nguyen Tra Giang is also one to watch, having just scored a great second place in her 100km debut at VMM last month. They will be joined by two strong contenders: Phuong Thi Hong Nhung (second at VMM 2025 70km) and Phan Tuong Vy (third place, VJM 2024 70km).
In the men’s 50km, Sung A Phu is the man to beat. Racing for Sapa Ethnic Running Club, Phu comes into VJM already well recovered from his second place at VMM 50km as part of World Trail Majors. At that race, he finished very strong, just 20 minutes behind the provisional World Trail Majors 2025 champion, Jianjian Yang, showing world-class pace. All this, despite his running journey only beginning in May 2023, and his work with coach Ha Hau starting in March 2025.
Two other contenders to watch are Stephen Barkey of Ireland, the champion of the VTM 42km in 2025, and Nguyen Duc Tuyen, 3rd place in the VMM 2025 70km.
The 25km Race
In the 25km, Ly A Song represents the Sapa Ethnic Running Club following his second place at VMM 21km last month. He will be competing with Nguyen Xuan Tu, who placed third at the same race, and Nguyen Duc Tuan Anh (Tu Do), who took second in the VJM 70km last year.
In the women’s category, Thai Thi Hong, who secured third place at both VMM 2024 50km and VTM 2025 42km, is another key contender to watch.
The 10km Race
Alongside the experienced fast runners in the VJM 10km, many new runners are expected to join to get their first taste of trail running in Vietnam. The course includes a good variety of trail to give first timers experience of downhills, some short technical sectoins and also a hard climb back up to the finish area.
Blue Dragon Children’s Foundation runners
Among the runners joining the race is a team of over 30 from Blue Dragon, including inspiring young adults who have benefited from the support of the foundation.
Many are from disadvantaged communities and with the help of Blue Dragon, they have overcome significant challenges.
Hoang Anh from Blue Dragon explains: “Some are continuing their education or vocational training, while others have embarked on careers in various fields. Others have earned scholarships or returned to Blue Dragon as mentors, helping the next generation.
“Many are now completing university studies, forging new paths beyond the difficult cycles faced by their families.”
“Their participation embodies resilience and hope, as they build stable, goal-driven futures.”
Charity work and funding
Every Vietnam Trail Series race by Topas contributes money to charitable work. The money raised from Vietnam Jungle Marathon 2025 brings the total series amount to around USD 530,000 (over 13,8 billion VND).