21km Trail Marathon
IMPORTANT: Read the RACE RULES HERE
Distance: 21.9km | Elevation gain 1200m
Start time: 8:00, Saturday,2026 race date: to be announced
Wave starts will be used. If you want to run fast, make sure you are in wave 1.
Start location: Muong Thanh Holiday Moc Chau Hotel – Google maps
Finish location: The heart-shaped tea hill (Đồi chè Trái tim) – Google maps
CUT-OFF: 14:00 at CP1 – 16:00 at CP Na Ka – 18:00 at FINISH
Age restriction: 21km entrants must be at least 18 years old on race day
FINISH BAG
Handing in your bag: 01 bag/01 runner at the START LINE
Please prepare your own bag. Bags must be sealed/closed.
Do not include valuables – the organiser cannot be held responsible for any loss.
BRING your luggage tag (given at the race pack collection), we will staple it for you.
Picking up your bag after the race: at the FINISH
Note: no individual requests for bag transfers can be facilitated. ALL bags are moved together.
AGE GROUP AWARDS
Age categories are:
5km: Under 12;12-17; 18-39; 40+
10km/21km/42km/70km: 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: Doi Che Trai Tim (Saturday). We cannot ship trophies to those who do not come and collect them during this time slot.
Age group runners receive trophies only.
Course description
This half marathon offers a huge variety of trail, with orchards, minority villages, single track, jungle, mountains (including some very steep climbs!) and broad valleys, finishing in a beautiful tea plantation.
Shortly after the start, you will climb up through orchards before turning onto a singletrack trail with expansive views of the surrounding countryside and hills.
You’ll soon have the feeling of being in remote backcountry, particularly on the two short technical sections that take you deep into classic Moc Chau terrain.
After CP1, a beautiful, steep climb leads to a descent into the peaceful village of Phieng Canh. This is a Hmong village and you will pass through it during the Hmong New Year celebrations.
An easy flat section brings you to another short climb atop which you will be rewarded with a stunning view of the valley. Next comes the Na Ka valley, which is famous for its endless plum trees surrounded by mountain peaks.
Your final kilometer takes you through the area’s most beautiful tea plantation where the magnificent VTM finish line is located. Here you can enjoy the great finisher buffet, fire, music and the beautiful views all around you.
VTM 21km is a 1-point qualifying race for ITRA, an ITRA National League race, and a 20K UTMB Index race.