VIETNAM ULTRA MARATHON
Race date: 23-03-2024
Welcome to Vietnam Ultra Marathon – The Trails of Mai Chau.
VUM is part of the Topas Vietnam Trail Series along with Vietnam Mountain Marathon, Vietnam Trail Marathon and Vietnam Jungle Marathon. Our series began with the nation’s first ultra in 2013.
70k | 50k | 25k | 10k
VUM - The Trails of Mai Chau
Welcome to the new race from Topas. We searched in many provinces for our fourth race location, and this was the clear winner.
VUM offers miles of beautiful trails between remote villages. Flowing downhills. Tough climbs. Too many ‘wow views’ to count. This area has all the ingredients of an awesome, challenging, rewarding Topas Vietnam Trail Series race.
We love it. We are sure you will too.
DISTANCES
Gain: +400m
This beautiful 10k mountain route is perfect for new mountain runners. It is not too tough, but still challenging enough to make you proud when you cross the finish line.
Soon after the start from Lac village, you will run through rice terraces and villages of Thai people before climbing up through dense forest to a lookout. Here you will be rewarded with a stunning panoramic view across the valley.
After CP1 at Na Meo village, you will hit a short climb across the hillside to join the course of 70k, 50k.
The last section brings you down to the quintessential beauty of the main Mai Chau valley. Here we will have a finish line in the heart of the community, with music, fire, food and the good trail vibes our races are famous for.
We look forward to welcoming you to Vietnam Ultra Marathon first edition on The Trails of Mai Chau.
START TIME: 8:00AM, Saturday, 23-03-2024
AGE RESTRICTION: Entrants must be at least 10 years old on the race date. For 10km entrants under 16 years old, parents/guardians must sign the consent form for race pack collection. Race entrants under 16 must run along with the guardian.
Gain: +1300m
The Vietnam Ultra Marathon 25k starts and finishes in Mai Chau offering a diverse route with a high percentage of trail.
The first section of 25K trail follows the same course of 70K over the hill to Te village (CP1) where it splits onto the single track to Xo village. The beautiful trail runs through the villages, bamboo forests and rice terraces. From Xo village, you will hit a short climb across the hillside to join the course of 70K, 50K.
The last section brings you down to the quintessential beauty of the main Mai Chau valley. Here we will have a finish line in the heart of the community, with music, fire, food and the good trail vibes our races are famous for.
We look forward to welcoming you to Vietnam Ultra Marathon first edition on The Trails of Mai Chau.
START TIME: 7:00AM, Saturday, 23-03-2024
AGE RESTRICTION: Open to experienced runners at least 18 years old on race day.
Gain: +2400m
The 50k follows the same course as our 70k, simply removing the first 20k. This beautiful ultra route has a high percentage of trail through a wide variety of stunning landscapes.
You will begin deep in Mai Chau, already far from where most people ever venture. Soon after the start you run onto great trail before climbing up to the fabled land of Hang Kia, where Hmong communities live not far from the border with Laos. For many years, this area was completely off the tourist map. Now you can run here and discover another side of Mai Chau.
From the highest point of the race, the route follows trails from valley to valley, each with its own stunning landscape. You will pass through an abandoned village and through ancient forest. Singe track trails weave along valley floors and traverse hill sides.
The last section brings you down to the quintessential beauty of the main Mai Chau valley. Here we will have a finish line in the heart of the community, with music, fire, food and the good trail vibes our races are famous for.
We look forward to welcoming you to Vietnam Ultra Marathon first edition on The Trails of Mai Chau.
START TIME: 5:00AM, Saturday, 23-03-2024
AGE RESTRICTION: Open to experienced runners at least 18 years old on race day.
QUALIFICATION: It is recommended you have completed at least 1 trail race over 20km with significant elevation (+1000m).
Gain: +3200m
This stunning ultra route has a high percentage of trail through a wide variety of stunning landscapes.
The first 30k serves as a good warm up for the back 40k, where the majority of the climbing and descending comes.
On this 70k ultra you will venture deep into Mai Chau, far from the usual paths. The route climbs up to the fabled land of Hang Kia, where Hmong communities live not far from the border with Laos. For many years, this area was completely off the tourist map. Now you can run here and discover another side of Mai Chau.
From the highest point of the race, the route follows trails from valley to valley, each with its own stunning landscape. You will pass through an abandoned village and through ancient forest. Singe track trails weave along valley floors and traverse hill sides.
The last section brings you down to the quintessential beauty of the main Mai Chau valley. Here we will have a finish line in the heart of the community, with music, fire, food and the good trail vibes our races are famous for.
We look forward to welcoming you to Vietnam Ultra Marathon first edition on The Trails of Mai Chau.
START TIME: 4:00AM, Saturday, 23-03-2024
AGE RESTRICTION: Open to experienced runners at least 18 years old on race day.
QUALIFICATION: To run VUM 70km, you must have previously completed at least 1 official TRAIL race of 40k+. Please provide the link to your official qualifying result in your booking form. You can also send us your qualifying result no later than 30 days prior to the race day. Please note, if you do not have a qualifying result, you will not be able to race and the refund terms stand.
Giving Back – VUM Charity
VUM is part of the Vietnam Trail Series which has now raised over USD430,000 for good causes. We have funded:
- Community projects, in every area where we work
- Support for kids in crisis through Blue Dragon Children’s Foundation
- Surgery for children via Operation Smile
- Newborns Vietnam – a charity that works to improve life chances of critically ill newborns
- Drowning prevention programs with Hue Help
Included in the race fee:
- Competitor T-shirt for all distances
- Finisher T-shirt for Ultra 50km/70km
- Race bib with chip timing
- Finisher medal
- Charity donation (for 25km – 70km distances)
- Shuttle from Lac village to start for 50km
- Water and nutrition at checkpoints
- Finisher meal at the finish line
- Free photos (cannot be guaranteed for all runners, but we try to get one of everyone!)
To register for group, kindly fill in the form (download HERE) and email us at info@vietnamultramarathon.com to proceed the payment.
Detailed Program...
Join an international group of runners on a package including all logistics from Hanoi to the race and back.
Included in the packages:
- Round trip transfer Hanoi (Turtle Lake Brewing Company – Google maps) – Mai Chau – Hanoi (Hanoi Opera House)
- 2 nights of accommodation (Friday and Saturday)
- Friday night Carb Load dinner
- All indicated meals (B = breakfast, L = lunch, D = dinner): Friday (-, -, D), Saturday (B, L,-), Sunday (B, -, -). Drinks are not included
Detailed Program...
Package Prices
Package prices are per person and exclude race fee. Private room standard is twin/double sharing with another runner; single occupancy is available with surcharge.
Children policy: Children under 6: free (sharing bed with parents) | 6-11 years old: Child rate, extra bed | Over 11: Adult pricing
If you would like to request to share the room with a specific runner (of the same package), kindly email us at info@vietnamultramarathon.com following your booking.
Mai Chau Ecolodge
En-suite rooms with 1 double bed OR 2 single beds for 2 adults. Extra bed for third person is available on request, with surcharge.
- 1.6km walk from 10-25-70km start line and Finish Line (Lac Village)
- 17km from 50km start line (Sam Khoe Village)
Sol Bungalows Resort
More about Sol Bungalows Resort
- 1.5km walk from 10-25-70km start line and Finish Line (Lac Village)
- 18km from 50km start line (Sam Khoe Village)
En-suite rooms with 1 double bed OR 2 single beds for 2 adults. Extra bed for third person is available on request, with surcharge.
COMMUNAL STILT HOUSE
Capacity: 15 persons
Each runner will be provided with a separate mattress, cover and mosquito net.
Sharing bathrooms are on the ground floor.
Mai Chau Lodge
En-suite rooms with 1 double bed OR 2 single beds for 2 adults. Extra bed for third person is available on request, with surcharge.
- 1.6km walk from 10-25-70km start line and Finish Line (Lac Village)
- 19km from 50km start line (Sam Khoe Village)
Mai Chau Mountain View Resort
More about Mai Chau Mountain View Resort
En-suite rooms with 1 double bed OR 2 single beds for 2 adults. Extra bed for third person is available on request, with surcharge.
- 900m walk from 10-25-70km start line and Finish Line (Lac Village)
- 18km from 50km start line (Sam Khoe Village)
Mai Chau is easy to reach from Hanoi and there is plentiful accommodation ranging from traditional stilt house homestays to luxury boutique resorts. If you prefer, we can take care of everything from Hanoi on our full transport and accommodation packages (details above).
Race Package Options
The easiest way to get to the race is to join one of our packages.
With our 3-Day Inclusive Packages your transport from Hanoi to the mountains and back to Hanoi is included, along with transport to the race starts, food and accommodation.
Our buses depart from Turtle Lake Brewing Company in Tay Ho from 09:00 – 12:00 on the Friday of race weekend.
From Noi Bai Domestic / International Airport to the meeting point
You can take a taxi from the airport, the cost is around VND 350,000/4-seat/way. Allow one hour to reach the meeting point and 30 minutes to an hour for clearing immigration.
Visa
International Airport
The closest international airport to the race area is Noi Bai International Airport (HAN), in Hanoi.
You can take Bus No. 86 (VND 45,000/person) or a taxi from the airport to the city center, the cost is around VND 350,000/4-seat/way.
Domestic Airport
From Ho Chi Minh City (SGN), there are flights to:
- Tho Xuan Airport (THD), Thanh Hoa, 135km from the race area, about 3 hours by car/taxi;
- Noi Bai Airport (HAN), Hanoi, 170km from the race area; about 4 hours by car/taxi.
Hanoi to Mai Chau
From Hanoi, you can travel to Mai Chau by bus or car.
Main bus stations: My Dinh Bus Station and Yen Nghia Bus Station. Buses with the route Hanoi – Son La/Dien Bien will have the drop-off at Tong Dau junction, which is about 7km from Lac Village. Daily buses are also available with drop-offs in Mai Chau town. Online bus ticket can be booked via websites like Vexere.com.
Travel time is around 4-4.5 hours.
Transportation in Mai Chau: electric vehicle, taxi, rented motorbike
Book your own accommodation
If you choose to use your own transport to get to the race and book your own accommodation, you can consider staying close to the start area of your race distance as below. There are a wide range of homestays and resorts/lodges, especially in Lac Village.
10-25-70k Start Area + Finish line: Lac Village – Google maps
50km Start Area: Sam Khoe Village – Google maps
Shuttle buses will transfer runners not on our accommodation packages from Lac Village to 50km start line. From finish line at Lac Village, all runners can go back to their own accommodation.
By registering, you accepted the TERMS AND CONDITIONS below:
CANCELLATION / WITHDRAWAL POLICY
Entries cannot be transferred to subsequent years in any cases. The only exception is if you are pregnant – please see below.
No cancellations are accepted without confirmation by email from the organization team.
‘Total payment’ refers to the amount paid for one individual runner, including the race entry fee and the package (if booked).
Full refund: You can get refund of the total payment minus VND 1,150,000 (~USD 50) administration fee if you advise us and confirm by email 3 months (90 days) or earlier prior to the race date.
50% refund: You can get 50% refund of the total payment if you advise us and confirm by email within 3 months to 1 month (90 to 30 days) prior to the race date. For total payment less than VND 2,300,000 (~USD 100), you can get a full refund of the total payment minus VND 1,150,000 (~USD 50) administration fee.
No refund: No monetary refund if you advise us less than 1 month (30 days) prior to the race date or do not show up at the race.
Please email us at: info@vietnamultramarathon.com.
In the case that the event course is – in the opinion of the event organizers – unsafe (for example due to weather conditions such as heavy rain, high winds, landslides, “acts of god”), organizers may, at their sole discretion, attempt to re-route the course, find an alternative shortened course, or cancel the event. In such a circumstance, no refund can be given.
Organizers reserve the right to cancel the event for reasons including: terrorism, war, public health emergency, epidemic, pandemic, civil unrest, weather conditions, ‘acts of god’.
If the event is cancelled, re-routed or shortened, no refund or transfer to another event will be made.
UPDATING REGISTRATION DETAILS & TRANSFERRING ENTRY/PACKAGE
- 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 package to another person, kindly email us at info@vietnamultramarathon.com for further assistance. The deadline to transfer the package is 30 days prior to the race date.
PREGNANCY DEFERRAL POLICY
If you get pregnant after your registration date and choose not to participate in the event, you can choose to:
(1) Transfer the entry to another runner, free of charge and at least 30 days before the race day. Please follow the instructions in your confirmation email.
(2) Request to postpone the entry up to 2 years as below:
- Submit your request and proven confirmation of pregnancy (medical certificate) to info@vietnamultramarathon.com at least 30 days before race day. The organizer may require additional proof of pregnancy and reject a deferral request if the documentation verifying pregnancy is deemed insufficient.
- Advise us by email at least 30 days before the race day of the new event to have your registration confirmed; the package, if included, is subject to availability.
- The entry can only be deferred to one of the subsequent editions of the same event within 2 years.
- If the runner is pregnant again for the deferral year, a second deferral is possible but must still be within 2 years from the original race date.
- If an entry is a charity or invitational entry, it is not possible to defer. Please contact the charity directly for other options.
- If the runner decides to withdraw anytime between receiving deferral confirmation and 30 days before the new race day, the “50% refund” policy will be applied.
CHANGING DISTANCE
- To change distances a VND 450,000 (~USD 20) administration fee must be paid.
- Participants who wish to change to a longer distance must also pay the extra amount for the new distance.
- 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 distance to 10km policy: VND 450,000 (~USD 20) admin fee must be paid. Full refund of the price difference for changes 3 months (90 days) or earlier prior to the race date. Refund 50% of the price difference for changes within 3 months to 1 month (90 days to 30 days) prior to the race date.
*To change your distance, kindly email us at info@vietnamultramarathon.com for further assistance.
AGE RESTRICTIONS
- Entrants to 25km, 50km and 70km must be at least 18 years old on race day.
- Entrants to 10km must be at least 10 years old on race day.
- For 10km entrants under 16 years old, parents/guardians must sign the consent form for race pack collection. Race entrants under 16 must run along with the guardian.
Breaking any of the rules may incur a time penalty or disqualification.
Any such penalties are at the organisers’ discretion and final.
Read More...
RACE BIBS
1. You must race with your own race bib. If you run with another person’s bib and you have not formally transferred that bib with the organiser, you will be disqualified and the organiser is not responsible for you on the course. Moreover, if you run with another person’s bib, you endanger yourself and others as the organiser will not have your medical records or your emergency contact.
2. Your race number must be worn on the front of your body.
Results - Timing
3. Your bib has an electronic timing chip. You must pass all timing systems on course to get a valid finish time. Failure to do so will result in inspection of the result by the organisers.
The Course
4. You must complete the marked course on foot under your own power.
5. You must stay on the marked course. Short cuts are not permitted. If you get lost, return to the last sighted marking.
Littering
6. Intentional littering is prohibited – this results in disqualification.
Cut-off Times
7. All participants must adhere to the checkpoint staff instructions regarding cut-off times. For your cut-off times, please refer to the course profile for your distance.
Note: Official communications from the organiser come via official channels only – no personal social media accounts are authorised to share official information.
The cut-off time is the time you MUST LEAVE the checkpoint, not the time you arrive.
If you depart after the Cut Off Time, the timing system will automatically change your status to DNF (Did Not Finish).
Checkpoint Food
8. Checkpoint food is for runners only – no supporters may eat it.
Outside Assistance
9. Outside assistance from supporters is only permitted at the designated checkpoints. Supporters may not set up branded flags / banners. No banners / flags may be used. Supporters must only use the area designated by the organiser. Supporters may not join the official race crew area.
10. Any outside assistance outside of these checkpoints will result in disqualification.
11. Supporters may not run along with participants at any point on the course. This results in disqualification.
Withdrawal / Abandoning
12. If you withdraw from the race, you must inform our crew at the checkpoint or by calling us using the number on the back of your race bib.
Mandatory Kit
13. You must carry the mandatory kit at all times during the event.
Top 3 VUM Runners will have mandatory kit inspections.
Other kit inspections are carried out at random, including at the start line.
See the mandatory kit for your specific distance for disqualification and time penalty information.
Use of Audio Headphones. No portable speakers may be used.
14. The wearing of audio headphones is allowed, but:
– You must switch off audio at all checkpoints so you can hear directions given to you by event crew.
– You must also switch off audio when on all public roads so you can hear approaching traffic.
Indemnity Forms
15. Any participation in this event is completely at your own risk and you will be required to sign an indemnity in order to participate.
Pets
16. It is not permitted to have your pet run along with you on the course.
Gates
17. Leave any gates on course in the same position as you find them – closed gates should be closed behind you.
Private / Individual Sponsors
18. Flags for your individual sponsors may not be displayed on the podium. Represent your individual sponsors by wearing their logos only, not bringing large banners or flags.
Finish Bags
19. Finish bags may not contain valuables. The organiser cannot be held responsible for them.
20. No individual requests to receive drop bags / finish bags outside of the designated time slots will be accepted.
Results – Dispute
21. Any dispute about results must be lodged with the organiser within 48 hours of the finish cut off time.
The schedule is subject to change prior to the race.
All package runners must pick up the race kit yourselves.
Read More...
To pick up your OWN race kit, you must present:
- Your Bib Number (informed by email and also available on participant list 1 week prior to the race date);
- Your ID/Passport (original / printed / digital copy);
- Your signed indemnity (printed copy). Download HERE. (You can also use the indemnity forms we have prepared at the race pack collection.)
Ultra 50kkm/70km Runners: You MUST pick up your race kit by yourself. You mustn't authorise a representative to collect it o your behalf.
10km Runners under 16 years old: Parents/guardians must sign the consent form on race pack collection. Download HERE. Race entrants under 16 must run along with the guardian.
*FOR RUN-ONLY 10-25KM RUNNERS ONLY: Authorized collection / To pick up the race kit for someone else: You may authorise a representative to collect it on your behalf. Your representative must present following documents during race pack collection:
- Bib number (informed by email and also available at participant list 1 week prior to the race date);
- Your ID/passport (original / printed / digital copy);
- The representative’s ID/passport (original / printed / digital copy);
- Your signed indemnity (printed copy – absolutely NO EXCEPTIONS). Download HERE;
- Letter of authorisation (printed copy – absolutely NO EXCEPTIONS). Download HERE. (You have to prepare this letter in advance. We DO NOT provide printed copies at the race pack collection.)
Top 3 VUM Runners will have mandatory kit inspections.
Other kit inspections are carried out at random, including at the start line.
Lack of mandatory kit will result in disqualification (DSQ) or time penalty.
Refusal of kit check = DSQ
Please note we disqualified runners at every event in the past year for lacking kit. Be prepared and carry what you need.
Mandatory kit list is subject to change closer to the race date.
Race Bibs
You must race with your own race bib. If you run with another person’s bib and you have not formally transferred that bib with the organiser, you will be disqualified and the organiser is not responsible for you on the course.
If you run with another person’s bib you endanger yourself and others as the organiser will not have your medical records, or your emergency contact.
In this mountain area, the weather can suddenly turn wet and colder, so you must prepare adequate clothing for all conditions, including sunblock, headwear, as well as warm clothing.
Everyone participating in Vietnam Ultra Marathon must fill out our indemnity form and submit it at the race kit collection.
70km & 50km
IMPORTANT: Please note:
- 70k & 50k Disqualification (DSQ) will result from a lack of: Means of carrying kit (e.g. race pack / belt); 1lt Water Carrying Capacity; Phone; Waterproof Jacket; Headlamp
- 70k & 50k 30-minute Time Penalty will result from lack of: Any other mandatory kit item listed below
MANDATORY KIT
- Means of carrying all kit (e.g. race pack / belt) (Lack of this = DSQ)
- 1.0L liquid carrying capacity (Lack of this = DSQ)
- Strong headlamp (Lack of this = DSQ)
- Waterproof jacket, with hood, sufficient to keep you dry in case of heavy rain (e not a windproof-only jacket; not cheap, thin poncho) (Lack of this = DSQ)
- Headwear (hat / cap / buff) (30 minute Penalty)
- Whistle (30 minute Penalty)
- Mobile phone (with battery for the full event) (Lack of this = DSQ)
- Basic first aid kit (30 minute Penalty)
RECOMMENDED KIT
- Long trousers / leggings
- Gloves
- Sunblock
- Sunglasses
- GPS watch with GPX track loaded
- Poles (very helpful for most runners)
- Cash for buying food and drinks along the course
- Anti chafing cream
- Tape / blister plasters
- Battery pack to charge phone if needed (IMPORTANT: a phone with remaining battery power is mandatory; no battery power in your phone = disqualification. If you doubt your phone can last until the end, bring a battery pack)
- Survival blanket / Emergency blanket / Space blanket
25km
IMPORTANT: Please note:
- 25k Disqualification (DSQ) will result from a lack of: Means of carrying kit (e.g. race pack / belt); 1lt Water Carrying Capacity; Phone; Waterproof Jacket; Headlamp (after 6pm)
- 25k 30-minute Time Penalty will result from lack of: Any other mandatory kit item listed below
MANDATORY KIT
- Means of carrying all kit (e.g. race pack / belt ) (Lack of this = DSQ)
- 1.0L liquid carrying capacity (Lack of this = DSQ)
- Strong head lamp if on course after 6pm (you will be checked) (Lack of this = DSQ)
- Waterproof jacket, with hood, sufficient to keep you dry in case of heavy rain (i.e not a windproof-only jacket; not cheap, thin poncho) (Lack of this = DSQ)
- Headwear (hat / cap / buff) (30 minute Penalty)
- Whistle (30 minute Penalty)
- Mobile phone (with battery for the full event) (Lack of this = DSQ)
RECOMMENDED KIT
- Long trousers / leggings
- Gloves
- Sunblock
- Sunglasses
- GPS watch with GPX track loaded
- Poles (very helpful for most runners)
- Cash for buying food and drinks along the course
- Anti chafing cream
- Tape / blister plasters
- Battery pack to charge phone if needed (IMPORTANT: a phone with remaining battery power is mandatory; no battery power in your phone = disqualification. If you doubt your phone can last until the end, bring a battery pack)
- Survival blanket / Emergency blanket / Space blanket
- Basic first aid kit
10km
IMPORTANT: Please note:
- 10k Disqualification (DSQ) will result from a lack of: 0.5lt Water Carrying Capacity; Phone; Headlamp (after 6pm)
MANDATORY KIT
- 0.5L liquid carrying capacity (Lack of this = DSQ)
- Strong headlamp if on course after 6pm (you will be checked) (Lack of this = DSQ)
- Mobile phone (with battery for the full event) (Lack of this = DSQ)
RECOMMENDED KIT
- Waterproof jacket, with hood, sufficient to keep you dry in case of heavy rain (i.e not a windproof-only jacket; not cheap, thin poncho)
- Headwear (hat / cap / buff)
- Long trousers / leggings
- Gloves
- Sunblock
- Sunglasses
- GPS watch with GPX track loaded
- Poles (very helpful for almost runners)
- Cash for buying food and drinks along the course
- Anti chafing cream
- Tape / blister plasters
- Battery pack to charge phone if needed (IMPORTANT: a phone with remaining battery power is mandatory; no battery power in your phone = disqualification. If you doubt your phone can last until the end, bring a battery pack)
- Survival blanket / Emergency blanket / Space blanket
- Basic first aid kit
1. How many distances are there in this race? Are they organized on the same day?
A: There are 4 race distances: 10km, 25km, 50km and 70km. All are held on Saturday, 23-03-2024.
2. When can I get the GPX (GPS) file?
A: This is sent 1 week prior to the race.
3. How can I register?
A: You can register online here or email us at info@vietnamultramarathon.com for offline/group registration, payment by direct bank transfer.
4. I do not use credit card. How could I register and settle the payment?
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@vietnamultramarathon.com for further support.
5. Can I use my nickname to race? Do I need to bring my passport to collect the race bib?
A: No, you cannot use a nickname. By entering this event you agree that you have entered in your own name and are required to bring photographic ID or passport with signed Indemnity Form when you come to collect the race kit.
6. Can I get the certificate of achievement after finishing the race?
A: There is no paper certificate of achievement but we give a medal to every finisher. An e-certificate will be available for download after the race. Besides, the results are updated on our website, https://itra.run/ and https://utmb.world/.
7. After the registration is confirmed, if I cannot join anymore, can I give my race spot to someone else?
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 profile 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 package to another person, kindly email us at info@vietnamultramarathon.com for further assistance. The deadline to transfer the package is 30 days prior to the race date.
8. Once I’m registered, can I switch races/distances?
A: You can change race distances after having already registered by sending your request to info@vietnamultramarathon.com. To change distances a $20 (VND 450,000) 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 distance changes within 1 month (30 days) to the race date or when sold out.
9. What is the cancellation/refund policy for the event?
A: You can find the cancellation/refund policy in Terms and Conditions above.
10. Can I defer my entry to the next year?
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 Terms and Conditions above.
11. Can I change the T-shirt size after signing up?
A: Yes, totally. Kindly check the size chart HERE and and update the new size via the dedicated profile link sent together in your “Confirmation of Your Registration” email. Deadline is 45 days prior to the race date.
12. My friends/family want to come with me to the race. Do you provide arrangement for them?
A: Yes, kindly check the 3-day package for supporters in Package Program above. We do not provide transport for those not on our supporter programs.
13. When is the deadline for registration for VUM?
A: The registration is scheduled to close 1 month (30 days) before race date or when the quota for registration is full.
14. Do I need any certificate of achievement or qualifying time to register for the race?
A: To make sure the runners have enough running experience and training to finish the race safely, below requirements must be met:
10km: Entrants must be at least 10 years old on race day.
25km, 50km: Open for all runners above 18 years old.
70km: Open for very experienced runners above 18 years old. To run VUM 70km, you must have previously completed at least 1 official TRAIL race of 40k+. Please provide the link to your official qualifying result in your booking form. You can also send us your qualifying result no later than 30 days prior to the race day. Please note, if you do not have a qualifying result, you will not be able to race and the refund terms stand.
15. Where could I get the details for the race program?
A: Details for race programs are at Run-only program and Package program sections above.
16. How do I receive my race kit and bib in Hanoi and Mai Chau?
A: Please see details to race pack collection above.
17. Can someone else pick up my race pack?
A: Yes and only for the run-only runners. Please see details to race pack collection above.
18. What is the mandatory equipment?
A: You can find the information of mandatory equipment above.
19. What kind of shoes/clothes should I bring during the race?
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 jungle can be very hot, or cool and wet, so you need to be prepared!
20. Is there cut-off time for each checkpoint?
A: Yes, we have cut off times at checkpoints. Details are available at each distance section above.
21. How fit and experienced do I need to be?
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 50km or 70km. Make sure you are comfortable with good footwear and carry the right clothing to put on if it rains or turns chilly.
22. Is there a bus transfer to the start or back from the finishing area? What is the schedule for this?
A: We provide bus transfer for 50km runners from meeting point at Lac village to the start line. This is included in your race fee. Buses DO NOT wait for late runners.
Run-only 10km, 50km and 70km runners need to arrange the transfer to start line at Lac village themselves.
The finish line is in Lac village. From here, the runners are to arrange the transfer back to their accommodation themselves.
23. Is there any water station at starting point or at checkpoints along the race?
A: Yes, every checkpoint has water. You must prepare your own water bottles or camelbag. You should carry your own favourite electrolyte powder.
24. At checkpoints what food is provided?
A: For full info please refer to the checkpoint information table which is sent to runners prior to the race.
25. Can I put a drop bag at a checkpoint along the route?
A: No, you can only drop your bag at the start line and pick it up at the finish line.
26. Do you provide energy gel/bars at the race?
A: No, but we have other nutrition - please refer to the checkpoint information table sent to runners pre-race.
27. How is the weather in Mai Chau in March?
A: March is the end of spring time in Mai Chau with comfortable weather of average temperature 18-27°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.
Kindly see the mandatory kit above for your preparation.
28. If I do not book your package, how could I get to Mai Chau from Hanoi?
A: Mai Chau is easy to reach from Hanoi. Please see “Getting there and where to stay” section above for details.
29. My friend is running but I am not. Can I access the course to support and cheer him/her on?
A: You may access the course, but there is no provision provided for this.
Note the race rules: you may not run along the course with a runner to assist.
30. I have booked the package but my flight arrives at noon and I cannot make it to the meeting point on time for the departure to Mai Chau. What’s the alternative?
A: You could register for a late departure bus at $15 (VND 350,000)/person, departing at 13:30 on departure date. You will get picked up at the airport and your bib will be handed out on the bus.
31. Can you issue red invoice (VAT) for the runner's payment?
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@vietnamultramarathon.com. No red issue for late requests. The invoice is for the race’s month and emailed to you within the same month.
32. I already registered for the race entry and want to add the package. How do I do that?
A. Please email us at info@vietnamultramarathon.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.
33. I have an FOC entry voucher for the race. How do I register with that?
A. Please send a photo of your voucher to info@vietnamultramarathon.com to register.
We partner with a range of brands at VUM. If you would like to learn how your brand can work with us, please get in touch! We have opportunities ranging from having a booth at expo, to title sponsorship of the race.