Races
Vietnam Mountain Marathon
Vietnam, September. 100 mi on 75% trail. +19,108 ft of climbing. 44 hours cutoff.
- Start236 ft
- High1,366 ft
- Low236 ft
- Finish1,037 ft
Geometryderived
The cruxHumid climbs, ridge exposure, and aid gaps in remote terrain (near mile 65)
Course DNA
The Course
Vietnam Mountain Marathon runs 100 mi through Vietnam. +19,108 ft gain and -18,308 ft loss. Surfaces skew 75% trail / 20% dirt road / 5% paved. Humid climbs, ridge exposure, and aid gaps in remote terrain. High point near 1,366 ft. Low near 236 ft. September temps run 50°F to 85°F. The course rewards patience early and punishes rushed descents after mile 50.
The Work
Train for 19,108 feet of climbing across 100 mi. Back-to-back long runs on trail. Practice power-hiking grades above 15 percent. 44 hours total means limited margin: rehearse fueling every 45 to 60 minutes and downhill eccentric work weekly. Technicality 5/10. Build a block that simulates the crux near mile 65.
Kit
September in Vietnam: plan for 50°F to 85°F. Mandatory shell if rain is in forecast. Headlamp with spare batteries if 44 hours pushes past dark. Poles help on sustained climbs above mile 25. Vest capacity for 2 liters minimum. Shoes matched to 75% trail: lugs for mud, rock plate if the course turns technical after mile 50.
Race Day
Hold effort through mile 25. The field often splits on the first big climb after mile 50. Humid climbs, ridge exposure, and aid gaps in remote terrain near mile 65 is where time is won or lost. Walk the steep pinches. Run the flats and gentle downhills. Crew at major aids: socks, calories, ice if hot. Transitions under 5 minutes when possible. Final third is 33 miles of fatigue management. Finish with reserve for the last descent.
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