Races
Vietnam Mountain Marathon
Vietnam, September. 100 mi on 75% trail. +29,308 ft of climbing. 44 hours cutoff.
- Start236 ft
- High1,377 ft
- Low236 ft
- Finish1,056 ft
- Vietnam at mile 0.0
- Vietnam Mountain Marathon mile 20 at mile 20, cutoff 8.8 hours
- Vietnam Mountain Marathon mile 40 at mile 40, cutoff 17.6 hours
- Vietnam Mountain Marathon mile 60 at mile 60, cutoff 26.4 hours
- Vietnam Mountain Marathon mile 80 at mile 80, cutoff 35.2 hours
- Finish Vietnam at mile 100, cutoff 44 hours
Geometrycourse math
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. Surfaces skew 75% trail / 20% dirt road / 5% paved. Humid climbs, ridge exposure, and aid gaps in remote terrain. High point near 1,391 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 the 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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