Vietnam Jungle Marathon opens registration for 25 May
VJM may be the sister event of the classic Vietnam Mountain Marathon that just took place again in Sapa, but insiders and those who have done it know that Vietnam Jungle Marathon can more than put its foot next to VMM. The Trails of Po Luong feature astonishingly beautiful scenery over a main race distance of 70 km. The 3rd edition of the event organised by Topas Travel is scheduled for 25 May 2019 and will be one of few points races in the Asia Trail Master Championship series that month. May is the Holy Month in several Southeast Asian countries, but if you are keen on a solid trail exercise, VJM is just what you want.
Pu Luong Nature Reserve near Mai Chau lies around 140km south west of Hanoi. It is an area where time stands still. Pu Luong is home to ancient jungle, soaring limestone peaks, vibrant rice paddy fields and small villages where life goes on as it has for generations.
Many of these remote villages are still connected by dirt trails and singletrack with plenty of challenging climbing to conquer in between. You will share the route with buffaloes and people from the minority communities, although some of the more remote sections you are not likely to see anybody on race day except another runner. Many of the villages here see little or no tourism, meaning this race is an opportunity to discover truly untouched Vietnam.
The 70 km is the race that matters for the ATM Championship and it has 3100 metres of elevation gain to be conquered in 18 hours. If that is too big an ask, you can also opt for the 42km or 25 km.
Registration is open now via the event website:
