Vietnam wins big at Vietnam Trail Marathon

January 09, 2023 | 11:27

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The Vietnam Trail Marathon took place in Moc Chau, with more than 3,500 runners racing up to 70km. It raised around $390,000 for good causes.

Moc Chau welcomed thousands of runners racing up to 70km on stunning trails in remote mountains and through minority villages and blossom-filled orchards. The money raised goes to local neo-natal care and poor households.

Vietnam wins big at Vietnam Trail Marathon

Established in 2019, Vietnam Trail Marathon has grown to become one of the largest mountain runs in the nation, with 3,500 runners taking part this year

The winner of the men’s 70km race was Manuel Aliprandi. He said, “It was very random for me to participate in Vietnam Trail Marathon (VTM) 2023. My girlfriend and I were having a holiday in Vietnam when we accidentally found the race. We then decided to reschedule the whole trip to take part. I do not regret this decision. The race was amazing. The scenery is beautiful and pristine. The locals are super friendly. All the staff at VTM made it better with their friendliness and helpful support”.

The female 70km champion was Vu Thi Lan Huong. She earned second place at both the VTM 2022 and VJM 2022 at 70km distance. VTM 2023 was her first win in the Vietnam Trail Series.

Huong said, “I am so happy. VTM 2023 is very meaningful to me as it is my first win at a VTS race. All routes had great scenery, and the markings were very clear, making all runners feel assured to complete the race with their best performance.”

VTM 2023 also created lovely memories and stories for the participants. One of them was the story of Nguyen Huu Tri, a popular Vietnamese YouTuber and runner.

Having participated in three sections of the Vietnam Trail Marathon, this year he returned to the 42km. After running for the first 11km, Tri got injured and could not wear his shoes anymore, so looked for a place to borrow flip-flops. Lucky for Tri, an 'auntie' on the way brought him the only pair in her house, even though he did not have any money on him.

Since it began, the race has brought more than 13,000 runners to experience the warm hospitality and stunning scenery of Moc Chau

Tri said, “I was so grateful for them that I kissed her on the cheeks. She was surprised because of my reaction and gave me a big smile. If she did not give me the flip-flops, I would have never been able to complete the race. They were the only pair in her house, and she gave them to me. This tells you a lot about the support of Moc Chau people for VTM. This story will stay with me forever.”

Nhan Phuc Vinh, an actor who has recently gained popularity in running. Vinh ran the 21km distance at VTM 2021, 70km at VJM 2022 and VTM 2023.

Vinh said, “Besides the ambitions for running like other runners, running is a way to raise funds for children via this organisation. I do not feel there is any reason not to run. Therefore, I participated in Vietnam Jungle Marathon in Pu Luong and then VTM. My running results have also started improving since I started running more. I will definitely return, and hopefully, make it a motivation for other runners to run for a good cause."