Vietnam Mountain Marathon 2025: Trail Run Gear Checklist By Distance

In this article, Supersports will provide a complete checklist of mandatory items along with recommended gear combos for each race distance.

Vietnam Mountain Marathon (VMM) is the largest trail race in Vietnam, held annually in Sa Pa since 2013. In 2024, VMM officially joined the World Trail Majors – standing alongside 12 of the world’s most prestigious trail races and becoming the first Southeast Asian representative on this global stage.

With its world-class organization, VMM attracts over 4,000 athletes from 50 countries every year. More than just a race, VMM is a journey through mountains and forests, into the night, across elevations – and beyond personal limits.

So, what should you prepare for each distance – from the entry-level 10km to the grueling overnight 100km?

Below is the essential gear checklist for each distance, along with optimized combos from Columbia to get you fully prepared for the trails ahead.

Before diving into each distance, make sure you understand the general requirements set by the VMM organizers:

The 10km distance at VMM 2025 takes you through Sin Chai village – an ideal route for beginners to get familiar with trail running, but by no means easy. The terrain mixes rice terraces, dirt slopes, rocky paths, and constantly changing Northwest weather, making the experience full of surprises. In particular, the initial uphill section and some slippery turns can quickly drain your energy if you’re careless.

This is the entry-level trail – where you’ll learn how to pace yourself, react to the terrain, maintain balance, and choose the right basic gear.

GEAR FOR 10KM DISTANCE

Even at the shortest distance, 10KM still features steep slopes and rugged terrain typical of trails – where a pair of trail running shoes with good cushioning and grip, along with a breathable T-shirt, cap, and sun-protection gloves will make a big difference. If you’re not sure where to start, Columbia suggests a few suitable gear options to help you step confidently into your first race.

The 21km distance at VMM 2025 marks the transition from a recreational run to a genuine challenge. This year’s route passes through Hau Thao and Lao Chai villages, featuring many long consecutive climbs, dry streams, rough dirt tracks and a small, damp forest.

Unlike the 10km, the 21km requires you to sustain endurance for several hours and to distribute your energy intelligently. You will also face rapidly changing weather conditions – cold mornings and harsh midday sun – and must manage your own hydration and nutrition to maintain steady performance.

GEAR FOR 21KM DISTANCE

Notes

With terrain that demands endurance and flexibility in temperature management, Columbia suggests a balanced gear setup for 21km – light enough for comfort yet solid enough to keep you from quitting halfway. Recommended items include trail running shoes with stable cushioning, lightweight long-sleeve sun-protection tops, a small hydration pack (5–8L), and trail gloves if the weather turns cold.

50km at VMM is not just long – it’s exceptionally long on challenging terrain. The course runs through Den Thang village, dense forests, high mountains, and extended rocky slopes. The total elevation gain exceeds 2,000m – equivalent to climbing from the foot of Fansipan to the summit… then descending, and climbing again.

Runners must start early in the morning, passing aid stations every 10–12km, and may be on the move for 9–14 hours depending on their ability. Managing nutrition, body temperature, hydration, minor injuries, and mental strength – all become survival skills at this distance.

GEAR FOR THE 50KM DISTANCE

Notes

For ultra distances like 50km, every piece of gear you carry must serve one purpose: endurance, lightness, and reliability for many hours. Essential items include: waterproof jacket, thermal top, trail shoes with strong grip, and a dedicated hydration backpack. Don’t forget a headlamp if you expect to finish after 10 hours.

The 70km distance at VMM 2025 is not for the masses. This is a journey through day and night – with a total cutoff time of nearly 20 hours and an elevation gain of around 3,000m. You’ll face remote forest trails, relentless rocky climbs, widely spaced water stations, and stretches of running alone in the darkness of the Northwest.

Beyond physical strength and experience, 70km is also a powerful psychological test. You’ll need to listen to your body, pace yourself, stay mentally sharp, and handle unexpected situations – from low blood sugar and twisted ankles to sudden rainstorms at 2 a.m.

GEAR FOR 70KM DISTANCE

Notes:

With a total time of up to 18 hours, the 70KM requires preparation like a true conquest. Essential gear includes a waterproof jacket, specialized thermal base layer, trail running poles, and a backpack of 15L or more. Columbia suggests a combo focused on stability, flexibility, and high durability – ideal for ultra-distance runs and night stages.

The 100km distance at VMM is the ultimate challenge – not just because of the distance, but because of how your body gets “worn down” with every kilometer. Starting at 4 AM, you’ll be running continuously across two different parts of the day, from the silent jungle at dawn to slippery trails when night falls.

The terrain constantly changes: steep climbs, mountain paths, rocky trails, and streams to cross… with a total elevation gain of over 4,000m. The cut-off time can reach up to 24 hours – meaning you must manage everything: pace, nutrition, mindset, and even the brightness of your headlamp at midnight.

Conquering 100km isn’t just about endurance – it’s about strategy, experience, and the ability to adapt in a state of exhaustion.

GEAR FOR 100KM DISTANCE

Notes:

With 100km, every mistake costs you hours of running – or even a DNF. You’ll need lightweight trail running shoes, stable, cushioned, and with strong grip; a premium waterproof jacket; headlamp with spare batteries; large hydration backpack; thermal gloves; and blister-proof socks. The right gear not only helps you finish but also preserves both your physical and mental strength.

As an outdoor brand from the U.S. with over 80 years of experience, Columbia has accompanied millions of people on their journeys of exploration – from weekend hikes to overnight trail races.

Columbia is also the choice of many top trail athletes worldwide, including Abelone Lyng – the Norwegian athlete who conquered UTMB®, and Ragna Debats – 2018 Trail World Championships champion, who trusted Columbia in some of the world’s toughest races.

At VMM 2025, Columbia will officially be present with a booth at the Expo area, bringing a wide range of gear solutions tailored to each distance – from the beginner-friendly 10km to the grueling 100km ultra. From trail shoes with strong grip, waterproof jackets with hoods meeting VMM standards, to small yet essential accessories like buffs, caps, and gloves…

With Columbia, you don’t have to be “elite” to be prepared like a professional athlete. Every distance is a challenge of its own – and deserves serious investment.

Each distance at VMM is a unique journey – where runners must learn to adapt to terrain, weather, and themselves. Some choose 10km to start, others take on 100km to complete a journey that began years earlier. Wherever you are on that path, what matters is that you’re ready to step out of your comfort zone.

The right gear won’t guarantee you’ll cross the line first, but it will help you go further, stay stronger, and enjoy every moment of the run.

See you in Sa Pa – where limits are left behind, and the journey proves you’re stronger than you think!