
Vietnam Mountain Marathon 2025: Trail Run Gear Checklist By Distance
- Vietnam Mountain Marathon 2025: Trail Run Gear Checklist by Distance
- 1 – Vietnam Mountain Marathon 2025 – International Standard, Limit-Challenging
- 2 – Trail Run Gear Checklist for Each Distance
- 2.1 – General Notes
- a. Mandatory Gear
- b. Recommended Gear
- 2.2 – 10KM: Trail Running Entry Level – Don’t Underestimate Your Gear
- 2.3 – 21KM: The Balance Between Endurance & Strategy
- 2.4 – 50KM: First Ultra Trail Milestone
- 2.4 – 70KM: Test of Endurance and Mental Strength
- 2.5 – 100KM: Ultimate Ultra Trail Challenge
- 3 – Columbia Accompanies You at VMM 2025
- 4 – The Finish Line Is Not the Only Destination
Vietnam Mountain Marathon 2025 is Vietnam’s largest trail running event, where thousands of athletes conquer distances from 10km to 100km across the rugged mountains of Sa Pa. To reach the finish line – or even just the start line – you must be fully equipped with the required gear.
In this article, Supersports will provide a complete checklist of mandatory items along with recommended gear combos for each race distance.
1 - Vietnam Mountain Marathon 2025 – World-Class, Pushing Human Limits
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.
2 - Trail Running Gear Checklist by Distance
2.1 - General Notes
a. Mandatory Gear
Before diving into each distance, make sure you understand the general requirements set by the VMM organizers:
- The top 3 finishers in each distance will have their mandatory gear fully checked.
- The organizers may conduct random gear checks at any time, including at the start line.
- Missing any mandatory item can lead to disqualification (DSQ).
- Refusing a gear check will be treated the same as missing equipment – resulting in removal from the official results.
b. Recommended Gear
- Not compulsory, but highly recommended, especially for long distances and unpredictable weather conditions.
- Carrying full gear not only keeps you safer but also increases your chances of finishing strong while avoiding exhaustion or injuries.
2.2 – 10KM Distance: Trail Entry, Don’t Underestimate the Gear
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
Mandatory Gear | Recommended Gear |
---|---|
Official bib number | Long pants / leggings (sports tights) |
Gear pack capable of carrying all mandatory items | Gloves |
Hydration pack/bottle with at least 1L capacity | Sunscreen |
Headlamp with sufficient brightness (1) | Sunglasses |
Waterproof jacket with hood (2) | GPS watch with loaded GPX route |
Mobile phone (fully charged for the entire race) | Trail running poles |
Emergency blanket | Cash |
Nutrition (3) | Anti-chafing cream |
Cap / Buff | Sports tape / blister prevention tape |
Whistle | Power bank |
- | Basic first aid kit |
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.
2.3 – 21KM: The Pivot Between Endurance & Strategy
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
Mandatory Items | Recommended Items |
---|---|
Race bib in your name | Long pants / leggings (compression or athletic) |
Carry system able to hold all mandatory items | Gloves |
Pack / bottle able to carry at least 1L of water | Sunscreen |
Headlamp with sufficient brightness (1) | Sunglasses |
Waterproof jacket with hood (2) | GPS watch with GPX route loaded |
Mobile phone (charged for the entire race) | Trail poles |
Emergency blanket | Cash |
Nutrition (3) | Anti-chafe cream |
Hat / multifunctional neck tube | Sports tape / blister plasters |
Whistle | Phone power bank |
- | Basic first aid kit |
Notes
- (1) A headlamp is required if you will pass CP M3 at 12:00 noon or later (as you may still be on the course after dark) → For the 21km, carrying a headlamp may be necessary depending on your start time or the weather forecast.
- (2) The waterproof jacket should be a proper technical one with a hood, not a basic nylon raincoat or cheap poncho. → Mountain weather is often unpredictable, so a jacket with real water & wind resistance is highly recommended.
- (3) You should carry at least 200 calories of energy in case of fatigue mid-race. → Energy gels, bars, or dried fruit are compact and effective options.
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.
2.4 – 50KM Distance: The First Ultra Trail Milestone
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
Mandatory Gear | Recommended Gear |
---|---|
Official race bib | Long pants / leggings (compression tights) |
Pack or gear capable of carrying all mandatory items | Gloves |
Bag/bottle able to carry at least 1L of water | Sunscreen |
Sufficiently bright headlamp (1) | Sunglasses |
Waterproof jacket with hood (2) | GPS watch with GPX route loaded |
Spare long-sleeve top (3) | Trail running poles |
Mobile phone (battery sufficient for full race duration) | Cash |
Emergency foil blanket | Anti-chafing cream |
Nutrition (4) | Sports tape / blister prevention tape |
Cap / multifunctional buff | Power bank for phone |
Whistle | Basic first aid kit |
- | Additional 1L water reserve |
Notes
- (1) A headlamp is required if you will pass CP M3 after 12:00 noon – very likely at this distance.
- (2) A high-quality waterproof jacket with hood is mandatory, providing wind and rain protection (do not use nylon raincoats or ponchos).
- (3) A spare long-sleeve top is required for warmth in case of temperature drops, rain, or running at night.
- (4) You must carry at least 200 calories of nutrition (quick energy such as gels, energy bars, gummies...).
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.
2.4 – 70KM Distance: A Test of Endurance and Resilience
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
Mandatory Gear | Recommended Gear |
---|---|
Official race bib | Long pants / leggings (sports tights) |
Pack capable of carrying all mandatory items | Gloves |
Hydration system/bottle with at least 1L capacity | Sunscreen |
Headlamp with sufficient brightness (1) | Sunglasses |
Waterproof jacket with hood (2) | GPS watch with course GPX loaded |
Spare long-sleeve top (3) | Trail running poles |
Mobile phone (with enough battery for the entire run) | Cash |
Emergency blanket | Anti-chafing cream |
Nutrition (4) | Sports tape / blister prevention tape |
Cap / multifunctional headwear | Power bank for phone |
Whistle | Extra 1L water reserve |
Basic first aid kit | - |
Notes:
- (1) Extremely important as many runners will be out overnight. The headlamp must be bright enough, and spare batteries are recommended.
- (2) A specialized waterproof & windproof jacket with a hood is mandatory. Cheap raincoats are not allowed.
- (3) A long-sleeve thermal layer to keep warm at higher altitudes or at night. Mountain terrain often has low temperatures.
- (4) Carry at least 200 calories of nutrition (gels, energy bars, dried fruit…). It’s recommended to bring more than one portion in case of fatigue or being stuck between aid stations.
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.
2.5 – Distance 100KM: The Ultimate Ultra Trail
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
Mandatory Gear | Recommended Gear |
---|---|
Official race bib | Long pants / leggings (compression tights) |
Running backpack / hydration vest (not waist belts or shorts with pockets) | Gloves |
Bottle / bladder with ≥1L capacity | Sunscreen |
Headlamp with strong brightness | Sunglasses |
Spare batteries for headlamp (unless rechargeable) | GPS watch with GPX route |
Backup headlamp | Trail running poles |
Waterproof jacket with hood (1) | Cash |
Spare long-sleeve shirt (2) | Anti-chafing cream |
Mobile phone (battery must last for the entire race) | Sports tape / blister prevention tape |
Emergency blanket | Power bank for phone |
Nutrition (3) | Extra 1L water supply |
Cap / multifunctional headwear | - |
Whistle | - |
Basic first-aid kit | - |
Notes:
- (1) The waterproof jacket must be a specialized type, not a cheap raincoat, poncho, or non-waterproof windbreaker.
- (2) Three layers of clothing are required: base layer + long-sleeve warming layer + waterproof jacket.
- (3) Suggested intake: 200 calories of energy per running hour. The organizer may check at aid stations.
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.
3 - Columbia Accompanies You at VMM 2025
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.
4 – The Destination Is More Than the Finish Line
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!