Lao Cai (VNA) – Vietnamese runners dominated the Vietnam Mountain Marathon (VMM) 2025 in Sa Pa ward, Lao Cai province, which took place from September 19-21 with the participation of trail runners from 47 countries and territories.
This year marks VMM’s debut in the World Trail Majors, joining 11 other elite trail races worldwide.
The men’s 100km race witnessed fierce competition between Vietnam’s top runners and international challengers, including You Peiquan of China and Ryan Whelan of the UK.
Ngo Van Chinh of the Sa Pa Ethnic Running Club finished first with an impressive time of 13:00:10, setting a new course record. His compatriots Nguyen Si Hieu and Nguyen Trong Nhon secured second and third places, giving Vietnam a clean sweep of the men’s 100km podium.
In the women’s 100km, Wenfei Xie of China delivered a dominant performance, leading from start to finish. Xie, who placed third at the 165km Grand Raid Pyrenees (WTM 2025), held a total of 2,760 points, temporarily ranking third overall on the World Trail Majors leaderboard.
Vietnam’s Nguyen Thi Tra Giang impressed in her first attempt at the 100km distance, finishing second, followed by Daphne Linderme of France.
In the men’s 50km, Jianjian Yang of China’s Kailas FUGA team claimed the top spot, ahead of Vietnam’s Sung A Phu and Minchul Ko of the Republic of Korea. In the women’s category, China’s Fuzhao Xiang took the title, with her teammate Binbin Xiong in second. Vietnam’s Thai Thi Hong finished third, marking her first podium at a World Trail Majors event.
The men’s 70km title went to Vang A Tung of Vietnam, followed by Nguyen Tien Vo and Nguyen Duc Tuyen. In the women’s race, Luu Hong Van claimed victory, with Phuong Thi Hong Nhung and Nguyen Thi Ngoc Anh rounding out the top three, all showcasing resilience and impressive pace.
In the men’s 21km, Sung A Su edged out Ly A Song and Nguyen Xuan Tu in a thrilling sprint finish. On the women’s side, Phung Trang took first place, followed by Nguyen Thi Mai and Nguyen Thi Thanh Hong.
The men’s 10km was won by Ly A Bang, with Colombia’s Camilo Torres finishing second and Nguyen Ngoc Tan third. In the women’s race, the top three were Le Thi Minh Chung, Nguyen Thanh Le, and Tran Thi Diep.
The award and closing ceremony of VMM 2025 is scheduled to be organised on September 21 at Sa Pa Square./.
