UTMB World Series welcomes Vietnam Highlands Trail by UTMB to its 2027 calendar
A new UTMB World Series adventure is set to unfold in the Vietnamese highlands as Vietnam Highlands Trail by UTMB® debuts in Đà Lạt, Vietnam, from January 8–10, 2027.
Held under the patronage of the Vietnam People’s Public Security Sports Association and the Lam Dong Provincial People’s Committee, and co-organized by Nexus Sport Events, this new event marks the arrival of the UTMB World Series circuit in Vietnam with the ambition of becoming a benchmark trail running event in the region
A Vietnamese trail running community at the heart of a rapidly growing region
With trail running continuing to grow across Asia, Vietnam Highland Trail by UTMB offers runners a new opportunity to live the UTMB® World Series experience in one of the country’s most iconic trail destinations. Today, more than 290,000 Asian runners hold a valid UTMB Index, including 22,000 in Vietnam (6th Asian country), while 3,000 Vietnamese runners already have a myUTMB account, highlighting the rapid development of the sport across the region. The Vietnamese community also benefit from strong female participation, with women representing 38% of the runners. Among them is Hà Thị Hậu (VNM, UTMB Index 789), Vietnam’s leading elite trail runner and currently the athlete with the highest UTMB Index in the country, across both men and women.
“The first time I participated in the UTMB Finals, racing the CCC, I dreamed that one day Vietnam would have a race of its own in this prestigious series. And I know that dream was never mine alone, it was also the dream of countless Vietnamese runners. Today, seeing it become reality is a feeling I simply cannot put into words. I hope Vietnam Highlands Trail by UTMB will inspire Vietnamese runners to reach higher, bring world-class elite athletes to our country, and spread the beauty of Vietnam’s nature to the world. This is an important milestone for the Vietnamese trail running community. It gives our local runners the chance to experience world-class standards right here at home, and it gives all of us the motivation to keep building this community, together", said Hà Thị Hậu (VNM, UTMB Index 789)
A historical land of convergence
Beyond the trails and the mountains, the Highlands reveal a land shaped by centuries of cultural and natural convergence. On one hand, the region brings together long-established indigenous communities, generations of settlers from across Vietnam, and French-inspired architecture, creating a unique cultural identity. On the other hand, the landscape itself reflects this convergence, from dense tropical forests in the lowlands to the cool mountain climate above, where nature transforms with altitude. Hidden within these forests lies a preserved and authentic natural heritage, rare and elusive, emblematic of the Highlands.
Vietnam’s most iconic peaks
With five races on offer, 100K, 50K, 20K, 10K and 5K, Vietnam Highlands Trail by UTMB® is the first trail running event in Đà Lạt to connect runners across four of the region’s most iconic peaks, Langbiang, Bidoup, Pinhatt and Elephant Mountain. Each peak offering its own distinct terrain, ecological layer and landscapes. From the panoramic alpine landscapes of Langbiang and the untouched primary forests of Bidoup, to the ridgelines overlooking Tuyen Lam Lake at Pinhatt and the denser, more technical trails of Elephant Mountain, the courses take runners through a diverse and immersive journey across the Vietnamese Highlands.
“Bringing UTMB to Vietnam is more than launching a race — it is opening Vietnam to the global trail running community and bringing world-class standards closer to Vietnamese runners. We believe Vietnam Highlands Trail by UTMB will become a place where athletes not only challenge themselves, but also discover the beauty, culture and spirit of Vietnam”, said Mr.Nguyen Tu Anh- Chairman of Nexus Sport Event.
Florian Lamblin, Executive Director, UTMB International said: “Bringing the UTMB World Series to Vietnam for the first time is above all a human adventure built with local communities. We are deeply grateful for their trust and support. Through Vietnam Highlands Trail by UTMB, we hope to shine a light on the cultural richness, landscapes, and spirit of Đà Lạt and the Central Highlands, while creating meaningful connections between runners, nature, and the people who live here.”
Priority registration for UTMB Index holders will open on June 2nd, and general registration beginning on June 4th on the official website: https://vietnamhighlands.utmb.world/ .
