Event Detail
Gia Lai City Trail returns to Vietnam's Central Highlands for its fourth edition, 30 October to 1 November 2026. Branded Giấc Mơ Đại Ngàn (Dream of the Great Forest), the festival makes a major change for 2026: instead of the earlier city-trail concept, its routes head into mountainous terrain, pine forest, volcanic landscapes and steep forest tracks around Gia Lai. The programme offers five distinct courses, from an introductory 6 km to a demanding new 70 km ultra.
The course and setting
All distances start and finish at the entrance to Biển Hồ (T'Nung Lake), a volcanic crater lake north of Pleiku. The organiser describes increasingly technical routes across the highlands. The 12 km route introduces forest paths, stream crossings and climbs; 30 km takes runners over longer mountain slopes; the 50 km links three mountain challenges; and the flagship 70 km course is designed to cross eight mountains. Official event material names Chư Me, Chư Tưn Keo, Chư Krang, Tâu La, Lar, Chư Đăng Ya, Chư Nâm and Lơr in its longer-course description. Expect mixed trail surfaces and substantial climbing, rather than an urban road marathon.
Confirmed race programme
The event runs over three days. The 30 October expo is scheduled to distribute bibs for the 70 km, 50 km and 30 km events. On Saturday 31 October, the announced local flag-offs are 03:00 for 70 km, 04:00 for 50 km and 05:30 for 30 km; race-pack distribution for the shorter distances follows. On Sunday 1 November, the 12 km starts at 05:30 and the 6 km at 06:00. The long-distance race date is therefore 31 October, not 1 November, despite the Sunday being the main final day of the festival.
The published cut-offs are 19 hours (70 km), 15 hours (50 km), 8 hours (30 km), 3 hours 30 minutes (12 km) and 2 hours (6 km). The 50 km requires an officially recognised race completion of at least 21 km in the preceding 24 months; the 70 km requires at least 42 km in that period. Minimum ages vary by distance. These are important requirements to review before booking.
Entries and preparation
The event's registration partners list several pricing periods. Late-stage entry prices shown in October include VND 2,868,000 for 70 km, VND 2,268,000 for 50 km, VND 1,568,000 for 30 km, VND 848,000 for 12 km and VND 648,000 for 6 km; check the live checkout for remaining places and the final payable amount. The organisers and provincial authorities have publicised plans for approximately 3,500 domestic and international runners. Competitors should consult the official race guidance, updated route and mandatory-equipment instructions and allow extra travel time to the Biển Hồ venue during race weekend.