Ultra ASIA Race Vietnam 2027 - 160K Stage Ultra

The Ultra ASIA Race 2027 is a four-day, self-supported stage ultra through the mountains of north-west Vietnam. Run by Canal Aventure / The Track Organisation, it links trails, rice-growing valleys and Muong villages in the Mai Châu region near the Laos border. Rather than sleeping at conventional race hotels between stages, participants stay with local families in traditional stilt houses, making the journey as much a cultural experience as an endurance challenge.

The 2027 challenge

Competitors cover 160 km in four stages with about 6,500 m of ascent and 7,500 m of descent. The official course schedule is:

• Monday 8 March: 31 km, 1,000 m ascent and 2,000 m descent; 10-hour limit.
• Tuesday 9 March: 49 km, 2,100 m ascent and 1,900 m descent; 10-hour limit, plus an intermediate checkpoint cut-off.
• Wednesday 10 March: 31 km, 1,900 m ascent and 1,400 m descent; 12-hour limit.
• Thursday 11 March: 49 km, 1,500 m ascent and 2,200 m descent; 10-hour limit.

The race is food self-sufficient: runners must carry their required personal kit and sufficient nutrition for four days (at least 8,000 kcal in total), follow marked trails and the supplied course map, and refill their own water containers at checkpoints and overnight accommodation. Medical and technical support is available throughout the event. Entrants must be at least 18 and meet the organiser's medical and insurance requirements. The course is challenging, with steep climbs, technical terrain and the possibility of slippery ground in March.

Travel and event programme

• Saturday 6 March: Meet in Hanoi at Thien Thai Hotel for administrative, equipment and medical checks.
• Sunday 7 March: Organised transfer from Hanoi to Pà Cò and overnight homestay.
• Monday 8 to Thursday 11 March: Four racing stages, finishing in the Mai Châu area.
• Friday 12 March: Awards presentation and rest day.
• Saturday 13 March: Transfer back to Hanoi.

The current organiser registration information lists packages from €2,300, with places limited. The organiser requests an application form, passport copy, repatriation insurance and relevant medical documents; a deposit secures an accepted entry. Participants must confirm the applicable package and inclusions directly before paying.

The race covers 160 km over four stages. The organiser will confirm the first stage's exact start time. The map marks the Pà Cò locality.