This was announced at a press conference held in Ha Noi on July 29 by the Phap Luat Viet Nam (Viet Nam Law) Newspaper and the Lai Chau Provincial Department of Culture, Sports and Tourism.
Speaking at the press conference, Vu Hoai Nam, Editor-in-Chief of Viet Nam Law Newspaper, expressed pride that the newspaper was the first – and remains the only – press agency in the country to organise a mountain race of such distinctive character, dedicated specifically to media professionals.
Over its first two seasons, the race has helped to project a positive image of the people and land of the Northwest, whilst inspiring adventure enthusiasts to conquer peaks along the Hoang Lien Son mountain range. Consequently, many mountain villages have welcomed more visitors, local tourism has flourished, and the livelihoods of residents have gradually improved.
For the 2026 edition, the organisers have chosen the ancient Pavi stone road in Lai Chau Province as the principal race route. This is considered one of the most unique ancient stone roads in northern mountainous Viet Nam, rich in historical significance and preserved in a relatively intact state.
Constructed in the early 20th century to connect Lai Chau with Sa Pa, the Pavi stone road is not only historically important but is also regarded as a valuable cultural and landscape asset of Lai Chau Province.
According to Tran Van Cong, Deputy Director of Lai Chau Province’s Department of Culture, Sports and Tourism, contestants will also have the chance to experience the natural beauty and traditional cultural life of Mong, Dao, Ha Nhi, and other ethnic minority communities living along the race route.
A highlight of this year’s edition is that, for the first time, the organisers have broadened eligibility by issuing race BIBs to amateur athletes nationwide.
The race will accommodate a maximum of 500 athletes, including 100 journalists and reporters and 400 amateur runners. Eligible participants are Vietnamese citizens aged between 16 and 60 who meet the health requirements stipulated in the regulations.
This expansion of participation not only provides more opportunities for the sports-loving community to take part, but also serves to strongly promote the image of the ancient Pavi stone road in particular and Lai Chau Province in general to a wider audience.
The organisers hope that each athlete will act as an “ambassador”, spreading positive values about the nature, culture, and people of Lai Chau through their stories, photographs, and first-hand experiences on media platforms, social networks, and within the sports community.
The race comprises three distances: 5 km for those living, studying, and working in Lai Chau; 11 km for delegations, organisations, and individuals nationwide; and 22 km reserved for journalists, reporters, and amateur athletes, divided into three age groups: 16–35, 36–45, and 46–60.
Registration runs until September 20, 2026, or until 500 athletes have successfully registered.
