[Race Story] 10K Vietnam Mountain Marathon: PHO to BANH XEO

Related story: Vietnam Mountain Marathon Awarding Ceremony From My Phone

I don’t think I can really call this post as “race story” because I did not really “race” during the 10K fun run. It was really more of sightseeing. But then, I really do not race in all my races.

So the original plan was to join the 21K category but it got sold out early. Vietnam Mountain Marathon is on their 5th year this time, and the race is already in that stage that it’s popular. I was kind of disappointed that we did not get into the 21K distance, but in the back of my mind, I was also happy because I was scared of the thought of being in the trails outside Philippines. And, the last trail run we joined was the 14K Pamutan Marathon which was really bloody (Read my Pamutan Marathon story here >>.) So if I was dying in the mountain of Cebu, how much more if I would be outside Philippines?

But surprise; it was a feel-good kind of 10K trail run in Sapa, Vietnam. So here are some random photos I took during the event.

But first, PHO!

The race venue was at the Sapa Square.

Spot the running couple in a hug =)

The first few KM was on a concrete road. It was ahhh-boring kind of feels.

Then we detour to a dirt road that would get us through rice terraces. And, every thing then became “oohhh the thrills!”

The first half of the route was basically downhill, as we’re going down a valley. The valley housed one of the many tribes of Sapa.

Aid station!

Do you notice that I’m still with a group of runners? For the first time, I was not so alone especially in a trail run. I’m so proud of myself!

The second half of the route was uphill, as this time we’re going up out of the valley.

When uphill struggle strikes, #selfie! =)

#relationshipgoals

Thank you, VMM! You’re so extra! =)

And getting a banh xeo for post-race food binge was such a cherry on top!

21K next year? =)

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Rose Buenconsejo. Fun run, trail, yarn, coffee crawler.