The official race, scheduled for October 31 to November 2, 2025, will be organized by Vietrace365 Joint Stock Company in cooperation with Gia Lai provincial authorities.
Around 2,500 participants are expected to compete across four distances: 5km, 10km, 21km, and 42km.
The course, valued at an estimated 3.5 billion VND (about USD 140,000) in total organization and logistics, takes runners through Biển Hồ, the centuries-old pine avenue, Bửu Minh Pagoda, Tân Sơn Dam, Ngô Sơn fields, and the iconic Chư Đăng Ya volcano, ranked among the world’s ten most beautiful volcanoes. A new addition this year, Chư Nâm Mountain, promises to make the race more dramatic and technically demanding.
At nearly 1,000 meters above sea level, the summit of Chư Đăng Ya greets runners with lingering morning mist and vast stretches of grass that rise to head height. Despite the early start at 3:30 a.m. and challenging conditions after recent rains, participants described the experience as both demanding and unforgettable.
Trail runner Trần Thái Bình, who completed the 42km distance in six hours, said the new section across two-thirds of Chư Nâm Mountain made the race “more exciting and full of surprises.”
Meanwhile, participant Nguyễn Hồng Nhung noted that this year’s course is “tougher but more beautiful,” offering a mix of steep trail segments, muddy paths, and cool pine forests that reflect the Central Highlands’ rugged charm.
Organizers say the Gia Lai City Trail 2025 aims to promote a spirit of sport intertwined with nature, local culture, and tourism during the region’s most picturesque season.
