The race features 4-km and 11-km courses for both men and women, with more than 200 athletes registered for the shorter distance.
The event combines competitive running with cultural and tourism activities aimed at showcasing Pờ Yầu’s natural landscape and Bana cultural heritage.
The race begins on Provincial Road 666 and follows the route to Pờ Yầu village. The 4-km course takes runners along a winding concrete road with long uphill sections before finishing at Pờ Yầu Peak, 1,171 meters above sea level.
The 11-km course follows a longer route through Pờ Yầu village before ending at Pờ Yầu waterfall.
The hilly and winding terrain is expected to test runners’ endurance and ability to manage their energy. Participants will run beneath the shade of pristine forests and through the quiet surroundings of Pờ Yầu village.
To ensure safety, authorities will temporarily prohibit all vehicles except those on official duty from using sections of the race route because of narrow stretches and the large number of participants.
Each athlete will receive a bib equipped with an electronic timing chip, while seven water, nutrition and medical support stations have been established along the courses.
The event began with bib distribution on the afternoon of September 26, followed by a community night in Pờ Yầu village.
Athletes and visitors could watch gong performances, gather around a campfire and experience the village’s cultural atmosphere.
Nguyễn Thị Thu Thảo of Hra commune, who is taking part in the race for the third time, said she would compete in the 4-km event this year after winning the women’s 10-km category at the 2024 Pờ Yầu Peak race.
“Climbing slopes remains my strength”, she said, adding that she would aim to finish among the leading runners.
Pờ Yầu is a particularly disadvantaged village about 12 km east of the Lơ Pang commune center. It has 148 households and 623 residents, most of them from the Bana ethnic group, and retains many traditional cultural practices.
The race was organized in response to the National Tourism Year – Gia Lai 2026, combining sport with experiential tourism.
Organizers say the event offers athletes and visitors an opportunity to explore the mountain landscape, traditional culture and daily life of the Bana community.
Teo, Secretary of the Party Cell and head of Pờ Yầu village, said residents had cleaned village roads and event areas ahead of the race.
Gong and xoang dance groups were rehearsing, while local people were preparing traditional dishes and specialties for visitors.
“We hope the race will be held annually so that more people will know about Pờ Yầu”, he said.
Phạm Như Quỳnh, deputy head of the Culture and Society Office of Lơ Pang commune, said the race had attracted running-club members from Quảng Ngãi and Đắk Lắk provinces.
The participation of athletes from outside Gia Lai, she said, would increase competition while helping promote Pờ Yầu’s people, scenery and distinctive features.
Following the closing and awards ceremony at Pờ Yầu waterfall, the program will continue with gong performances, food and local specialty stalls, as well as guided tours and photo opportunities for visitors.
Local authorities aim to develop the Pờ Yầu Summit Conquest Race into an annual event, linking sports and physical activity with tourism development and promoting the people's health.