The event, co-organized by the Gia Lai Department of Culture, Sports and Tourism and VietRace365 Joint Stock Company, ran from October 31 to November 2, featuring four categories: 5 km, 10 km, 21 km, and 42 km.
Runners started and finished at Bien Ho commune, navigating some of the province’s most iconic landscapes between 3:00 a.m. and 1:00 p.m. on the final day.
Despite a light drizzle, participants maintained high spirits as they traversed landmarks such as Bien Ho Lake, the centuries-old pine forest, Buu Minh Pagoda, Chu Dang Ya volcano, Chu Nam mountain, Tan Son dam, and Ngo Son fields.
![cac-runner-vua-duoc-chay-vua-san-may-trong-tiet-troi-se-lanh-anh-hh.jpg](https://en-cdn.baogialai.com.vn/images/a7a16e2c4e8ded718caa3b95bd1e24cfc1f3ad2f122d08873bb1551b1660863c072b94616a5eed99fd4f54cf9a9afd8596aa560c3b052cc3061c0bae237d60acad751a9704739418ca396aea3523e289b4b5b6430b47558942dfc62f27567357c9e37e73b5fde9b4aa6a1b300b3d04ea/cac-runner-vua-duoc-chay-vua-san-may-trong-tiet-troi-se-lanh-anh-hh.jpg "Runners enjoyed "cloud hunting" as they ran in the cool mountain air of Gia Lai. Photo: Hoàng Hoài")
The course showcased Gia Lai’s lush natural scenery, green pine hills, golden wild sunflowers, and mist-covered mountains, offering both a challenge and a celebration of nature.
The race also featured “runner families” like that of Bùi Ngọc Quang from Ho Chi Minh City, who have joined since the inaugural event. “Here, we can run while immersing ourselves in nature and challenge ourselves on the true spirit of the Central Highlands,” Quang said.
Athletes dressed in colorful traditional costumes, creative cosplay, and áo dài added cultural flair to the race, while the sounds of gongs and cheers greeted finishers at the line.
Organizers introduced a new award structure, dividing the 21 km and 42 km categories into multiple age groups to boost competitiveness. Prizes were awarded to the top three male and female runners in each category and age group.
Lê Văn Dương, Chairman of VietRace365 and co-head of the organizing committee, said the event succeeded thanks to “strong local support and careful preparation,” helping promote Bien Ho - Chu Dang Ya volcano as a key destination in Gia Lai’s tourism development strategy.
Though the rain made trails slippery, runners said it enhanced the experience, cooling the air and making this third season of the event especially memorable.
The Gia Lai City Trail, which costs participants from 300,000 - 1,000,000 VND (about $12–40 USD) per entry, is fast becoming a signature event for sports tourism in Vietnam’s Central Highlands.
In the 42 km marathon, Nguyễn Thị Thu Thảo from Mang Yang Runner Club claimed first place in the women’s division with a time of 4:28:57, followed closely by Nguyễn Thị Duyên of Krông Pa Runner Club at 4:28:58. Both described the course as steep and demanding, particularly around Chu Nam mountain.
Hà Quang Thắng won the men’s 42 km event, while Trịnh Minh Tâm (Gia Lai Marathon Club) and Nguyễn Thị Ngọc Lan triumphed in the 21 km race with times of 1:13:19 and 1:33:09, respectively.
The 10 km race was also fiercely contested, with finishers separated by only a few minutes. Trần Minh Tú and Nguyễn Luyến were the first to cross the line; Lý Văn Thiểu and Bùi Thị Kiều My took second; and Y Glap Niê and Nguyễn Thị Phương Hiền finished third.
In the 5 km category, young runners impressed by completing the course in under 25 minutes. First place went to Nguyễn Hoàng Phi and Cao Thị Huyền Trang; second to Nguyễn Xuân Đạt and H Na; and third to Vũ Tuấn Thành and Phan Ngọc Anh Thư.
Additionally, the organizing committee awarded prizes to the top three male and female athletes in each age group.
Specifically, the 42 km category featured four age groups: under 30, 30–39, 40–49, and over 49. The 21 km category was divided into even more detailed groups: under 30, 30–34, 35–39, 40–44, 45–49, 50–54, 55–60, and over 60 years old.
