Arguably the world’s best ultra trail runner, 2018 Ultra Trail du Mont Blanc (UTMB) champion Francesca Canepa has confirmed she will join the Viet Nam Mountain Marathon (VMM) 2019.

Runners at the finish line of VMM at Topas Ecolodge, recently named the best place to stay if you care about the environment by National Geographic. — Topas Photo

Following her victory at UTMB – the world championship of trail running – the Italian runner will come to Viet Nam to test herself on the 100km VMM course.

Speaking on video from Italy to runners in Viet Nam, Canepa said: “I want to tell you I am very excited to have the opportunity to come to Viet Nam and to run with all of you.

“I talked about the route with David [Lloyd, director of sport for the race organiser, Topas] and I cannot wait to come and enjoy it with you. Wait for me because in September we will be together in Viet Nam!”

Lloyd said: “We are extremely proud to welcome Francesca to our race. Not only will she help to promote Viet Nam’s beautiful running to the world, she will share her experience with other runners both pre- and post- event.”

The VMM is one of the biggest ultra-running events in Asia and a landmark event on the Southeast Asia calendar.

From just a small handful of Vietnamese runners who took part in the first edition, the event has grown to include 3,400 runners from 54 nations last year.

(Source: VNS)