Back to the real jungle at Cuc Phuong!
One of the toughest ultra races on our ATM Championship calendar since last year is Cuc Phuong Jungle Paths 100 in Vietnam. Not necessarily because of high-altitude mountains, but because runners go deep into ancient rain forest to get a real “Indiana Jones” experience. It is one those 100km races that makes every finisher proud of himself. However, runners who are more into faster and runable trail courses also find their playground at the CPJP event with the 42 km race. Both the 100km and 42km offer ATM Championship points, and if you’re only looking to score a Grandmaster finish point, there’s also a 70k option.
Cuc Phuong Jungle Paths is scheduled for the first weekend of April and registrations are open. The event by Race Jungle is quite easily accessible from Hanoi as runners can book and take the event bus to the race venue inside the Cuc Phuong National Park. Participants with more time on their hands can also explore nearby Ninh Binh and other very popular tourist areas such as Tam Coc.
If you are choosing to tackle the 100km, you will need to be prepared and perhaps even more mentally than physically. Know that in the second part of the race on the long way back to the start/finish arena you will literally disappear off the map as there is zero connectivity inside the deep forest. Marshals and event staff are present as well, of course, yet be aware that you are expected to be able to handle yourself for a while in case of injury or other issues. Runners are expected to show fair play and help people in need, too. Given the high degree of technicality and adventure (never mind leeches!), participants should also take the mandatory gear list seriously.
Last season, Nguyen Si Hieu and Shindy Patricia were the toughest of the bunch in the inaugural 100k race through the National Park. Hisashi Kitamura and Christine Mitchell were the fastest runners on the 42km distance.
All information and details can be found on the website of Race Jungle, including on travel and accommodation packages. if not yet registered, please do so quickly.
For the 100km runners: the path to the deep old rainforest of Cuc Phuong National Park
