If last year’s edition showed anything it was that Cuc Phuong Jungle Paths near Ninh Binh in Vietnam is a trail event with two significantly different faces. On the one hand a borderline extreme 100km going deep into the old rainforest, and on the other hand a very runable and pleasant 42 km. No wonder the event attracts all kinds of trail runners to the oldest national park in Vietnam, 120km south of Hanoi. Also this weekend, runners score ATM Championship points in both the 100k and 42k races. Those only looking for a Grandmaster point can also opt for the 70km.

Plenty of runners hardly knew what happened a year ago. Cuc Phuong’s 100km has a total elevation gain of about 2600 hm, which is peanuts in Asian terms. The first half of the race until CP6 also reflected this. But not only is most of the elevation covered in the second half, those hills are also deep into the jungle of Cuc Phuong with continuously treacherous, slippery and dark single trails. Armies of leeches added even more to the flavour. Some runners felt it was more adventure than trail running and retired at the first logical opportunity to do so. Those who continued to the finish loved it and were truly excited about their achievement. Nguyen Si Hieu in the men’s and Shindy Patricia in the women’s were the greatest stars of the day. This year’s 100km is virtually a mirror copy. The difference is that runners have been warned and should be better prepared. Among the expected contenders for the race victory we have Nguyen Tien Vo, already 4th in VTM in January. In the women’s 100km, Thailand-based Tara Savage is no stranger to tough ultras and might be the one to look out for. Savage won UTCR 125 last year and was an ATM Finalist, too. At VTM earlier this season she finished 5th. Vietnam’s Vy le Phuong has the experience, too, to eye a strong result.

Nevertheless, ultra specialist Nguyen Si Hieu has decided the 42km is enough for this season. He will start as a race favourite in any case, with the likes of in-form Tu Do and Tomohiro Mizukoshi as other known contenders. Mizukoshi was also a survivor of the 100 last year, but the Japanese Grandmaster will find the 42km perfectly suited to his competitive ability. A year ago, Hisashi Kitamura took top honours. Can Mizukoshi step into his footsteps? Trinh Nam Phong was a strong local contender last season. Can he make it onto the podium this time? The women’s 42km will feature Loi Luong, winner of the Lam Dong Trail in Dalat last November and part of the Mude Sports Team, which also features Hau Ha and the aforementioned Tu Do. Loi Luong may find the path to victory obstructed by her own teammate Akane Nemoto, Japanese but based in Ho Chi Minh City. Nemoto was an ATM Finalist last year (6th) and particularly quick on a 42km distance. Phung Thi Trang was third last year and is back on the start list. Can she cause an upset?

ATM will be reporting live from Cuc Phuong with focus on the 42km and 100km race. Mobile connectivity is not guaranteed outside of start/finish, so we need to wait and see how much information comes through in real time.

Cuc Phuong: super tough 100 or runable 42?