What training should I be doing to consider this?

For the 50km + you must be already consistently training 3-5+ times per week. For the 100km and 100 mile you must have also ran an ultra-marathon or a marathon. For the 42km and shorter races, you must be currently consistently training and comfortable with longer runs

What will accomodation be like?

We’ll be staying in comfortable hotels in both Hanoi and Sa Pa, located close to the town centres for easy access to restaurants, cafés, local attractions and race logistics. Each runner will have their own private room and bathroom, and a few different room options will be available. The hotels are comfortable, clean, and well located for race week.

Do you have a payment plan?

Absolutely! You can choose to pay your deposit and the remaining balance within 40 days of departure, or you opt for a 3-installment payment plan

Do I need prior trail racing experience?

No - but you must have a consistent running base that includes trail running. All applicants are reviewed to ensure the distance you choose is appropriate for your experience.

What happens during the 20-week coaching build

Structured weekly programming (running and strength & conditioning), technique feedback, private accountability and check-ins, & race-specific preparation leading into race week.

What is included in the price?

Accommodation in Sa Pa & Hanoi, transfers to and from Hanoi, transport within Sa Pa, breakfast, lunch & dinner for the entire week, activities, yoga, merchandise, your race entry & professional video & photos from our private videographer. Additional food & activities are not included, along with flights & insurance.

When should I arrive in Hanoi?

Please aim to arrive in Hanoi no later than 11am on the Tuesday, as we will be meeting at 1pm and leaving to Sa Pa at 1:30pm. Additionally, you can stay the night prior in Hanoi if it helps ease logistics

The Road to Sa Pa Starts now

Build towards the Vietnam Mountain Marathon alongside a dedicated crew.

One week you'll never forget.
One gruelling mountain test in an idyllic landscape.

This is not a typical tourist trip.
This is not a casual run club weekend.
This is a committed build towards one of Asia’s most demanding trail races — and a World Trail Major

You’ll come for the race — and leave with an experience you’ll remember forever

In September 2026, we head north to Sa Pa.

A small mountain town on the edge of the Hoàng Liên Son range.
Rice terraces. Sharp climbs. Narrow trails cutting through mist.

This isn’t a flat city marathon.

The Vietnam Mountain Marathon is a true trail test:

Long sustained climbs
Technical descents
Heat and humidity
Relentless elevation gain

The terrain demands respect.
And preparation.

You won’t just “turn up and run.”

You’ll earn it.

Race morning starts early.
The air is thick.
The mountains don’t care how strong you think you are.

That’s the point.

We don’t go to Sapa for comfort.

We go to see what we’re capable of.

Who this is for

This is for you if:

You consistently train 3–5 times per week and have a solid running base
You want a serious challenge
You're prepared for some discomfort
You care about performance and accomplishing something you can be proud of

This is NOT for you if:

You’re brand new to running
You want a relaxed holiday
You avoid hills

Far more than a destination race. This is a once in a lifetime experience

What's included:

5 nights private hotel accommodation in Sa Pa
1 nights private hotel accommodation in Hanoi
Transport to & from Hanoi
Optional 50% off Valiturus private coaching leading into the race
Monthly group calls leading into the race
Structured race-week schedule
Daily shakeout runs across the beautiful Sa Pa landscape
Daily yoga & meditation sessions led by a professional instructor
Experience the amazing Vietnamese culture and cuisine
Every meal provided
Race entry covered
Explore the beautiful Sa Pa
Multiple activities in Sa Pa
Strength & Conditioning workshop
Professional videographer with us for the entire trip
Valiturus merchandise

Timeline

Applications Open: Now
Training Block Begins: May 2026
Race: September 18-19 2026
Limited to 12 athletes

Itinerary

Day 1
Tuesday

Day 2
Wednesday

Day 3
Thursday

Day 4
Friday

Day 5
Saturday

Day 6
Sunday

Day 7
Monday

Sa Pa run
Breakfast
Trip to Fanispan (highest mountain in Vietnam)
Lunch
Strength & Conditioning session / workshop
Sunset Yoga & Meditation
Dinner

Hanoi Run for runners already in Hanoi
Group meet at 1pm
Depart to Sa Pa at 1:30pm
Late Lunch Pit stop at Local Village
Dinner

Sa Pa run
Breakfast
Village tour
Yoga & Meditation
Lunch
Race Expo
Sunset Yoga & Meditation
Spa/Massage
Dinner

100 mile race start
Sa Pa shakeout run for non 100 milers
Breakfast
Yoga & Meditation
Lunch
Activities depending on 100mile participation
Dinner

Breakfast
10km - 100km start
Group celebration at Topas Ecolodge finish as crew finishes
Dinner

Breakfast
Event Prize Ceremony
Depart to Hanoi
Lunch Pit stop at Local Village
Dinner
Hotel Stay in Hanoi

Hanoi Run
Breakfast
Group Farwells

**Optional additional activities available amongst itinerary

What is the investment for this trip?

Prices for our 7-day 6-night Sa Pa retreat are $1,800 USD per person.

**$400 USD deposit is required to reserve your place
**Payment in full is required 40 days prior to retreat start date

Led by Dylan Moxon

I love running. I love adventure.

This retreat brings those two things together in a really special way.

I’m genuinely excited to lead this trip and share the experience with a small group of runners.

What excites me most is the community we’ll build — not just during race week, but in the six month build leading up to it.

In the short video below, I’ll explain exactly how the retreat works and what the experience will look like.

This may be our first retreat — but we've spent the past 6 years helping runners improve

Here's what some runners who've trained with Valiturus have to say:

Joe Ardagh

"Before I met Dylan I had been running for a few years, with no real direction. I had lost a bit of weight and gotten a bit faster and fitter but hit a plateau. Since being with Valiturus, I demolished my goal of a 3hr 30min marathon, and have since gone on to run under 3hrs at Hawkes Bay. Dylan's process is very detailed, and he will explain all the reasoning for why he is training you in a particular manner, and how he expects it to benefit you. His comprehensive understanding of biomechanics and strength and conditioning means all the effort you put in as an athlete has an extremely high rate of benefit"

Ryan Dixon

"I can't speak highly enough of Valiturus Conditioning and Coach Dylan. Although I was already an avid runner prior to starting with Dylan. I had begun to plateau and training had become stale. Since starting with Dylan my enjoyment and running ability have increased exponentially. The combination of running-specific gym training, group running, diverse workouts, and expert feedback has helped me set PBs in everything from the 10km to marathon in less than a year"

Chris Rowe

"I can thoroughly recommend working with Dylan at Valiturus. I approached him last year with the goal of setting a PB in my half marathon time. He took the time to work around my shift work schedule and built a plan to get me where I needed to be. The training was manageable but pushed me. The strength training was a vital element in seeing myself improve. I also have a lng-term issue with a bulging disc, and Dylan helped me work around this. After 12 weeks with Valiturus, I achieved a 10-minute personal best in my half marathon time"

Petrea Ardagh

"Dylan has been helping me with my running since I was a complete beginner, recently postpartum after my second baby. He patiently helped me build an amazing foundation of fitness and strength, completely without judgment. Despite being at the start of my journey, Dylan has never made me feel like any less of an "athlete," and has been just as supportive and invested as if I were one of his elite runners. I've gone from being unable to run 2.5km continuously to just about to embark on my second half marathon, with my sights set on a full next year. Dylan tailored my program to me and has been invaluable in my return to fitness and making me feel strong and capable. If you're starting out I couldn't recommend Dylan highly enough!! Worth his weight in gold!"

Only 12 spots available - limited capacity

Apply now and secure your place for Sa Pa 2026.

Frequently asked questions

FAQs