Kailas Fansipan Mountain Trail is a 80km ultra marathon in Sapa, Vietnam. Distance: 80km. Elevation: 4,500m D+. Difficulty: challenging (Challenge Rating 54/100). DNF rate: 18%. Time limit: 20h. Surface: trail. Established 2018.
Kailas Fansipan Mountain Trail
Sapa, Lao Cai, Vietnam
"80km through Vietnam's highest mountains. Rice terraces, cloud forests, and the Roof of Indochina."
A mountain ultra through Indochina's highest range — running past ancient rice terraces and through cloud forests near Fansipan.
The Course
A demanding mountain trail race in the Hoang Lien Son range, home to Fansipan — the highest peak in Indochina. Runners climb through rice terraces, bamboo forests, and cloud forests on technical mountain trails.
mountainous
loop
6
Runner Experience
Remote course with widely spaced aid points. Runners should be prepared for long unsupported stretches.
Warm, inclusive finish line with a strong community feel. Runners celebrate together regardless of finish time.
Race Day Weather
14°C
8° – 20°
80%
35%
Subtropical mountain weather — humid and often foggy. Cool at altitude, warm in the valleys. Rain is possible.
Stats & Records
2018
200
14:00:00
Entry
VND 3,000,000
April
months
Lore & Trivia
The Kailas FKT 80 is a high-altitude trail event in the Chinese Himalaya — part of the growing Chinese trail running scene that has exploded since 2015. The course runs through terrain above 4,000m, where the thin air and extreme conditions test the limits of what's possible at altitude. Chinese outdoor brand Kailas sponsors the event as part of their commitment to developing mountain sport in China.
- ▸ Fansipan at 3,143m is known as the 'Roof of Indochina' — the highest peak in Vietnam, Laos, and Cambodia.
- ▸ Runners pass through H'mong and Dao ethnic minority villages with ancient rice terrace systems.
- ▸ The trails were originally footpaths used by local villagers for centuries.
- ▸ The cloud forest sections can be completely enveloped in mist, adding a mystical atmosphere to the race.
- ▸ Established in 2018.
Running at 5,000m in the Himalaya with a Chinese FKT — this is where Asian mountain running meets its ceiling.
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Frequently Asked Questions
How long is Kailas Fansipan Mountain Trail? +
Kailas Fansipan Mountain Trail is a 80km (80km) ultra marathon with 4,500m of elevation gain. The course is loop on trail terrain.
How hard is Kailas Fansipan Mountain Trail? +
Kailas Fansipan Mountain Trail is rated challenging with a Challenge Rating of 54/100 (Challenging). The DNF rate is 18%. Runners have 20 hours to finish.
What is the weather like at Kailas Fansipan Mountain Trail? +
Average temperature is 14°C (range 8°C to 20°C) with 80% humidity and a 35% chance of rain. Subtropical mountain weather — humid and often foggy. Cool at altitude, warm in the valleys. Rain is possible.
Are crew and pacers allowed at Kailas Fansipan Mountain Trail? +
No crew access is permitted. Pacers are not allowed. Mandatory gear is required.
What is the average finish time for Kailas Fansipan Mountain Trail? +
The average finish time is 14:00:00. About 200 runners finish each year. The DNF rate is 18%.
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