Some runners find Da Lat’s spring too interesting to spend entirely looking at flowers. Dalat Ultra Trail turns that curiosity into forest trails and long climbs. But the 2026 registration pages now describe a past race. Here is a guide to recent editions and preparation for the next spring season, keeping confirmed history separate from future dates.
A spring appointment with the highlands
The organiser’s list records 15–17 March 2024, 28–30 March 2025 and 27–29 March 2026. That recent March pattern helps frame a spring trip; it does not promise the same weekend every year. [1]
The appeal reaches beyond a medal: shared starts, dawn on the trail and an unhurried meal afterwards all become part of the trip. Think about your experience on slopes and over long hours rather than simply transplanting a road-marathon time. Da Lat’s climbs are honest about the difference.
2026 is finished; verify the next edition officially
The 2026 official venue was the Valley of Love, and its organiser page shows registration expired. On 8 October 2026, the organiser listing consulted did not provide a confirmed detailed page for the next Dalat Ultra Trail. Treat third-party 2027 calendar dates as unverified until the organiser confirms them. [1] [2]
Before booking inflexible flights or rooms, check the edition year, dates, venue and registration opening. The organiser lists info@vietnammtbseries.com and +84 84 337 3773. A current-year announcement is more useful than an old Register button that still appears in search. [2]
It is not only an ultra: read the 2026 options as a reference
The 2026 programme offered 5K, 15K, 21K, 50K, 75K, 100K and a separate 100PRO, with Day 1 and Day 2 options for 21K. This is a recent-edition reference, not a promise of next season’s programme. 100PRO had different qualification and time conditions from the ordinary 100K. [3]
For any category, compare climbs, checkpoint spacing and time limits. Long distances add extended fuelling and potential darkness. Ordinary 100K in 2026 required a qualifying trail finish of at least 42K within the preceding year; recheck the new edition’s rules. Choose a distance that leaves you able to enjoy the holiday afterwards, rather than making mileage your souvenir. [4]
| 2026 reference category | Planning consideration |
|---|---|
| 5 / 15K | Age, terrain and kit collection still matter |
| 21K Day 1 / Day 2 | Verify the chosen race day |
| 50 / 75K | Extended fuelling, equipment and checkpoints |
| 100K | Night schedule and qualifying finish |
| 100PRO | Separate qualification and cut-off conditions |
Equipment: the rules come before the outfit
The 2026 long-distance list included one litre of water, rain protection, a headlamp in darkness, reserve food, basic first aid, GPS and a phone, plus reusable dining items. Requirements differed by category. Use the next edition’s specific mandatory list, not a historical list applied to everyone. [4]
Test lights and batteries, then move with a packed vest. Downloading a GPX file is not the same as knowing how to use it offline. Arrange supplies so they remain accessible in rain or darkness. A remote checkpoint should not be the first place you learn how a new piece of equipment works.
International runners: the useful administration
Enter your passport name and reachable contact details accurately. Confirm collection times and location, identity documents, waivers and any proxy-collection rules. Read the new edition’s transfer and category-change policy rather than assuming payment alone completes preparation.
Save the final route, start wave and checkpoint cut-offs separately. COT can include intermediate departures, not just a finish deadline. Use the final bib and race guide for emergency contacts, and follow the organiser’s withdrawal procedure if stopping. Give companions a separate sightseeing plan shaped around permitted spectator access rather than an assumption that they can follow the route.
A local running culture, and a quieter day afterwards
On 6 April 2026, Báo Lâm Đồng reported that K’ho kindergarten teacher Kon Tập Trang won the women’s 75K at that year’s race. A Da Lat running trip also meets a local running community. Carry litter out and respect residents and other trail users. [5]
Plan arrival and kit collection, the race, then sufficient time before travelling home. Night or long-distance categories can span different calendar days, so do not book the room from a single bib date. If considering LADALAT Hotel, confirm venue transport, breakfast and room timings. Leave space for a gentle lakeside visit and a meal instead of filling the final evening. The medal may be light; tomorrow’s legs may not be.
Frequently asked questions
Are the 2027 dates confirmed?
The organiser listing checked on 8 October did not provide a confirmed detailed next-edition page. Verify dates and conditions through the official announcement.
Do I need ultra experience for every category?
The 2026 programme included 5K, 15K and 21K. Check next season’s categories, ages and qualifications before choosing.
How is this different from Lamdong Trail?
They are separate events with different organisers, calendars and rules. Recent Dalat Ultra Trail editions were in March; Lamdong Trail 2026 is listed for November.