Trail race «Ý chí Côn Đảo — Côn Đảo Spirit 2026»

   Running an island where primary rainforest drops straight into the sea, past sites that made Côn Đảo a byword for endurance in Vietnamese history: the archipelago has never hosted anything like it. This is the first large-scale trail race on the islands, with four competitive distances from 6 to 50 km plus a free 3 km run open to residents and visitors.

   The race is led by HTV, the Ho Chi Minh City Radio and Television station, together with the Côn Đảo Special Zone administration, the city's Department of Culture and Sports and the municipal Athletics Federation; BCONS is the title partner and Vietrace365 handles operations. Between 1,000 and 1,200 runners from Vietnam and abroad are expected. For the first time, an entire trail course through primary forest will be broadcast live, on HTV, HTV Thể Thao, HTVC, VOH and digital platforms.

   The race motto is "Mỗi bước chân là một câu chuyện, kết nối lịch sử và thiên nhiên" - every step is a story, connecting history and nature. Courses start at the flag tower, follow the coastal roads, cut through Vườn quốc gia Côn Đảo national park, climb đỉnh Lò Vôi and pass mũi Cá Mập and Bến Đầm harbour; the hardest section is the ascent of núi Chúa, the highest point on the island. The longer distances also run past the memorial sites: the Côn Đảo prison complex, Cầu tàu 914 pier and Nghĩa trang Hàng Dương cemetery.

   At a glance
First edition of a major trail race on Côn Đảo
Distances: 3, 6, 12, 25 and 50 km
1,000-1,200 runners expected, Vietnamese and international
11 medical stations and 5 rescue posts along the course
Finisher medal for everyone inside the cut-off
Awards for the top three men and women in each distance
Part of the event supports seriously ill children in need through the city Fatherland Front Committee

   The distance range is built for very different runners: 6 and 12 km suit first-time trail runners and families travelling out for the holiday weekend, 25 km is a full day on the island, and 50 km is aimed at people with long finishes already behind them. Côn Đảo lies off Vietnam's southern coast and is reached by air or by ferry, so most runners come for several days - and the organisers have filled them. From 24 to 30 August the islands run side programmes: releasing hatchling sea turtles, guided visits to the national park and a heritage route through the historical landmarks.

   Race kits are handed out on Expo Day, Saturday 29 August, from 09:00 to 18:00; the distances set off on Sunday 30 August, with exact wave times announced by the organisers before race day. Entry rules differ by distance: 6 km from age 10, cut-off 1 hour 30 minutes; 12 km from age 12, cut-off 3 hours; 25 km from age 18, cut-off 8 hours; 50 km from age 18, cut-off 14 hours, and only for runners with an official finish at 21 km or longer within the past 24 months. Entrants under 18 need consent from a parent or legal guardian, and anyone with a history of cardiac or respiratory conditions is not admitted.

   Fees depend on the distance and on the sales wave. Flash Sale and Early Bird have closed and the final LATE wave is running at 900,000 - 2,900,000 VND. Registration closes on 30 July 2026: until then you can switch distance free of charge, paying only the difference when moving up, and after that neither new entries nor bib changes are possible. Fees are not refunded if you cannot start. The 3 km run carries no fee.

   Questions about slots and distance changes go to [email protected]; race organisation queries to [email protected]. Entries are handled through the official portal.

   If Côn Đảo has been on your list for years, this is the weekend that gives you a reason to finally book the flight - and a course that shows the island from an angle no tour itinerary covers.