Le Thi Hang and Luu Duc Toan, two Vietnamese runners, recently completed the TOR De Geants ultra trail race, covering 330 km in over 138 hours. This grueling event, held from 13/9 to 19/9, starts and finishes in Italy's Aosta Valley, nestled at the foot of the Alps. Known for its extreme difficulty, the race features a cumulative elevation gain exceeding 24,000 meters, equivalent to ascending Mount Everest three times from sea level, with a strict cut-off time of 150 hours.

This year, three Vietnamese athletes challenged the TOR De Geants' main 330 km distance. Le Thi Hang, a female runner from Vung Tau, finished in over 138 hours 40 minutes, while Luu Duc Toan completed the course in over 137 hours 50 minutes. One other Vietnamese runner, residing in France, did not finish (DNF).

Runner Luu Duc Toan on the TOR De Geants course. Photo: Supplied.

The TOR 330's unique format means organizers do not impose fixed stages or mandatory sleep breaks. Athletes must manage their running and rest times continuously. The race provides numerous aid stations offering food, drinks, and medical services, alongside 7 large support bases spaced approximately 50 km apart.

Sharing his experience, runner Luu Duc Toan described a course that circles the Aosta Valley and traverses mountain peaks above 2,000 meters. Participants navigate over 20 mountain passes exceeding 2,000 meters, encountering drastic weather shifts from intense daytime sun to freezing nighttime temperatures in the high altitudes.

Having previously run the 174 km Ultra Trail du Mont Blanc (UTMB), Toan stated that the TOR 330 is significantly more challenging. He highlighted the numerous high peaks, narrow paths close to sheer drops without safety ropes, and the constant risk of falling into deep ravines.

Athlete Le Thi Hang on a mountain peak. Photo: Supplied.

Le Thi Hang is a well-known figure in Vietnam's trail running community, recognized for her achievements in long-distance races such as the Prenn Trail 250km, Son La Ultra trail 100km, and VMM 100km. Luu Duc Toan has also conquered formidable races, including UTMB, Mantra 116 km, ULJU trail 9 peaks 100km, and Mt Fuji 100 km.

This year's race saw Chinese runner Jia Ju Zhao win the men's category with a time of 65 hours 55 minutes 22 seconds. In the women's category, German runner Katharina Hartmuth secured victory, finishing in 67 hours 10 minutes 09 seconds.

Established in 2010, TOR De Geants is widely considered one of the world's most demanding trail races. In 2013, Chinese runner Yang Yuan tragically died after a fall resulted in a head injury during the event. The race typically sees a completion rate of approximately 60%.

Doan Loan