Al Nadabi completes gruelling 100 km Sapa Ultra

MUSCAT, SEPT 20
Omani endurance runner Yaqoob bin Khalfan al Nadabi battled heavy rain, muddy trails and punishing climbs to complete the 100 km race at the Vietnam Mountain Marathon (VMM) in Sapa, adding another demanding international finish to his trail running career.
Al Nadabi crossed the finish line carrying the Omani flag after negotiating rugged mountain terrain in northern Vietnam, where slippery surfaces and steep gradients intensified the physical demands of the ultramarathon.
His journey took him through mountain villages, terraced farmland and remote trails, with wet conditions making an already challenging course more difficult. Completing the distance required sustained endurance and concentration across successive climbs and descents.
“Completing this race and carrying Oman’s flag across the finish line will remain a special moment for me. The rain, mud and steep climbs made it a demanding challenge, and reaching the finish required patience and determination,” Al Nadabi said.
“I am proud to represent Oman on these international trails, and I hope this achievement encourages more Omanis to discover mountain running and build their experience step by step.”
Organisers list the race’s actual distance at approximately 101 km, with 5,500 metres of cumulative elevation gain. Starting in Sapa and finishing at Topas Ecolodge, the course crosses mountain ridges, valleys and bamboo forests, taking competitors through some of the region’s most demanding terrain.
The challenge extends beyond covering the distance. Repeated ascents place considerable demands on endurance, while steep, slippery descents require careful footing and concentration. Entry requirements reflect the difficulty of the event, with runners required to have previously completed a timed mountain ultramarathon of at least 50 km with significant climbing.
The 13th edition of the Vietnam Mountain Marathon took place from September 17 to 20. Established in 2013, the event offers distances ranging from 10 km to 100 miles and is part of the World Trail Majors series.
Al Nadabi’s finish builds on a running journey that has included events in France, Thailand, Türkiye, Vietnam and Oman. Those appearances have exposed him to varied terrain and racing conditions, adding to his experience in long-distance mountain running.
His previous achievements include completing the 100 km Al Hajar Range Challenge at Oman’s Himam Trail Run in 2022, when he finished 27th in 26 hours, 23 minutes and 41 seconds. Later that year, he completed the Pagoda 50 km race at Thailand by UTMB in Doi Inthanon National Park, recording 11 hours, five minutes and 18 seconds.
The Sapa finish adds another 100 km mountain race to that record, with the Omani flag at the finish line marking the successful conclusion of a demanding challenge on Vietnam’s trails.