When Jeri Chua from (http://fatbirdgoesultra.blogspot.com/) set a teaser photo and tagged 65 running friends from around the globe saying as below...., I went "Hey, why not go for an ultra running holiday??", I tuned in and waited for the registration site to be set up and voila!!! the credit card went on a shopping spree of flight tickets and registration for the event.
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| Snapshot from FB timeline: Jeri's teaser post |
The event was on October 5th, 2013, an ultimate solution to free, quick and easy running holiday with food craze moments is to travel on Oct, 2nd 2013 to Oct, 7th 2013. I therefore got the flight tickets settled (as we had three choices):
a. Air Asia (being low cost and expensive nowadays)
b. Malaysian Airlines (superb Malaysian Hospitality but expensive for international flights, unless your company is sponsoring you or you have excess cash for yourself) and finally,
c. Vietnam Airlines (feeling smart) was the CHEAPEST (RM424 return)
b. Malaysian Airlines (superb Malaysian Hospitality but expensive for international flights, unless your company is sponsoring you or you have excess cash for yourself) and finally,
c. Vietnam Airlines (feeling smart) was the CHEAPEST (RM424 return)
***Be wise in planning for ultimate money budget management
and not to forget the package price for the event including:
a. Overnight train tickets from Hanoi to Lao Cai and back to Hanoi. (Sleeping style 4 bed bunks in a room)
b. Meals (buffet style) while we were at Topas Ecolodge including a BBQ dinner
c. Accommodation for Oct 4th and 5th, 2013 at Topas Ecolodge
d. Run fees (similiar fees for 21km, 42km or 70km ultra)
e. Charity donation to the beating heart of the SAPA O'CHAU center in Vietnam
Pre-Event Planning
Of course you can either let things go by its own flow and have Zen all the time. Or you can opt to do, RESEARCH:
a) On where you will be staying when you land before we catch the overnight train (In this case, our good friend Agnes Yew managed to bookings at Hanoi Guesthouse, in Hanoi)
b) Since its a running holiday, what local attraction or food or cultural events you can discover in the area, our meet up group later on in Hanoi was 5 people and gave ourselves enough buffer to know the Old Quarters of Hanoi " Totally Amazing".
c)Think about how much expenses you would need there in terms of currency differences and what type of spender you are. You can either opt to be a traveler or a tourist.
During Event
Topas Ecolodge is managed by Asger Køppen and his wife Pernille Hoffmann with a team of extraordinary personnel who are very friendly which will do their best to make you feel comfortable. Below is a picture on the top of the hill overlooking the main hall where we have our meals, chill and hang out.
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| The main hall of Topas Ecolodge from the hilltop camping area |
The Sapa O'Chau meaning "thank you Sapa" in the H'mong language was founded by the brilliant and extraordinary lady Shu Tan. Ultimately with her focus in building a stronger future and opportunities for the H'mong people and a better life. They take in volunteers as well, so if you're keen, don't hesitate to contact them or maybe pay a visit while you're there. Congratulations to Vietnam Mountain Marathon together with its sponsors in raising a total of 60 000 000 VND to the organization.
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| Miss Shu Tan (left) with the Sapa O'Chau children performing at the closing of VMM Winner's Awards ceremony: Picture Credits: Pg Rosli Tajuddin from Brunei |
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| Donation amount achieved 60000000 VND = 2850 USD for the organisation Photo Credit: Pg Rosli Tajuddin from Brunei |
Novo Nordisk together with the Danish Embassy in Vietnam were the main sponsors in the event with awareness of course to bringing a change to one of the world's biggest dilemma DIABETES.
Being working for a Danish company based in Malaysia, I'm proud to see everybody playing a great role in this!!!!! and
Post Event
We were touched by the buzzing city of Hanoi, where Parisian heritage is at large. With people, landscape and culture. Feeling impressed with organizations that has helped the local minorities with education, financial help and other needs are also embedded into our hearts.
We hope to be back again for the inaugural Vietnam Mountain Marathon in 2014!!! Registration for next year's event starts on December, 1st 2013. 12:00am. Happy trail training everyone!!!!
Tam Biet!!!
Being working for a Danish company based in Malaysia, I'm proud to see everybody playing a great role in this!!!!! and
Post Event
We were touched by the buzzing city of Hanoi, where Parisian heritage is at large. With people, landscape and culture. Feeling impressed with organizations that has helped the local minorities with education, financial help and other needs are also embedded into our hearts.
Tam Biet!!!
Looking forward to hear comments and suggestions from anyone!!!
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