Trail Runners Bring 12,000 Visitors to Đà Lạt During Quiet Season
Night Forest Adventure Draws Thousands
As dawn broke on March 28th, over 5,400 trail runners began their journey through the dense forests of Lang Biang plateau, marking the start of Dalat Ultra Trail 2026. The event has brought an estimated 12,000 visitors to our mountain city during what's typically a quiet tourism period.
A New Challenge Emerges
This year's race introduced the demanding 100PRO distance, where athletes must complete 100 kilometers in just 20 hours instead of the usual 26-hour limit for the standard 100km route. According to Tuổi Trẻ, 90% of the race course winds through the pristine forests surrounding Lang Biang, creating a truly immersive highland experience.
The timing couldn't be more significant for Đà Lạt's tourism sector. With Liên Khương Airport temporarily closed and many access roads still bearing flood damage from recent rains, these numbers demonstrate our city's enduring appeal to adventure seekers.
Economic Impact Beyond Expectations
What makes this event particularly valuable is the quality of visitors it attracts. Race organizers report that each runner typically brings 2-3 family members or friends, creating a multiplier effect that benefits our entire hospitality sector.
"These aren't day-trippers," explains a local homestay owner near the city center. "Trail runners and their families stay multiple days, eat at our restaurants, visit our coffee shops, and truly experience what Đà Lạt offers."
Proving Đà Lạt's Resilience
Huỳnh Ngọc Tâm, Deputy Director of Lâm Đồng's Culture, Sports and Tourism Department, told Tuổi Trẻ that the event proves our city's drawing power remains strong even when transportation is challenging. Visitors arrived by private car, long-distance buses, and transfer services from Ho Chi Minh City, Nha Trang, and Phan Thiết.
The two-day event concludes March 29th with the 15km and 5km distances, as Đà Lạt once again demonstrates why sports tourism has evolved from a sideline attraction to a cornerstone of our highland economy.