As usual, the way I search for races especially for Thai races is like doing some Goggle research. Since the Devil trail got cancelled, I began to look around for some trail race to kick start my engine again. But I also do not want to kill myself. So elevation is also a key.
Seems like my trail experiences are in Thailand and Hong Kong. But Thailand trails are much more similar to Singapore’s forested areas. I would say that Indonesia mountains are higher in elevation and much more challenging to attempt, while Thailand is more manageable and there are parts where you are able to run. The only thing is the weather might be rainy and it gets slippery.
The Race
Self Drive to Race collection
Taking place in Chonburi , Khao Mai Kaeo Nature Reserve. I have never been to this place before, given that it is near to Pattaya, I thought that it will be good to go for a getaway at the beach town too. So I signed up without thinking much.
Website: https://sportsrepublicth.com/ltsth/
The Pattaya hotel Levana which I stayed in
Dressing up free with Thai Costume
I paid about 1900 baht with the credit card exchange rates its about 70 Singapore Dollars. For this, you get a fully supported race 80km with 8 water stations ( all stocked with Pocari sweat, water and Amino Acid jellies by Ajinomoto), there were also water sponges at the stations. Some cakes and crackers. There was even one station with real Phad Thai cooking. For the ending, you get a medal, time slip, and in all you get 2 tee shirts.
Race Pack Collection
Day 1 at the RPC
Showing my Bib
Some last minute shoppings
Parking was like anywhere
I decided to rent a car and self drive to the location, it was not so difficult and actually you need not have to pass the toll stations to get to the start point which is also the race pack collection. We were given a bib, and starter tee for the race pack. There were also a couple of booths selling some trail stuff and accessories. Usually for Thai trail races, there have the Buff brand shop which I like and was glad to see them putting one there also.
The entrance to the reserve park
Went to nearby temple to pray
There were many photographers there to take your race pack collection pictures too.
The Course
Morning at the start point
Taking place in Khao Mai Kaeo , the place is about 30 KM away from Pattaya, I chose to stay in Pattaya instead of the appointed hotel by the race. The race hotel is nearer to race point, but it is not near for getting any transport back to Bangkok. Furthermore, room rates were higher than if I were to stay in Pattaya. I stayed in the Pattaya Klang area, it is further from the main Pattaya beach city.
Race briefing by race director
The course is really quite confusing and if you download the GPX it kinda lead you round and back. There are some sandy parts, a bit of technicals and hillies. The rest are mainly trails. Good thing is, there were some really parts which were roads, normal mud paths.
Ready to go!
There was a King of the Hills challenge, which was to climb at the fastest speed of the small hill behind the race start and end point. To speak the truth the elevation so only 1000plus for a 50Km is really not that bad. But I guess a lousy pair of trail shoes which does not suit my wide toe box and also the super rainy weather, kindly makes it a bit tough. I also made a mistake for not wearing gloves and the long socks for covering my knees.
Good signage and marking
Saw the Afro man!
Thailand was just starting to relax their Covid safety measures and I guess that was the reason why the number of participants were not that many. But I could see the enthusiasm in the racers. Joining the 50Km also meant that most are more confident in doing a long distance for this cat. While most of the trail starters did the 25k , 10km and there was also a kids 3km.
up on the hill
The water points were really well stocked, and every 2 km there is a sign to indicate the distance. This was good because I forgot to bring my watch charger so could not see my distance after my battery died on me at 30km. The signages were also very clear indicating the directions to go , there were pink ribbons tied to the respective place and also signage to restrict you from entering parts of the trail that might get you lost.
Good hydration support
Phad Thai Station
Artsy Pic
There were also a lot of photographers taking pictures, some were even “ambushing” in the forest with spot lights to take shots of you. Although the pictures need to be purchased, it was good to see the photos even with the water marks on.
Ending it
Final Result
Tee Shirts for the race
To speak the truth due to the rain, the trail got slippery and I slowered down because I am really bad at descending and not to say descending on a slippery trail. Towards the end I got dazzled by take some IG photos before doing the last ascend to the Hill. This was when a lady overtook me and I realise that I missed her for the 3rd position. Kinda felt that this year I am not in the podium luck. Keep missing it either by a few minutes or one person. Well guess I just have to be satisfied with timing for now.
Great toilet facilities at the race site
I was a bit too slow , I was aiming for 8 hours or maybe 8 and half hour at most to finish this trail. But I took 8 :51 . But I was still glad I could finish it because I could feel a few toes going to die.
Gotta have a beer after all that running and tortured feet
Met Ono san, the Jap guy wearing and Afro hair at the end. We took our bento sets and also took some cameos. It was always fun to meet people at races. After cleaning up a bit , I finally drove home as I guess another rain is coming. Glad I could complete it after all !
Some Photos by https://www.shutter.run/
