The event takes place on the weekend of Sept 7-8 at Bang Niew Dam where competitors will have the choice of four different trail race distances to tackle: 55 kilometres; 40km; 25km; and 15km.
Each distance will see competitors navigate through a specially designed trail through the jungle at Bang Niew Dam, but with differing elevation challenges for each one: 2,800 metres of elevation gain for the 55km distance; 2,170m for the 40km; 1,300m for the 25km; and 590m for the 15km.
This is the third year the race has been held in Phuket although this year it is part of a larger event called the ‘Southern Thailand Trail Series’, also referred to as the ‘4 Kings’, which also incorporates similar challenges in Koh Phangan (Oct 12-13), Koh Samui (Aug 10-11) and Kapong (June 15-16). The event is being organised by Runsanook Corporation and Omoda & Jaecoo Lifstyle Auto Phuket, two private sector companies.
The confirmation of the Phuket dates were revealed at an official press conference yesterday at the Omoda & Jaecoo Lifestyle Auto Phuket showroom on Thepkrasattri Rd. Present at the press conference were: Piriya Tantipiriyakit, Managing Director of Lifestyle Auto Phuket Co., Ltd; Chirat Tantipiriyakit, Deputy Managing Director of Lifestyle Auto Phuket Co., Ltd; Mahachat Suwannarat, Phuket Trail Race Director and Managing Director of Runsanook Corporation Co., Ltd; and Natthanan Chokwiwatthanakun, senior sales representative for South Area Dutch Mill Co., Ltd.
Phuket is the perfect location for such a themed event, said Mr Piriya, with bountiful areas of natural beauty to provide the necessary challenge the race demands.
The various viewpoints, waterfalls and beautiful natural trails across the island are all geared towards promoting the event as an annual attraction for fitness enthusiasts and tourists alike from all over the world, which will help Phuket’s status as a leading tourists destination while generating significant revenue for the local economy, he added.
There will also be a major emphasis on creating awareness about nature conservation and participation in environmental conservation, with a particular focus on conserving the natural resources around Bang Niew Dam Reservior while sustainably developing the nature trail in the area of Srisonthorn sub-district.
In addition to the main races themselves, there will be a variety of stalls offering delicious food and beverages as well as a range of locally produced arts and crafts goods. There will also be live musical acts to keep spectators and runners entertained, organisers confirmed.
For more details visit the Phuket Trail, 4KINGs The Southern Thailand Trail Series or the Runsanook Facebook pages or email: runsanookcorp@gmail.com.