Running races are not new to Thailand. Almost every weekend there is a 10km race, a half-marathon, marathon or triathlon, somewhere in or around Bangkok. Interest in running is growing fast and is not confined to the capital either as many other regions boast excellent events, all of which encourage and promote a healthier lifestyle.
This, the inaugural Columbia Trail Masters race, held May 7, was to be a truly international event. Roughly half the 400 competitors were Thai, the rest made up from a multitude of different nationalities including Europeans, Americans, Australians, Japanese, Chinese, new Zealanders and Kenyans to name but a few.
Runners get underway at the inaugural Columbia Trail Masters race at Khao Mai Kheow, Pattaya, Saturday May 7.
Situated at scenic Khao Mai Kheow, not far from Pattaya, the event was an off-road race making use of forest trails and farmland, over rough terrain and on a wide variety of surfaces. This was not at all like a road race either and many competitors were surprised at how different trail running can be. Adult competitors came to take part in 3 separate races; 3km, 10km and 21.5km, while some 100 smiling young runners competed in the pre-event 3km Fun Run for kids.
The 10km and 21.5km races started together and about 300 runners left the start line. The trail went along dirt farm roads before swinging into the forest. The first 1.5km was fairly flat and the trail was wide enough for racers to jostle for position before the first of the steep hills.
Hellery Kipchumba of Kenya, left, was the winner of the half marathon race.
Climbing for about 150m, the single track wound through the trees. Racers had to concentrate on where they were putting their feet as tree roots and boulders did their best to trip up the unwary. The trail descended and at around the 3km marker we emerged into fields and raced to the edge of a eucalyptus forest where at 5km, and the edge of the forest, we came to the first water stop. What a welcome sight!
Many competitors were wearing camelbacks and even they took water to drink. Those carrying no hydration system at all were at serious risk of dehydration as the temperature started to climb.
The 10km run split off to the right and carried on through the forest and over another big climb. The 21.5km race went on straight around the forest, to a steep escarpment down and into farmland below. After the drop down the escarpment, the next 1.5km was on sandy farm roads and at 9.5km the runners arrived at the second water stop.
It was getting tough now. Competing in a half-marathon on a road is easy compared to this! The trail went on through the farmlands and small quarries until at about 13km the athletes arrived at water station 3. It was getting hot and everyone was starting to suffer.
The trail followed the line of hills to the left and at water stop 4, the runners had covered approximately 17km and started heading back towards the forest. Being under the trees again was quite a relief as the trail started to climb again for the last hill. At the top of the climb, the trail rejoined the 10km race just before the 19km marker. Then a fast run down the hill to water station 5 followed by a beautiful last section exiting the forest. A 300m sprint across the dam and into the finish!
All the competitors agreed that the race was excellent and are asking for more. The venue offered varied trails and surface conditions, all of which have made the Columbia Trail Masters Race an event to remember. The Columbia Trail Masters 2011 showed that trail running is very popular and has a fantastic future in Thailand.
(Active Management Asia Press Release)
Results overall:
21km half marathon:
1st Hellery Kipchumba (Kenya) 1.29.50
2nd Hillery Kipilemboi (Kenya) 1.30.06
3rd Chakrit Boonkong (Thailand) 1.30.57
10km Trail Run
1st Alfred Kembol (Kenya) 0.42.39
2nd Jared Mokua (Kenya) 0.43.58
3rd Anand Phromsenee (Thailand) 0.44.32
