The historic and world-renowned Bridge over the River Kwai in Kanchanaburi Thailand was the backdrop to this year’s Amarin Outdoor Unlimited River Kwai Trophy Adventure Race and an all-new course for 2011 made use of the area’s mountainous trails and scenic valley farmlands.
The annual race, held this year on Saturday March 5, drew 126 teams of competitors from Thailand and abroad. Two separate racecourses allowed participants to compete at either an Extreme or Adventure level division. The organizers rate the Extreme division for experienced racers and extremely fit competitors while the Adventure division is suitable for weekend warriors or those athletes who are new to adventure racing.
Athletes take part in the 2011 River Kwai Adventure Race.
The race was an alternating combination of physical trials that tested each team in the areas of mountain biking, jungle running, river kayaking, and swimming. In addition to these core disciplines of adventure racing the competitors had to overcome a few surprise obstacles along the course.
Event organizers provided a free shuttle bus for competitors from Amarin Plaza in Bangkok to the race venue in Kanchanaburi. Sumptuous accommodation at the Felix River Resort, a pre race briefing, a post race gala dinner complete with entertainment and awards ceremony, and a free goodie bag for each competitor expressed the level of organization and detail that Ama-Events have committed to this event.
All teams were comprised of two members. Teams competed, and were awarded trophies and prizes, in 5 different categories: Men, Women, Mixed, Masters, and Grand Masters.
The winners of each category in the Extreme division were as follows: Men’s: Klayten Smith & Chantaraboon (Jay) Kriengchaip; Women’s: Sara McCosh & Annie Miniscloux; Mixed: Songphol Sripiboonbanjerd & Chothip Gan-uam; Masters (combined age 80+): Jongsak Kaew-in & Siripong Pongsuwan; and Grand Masters (combined age 100+): Rudolf Bermuehler & Osama Rajkhan.
Columbia Trail Running Championships in Pattaya
The first Thailand Columbia Trail Running Championships will take place at Kao Mai Keo near Pattaya on May 7, 2011. Organized by Active Management Asia, this event consists of a spectacular and exciting trail running race of either 18km or 9km, plus a 4km fun run/walk for both children and adults. The 18km and 9km race will be split into various gender and age categories with trophies being presented to the winners in each class. Medals will be presented to all athletes taking part on the day.
An Expo village will also be set up for sponsors to display and sell their products and services and a kids’ corner will keep the younger ones entertained. A post race barbecue in a friendly and festive atmosphere will round off what promises to be a great event.
The pre-registration entrance fees to take part are 750 baht (18km), 600 baht (9km) and 100 baht for the 4km fun run. Children up to 14 years of age can take part in the fun run for free.
For more details contact Active Management Asia Co., Ltd. on Tel: 02 7189581-2 or go to www.ama-events.com.
