Blazing a trail through Phuket

PHUKET: AN EXHILARATING new event is coming to Phuket in the form of trail running with the first experience being episode two of the Columbia Trail Masters, 2012 Thailand Trail Running Championship.

Organized by Active Management Asia, Thanyapura Sports and Leisure Club will host the island’s maiden excursion into the world of off road running on May 6 with Khao Phra Taew National Park as the backdrop and three distances for participants to choose from; a 21.5km Off Road Half Marathon; a 10km trail run and a 3km fun run/walk for all the family.

So what exactly is trail running?

As eco-friendly outdoor activities become increasingly popular around the world and Thailand’s love affair with running having burst into full bloom over the past five years, those who enjoy running are eager to combine their passion with nature. Trail running is a relatively new and rapidly growing sport that integrates adventure, the great outdoors with both physical and mental endurance.

Running is often imagined as a pursuit using roads or synthetic tracks. But a lot of runners opt to run on hiking trails in natural settings. Trail running combines aesthetics and well-being of hiking through beautiful outdoor scenery while benefiting from the physical challenges of running.

In addition to improved fitness levels, trail running can be less damaging to the body’s joints. Running on hard surfaces such as pavement and concrete is known to adversely affect bones and joints over time. People who suffer from things like shin-splints and knee problems often report that they don’t experience these problems after trail running.

So, if taking in stunning scenery while making new friends and raising your fitness sounds appealing, then this is the event for you.

There will also be an expo village for sponsors to promote their products and services, while a post race lunch will follow a trophy presentation ceremony.

For more information visit AMA-Events.com or Active-Asia.com. E: Serge@active-asia.com T: 027 189581-2.

The Phuket Gazette is a sponsor of this event.

— Neil Quail