Race for adventure

PHUKET: Adventure racing is a sport that is rapidly capturing the imagination of sporting and adrenaline junkies in Thailand and around the world.

These non-stop races, ranging in length from 4-8 hours, require teams to run, trek, mountain bike and paddle, while navigating a course through the wilderness. Likened to an expedition with a stopwatch, adventure racing requires teamwork, perseverance, strategy and determination.

The rules of adventure racing vary depending on location, terrain and disciplines but most races abide by the following general rules: No motorized travel; no GPS assistance; teams must travel together for the entire race usually within 50 meters of each other; no outside assistance except at designated transition areas but assistance from competing teams is generally permitted; and teams must carry all mandatory gear.

Adventure races are held in spectacular natural locations all over the world and attract an equally diverse range of international competitors. Phuket residents have a chance to get a taste of the action soon, with an upcoming race in neighboring Krabi scheduled for late September.

The Sheraton Krabi Trophy brings the spectacular and fast growing sport of adventure racing to the South of Thailand. Supported by Sheraton, MBK Group, PTT, Singha and the Tourism Authority of Thailand, the second edition of this exciting race is set to attract 100 teams from around the world.

Scheduled on September 21 this year, and part of the Amazing Thailand Adventure Race Series, the race will start and finish on the magnificent Klong Muang Beach where the Sheraton Krabi Beach Resort is located.

Adventure racing is a highly visual and dynamic sport genre, making it a great spectator sport, as well as stretching competitors to their limits.

After the tremendous success of last year’s inaugural event, we are very excited to bring back the competition to stunning Krabi, explains Serge Henkens, race director and managing director of Active Management Asia.

“Krabi is one of the most scenic places in the world with dramatic limestone peaks, the blue ocean, forests, mountains, waterfalls, sandy beaches and a very rich fauna and flora. The perfect recipe for great adventure racing,” continued Mr Henkens.

“As we offer two divisions, ‘Adventure’ [easier course] and the ‘Extreme’ [longer and tougher course], the race is really accessible to everyone,” said Mr Henkens.

The Krabi Trophy 2013 consists of three days of fun activities, which will include an expo for sponsors to promote their products and services, parties and VIP hospitality, a spectacular Sprint Adventure Race, sports activities on the beach, shows, dances and entertainment, and much more.

The Krabi Trophy Adventure Race will offer four disciplines: running, cycling, kayaking and swimming. The competitors will hike and run through unspoilt jungle, paddle and swim on the turquoise waters of the Andaman Sea and cycle over the hills with spectacular views of the ocean.

The winners of the extreme division are expected to complete the course in approximately four and a half hours. The fastest team in the adventure division is planned to finish in around three and a half hours.

The Race will offer two divisions: “Adventure” – a short course for newcomers and weekend warriors and an “Extreme” – a long course for confirmed athletes and experienced racers.

Competitor categories will be: Men, Women, Mixed, Masters Men (over 80 years combined) and Seniors Men (over 100 years combined).

For more information about adventure racing and how you can get involved in the the Krabi Trophy Adventure Race visit: ama-events.com.