To ensure an authentic and safe trail experience for all runners, organisers this year limited the entries to 2,400 across the 15km, 25km, 50km, 100km Duo and 100km Solo distances, and the event sold out in less than four months.
A 05:00am start greets the 50km and 100km competitors and with an 18-hour race limit they have to contend with temperature variations of as much as 20°C throughout the day (and night), a total elevation gain/loss of 2,406 metres (over 100km) – almost eight times the height of Bangkok's Baiyoke Tower II – and steep inclines in excess of 20%. Considered to be one of the toughest trail-running challenges in the country, The North Face 100® Thailand organisers are excited about the fourth edition of the annual event.
“The response has been fantastic this year. We set a maximum limit of 2,400 runners and to have sold out so quickly is testament to the unique and challenging nature of the event, and the current trail-running boom in the country,” said Mr. Chaiyut Srivikorn, President of Thai Outdoor Sport Co. Ltd., exclusive distributor of The North Face® in Thailand.
The number of Thai runners this year has increased considerably with more than 600 taking part in the ultra-distances (50km, 100km Duo, 100km Solo), and the new 15km distance has proven to be very popular, especially with female runners who make-up nearly 50% of all 15km runners.
“The shortest distance this year is 15km, up from 10km last year. We did this in response to feedback from runners wanting to make the event more challenging. That, together with distances upto 100km, steep hills and mountains to traverse, and technical trails to master, makes The North Face 100® Thailand 2015 one of the toughest yet.”
Thailand is blessed with an outstanding geography and abundant natural spaces, and being an outdoor adventure and extreme sports brand, The North Face® were early pioneers of trail-running in Thailand at a time when there were just one or two trail-running events in the country. The subsequent boom in popularity of trail-running has seen the number of events increase to nine in 2014 with more expected in 2015.
In response to this boom, The North Face® Thailand recently launched their latest trail-running range of footwear, apparel and accessories, which incorporates the latest technologies and advancement in materials, and are athlete tested and competition proven.
“We recently introduced our latest trail-running gear in shops nationwide and the response has been overwhelming. The North Face® use market-leading technology and innovative design, combined with athlete testing to ensure products are cutting edge and remain the premium choice in the marketplace,” added Mr. Chaiyut.
The only event in Thailand to be selected for three consecutive years as a Qualifying Race for the famous Ultra-Trail du Mont-Blanc® – considered to be the world's most challenging ultra-trail event – and the only Thai trail-running event offering the 100km ultra-distance, The North Face 100® Thailand remains the largest and premier trail-running event in the country.
For the confirmed 2,400 runners, registration and the event's Expo will take place on Friday 30th January 2015 at Simalin Khao Yai from 14:00 – 19:00, with special prices on The North Face® products and those of event sponsors and partners.
The North Face 100® Thailand is an annual trail-running event and the largest ultra trail-running challenge in Thailand, including 15km, 25km, 50km, 100km Duo and 100km Solo distances. The North Face 100® Thailand is part of The North Face 100® Asia-Pacific Series.
Sponsors of The North Face 100® Thailand
Title Sponsor: The North Face® Thailand. Supporting sponsors include Tourism Authority of Thailand, Singha Corporation, Air Asia, Tiger Balm, CW-X, Petzl, Sanvo, GU Energy Gel, Bangkok Hospital Pakchong, Refill and Eagle Creek.
For more information, visit www.TheNorthFaceThailand.com
Facebook: www.facebook.com/TNF100Thailand