The striking terrain of Thailand’s highest mountain, Doi Inthanon, will welcome international trail runners for the second edition of Thailand by UTMB^®, giving athletes the chance to hit the trails once again from the 29-31 October 2021, and registrations are now open.

Taking runners to the rooftop of Thailand, the event is organized with the same exceptional standards as UTMB^® Mont-Blanc, enabling runners to immerse themselves in the UTMB experience in Asia. Participants at Thailand by UTMB^® will also be able to collect their Running Stones, increasing their chances of a place on the start line of trail running’s pinnacle event, UTMB^® Mont-Blanc in 2022.

Runners can register here.

While the coronavirus pandemic continues to throw up challenges unlike any other, 1,500 runners were able to safely take to the start line of the first ever Thailand by UTMB^® last year. Organized in partnership with the Ministry of Tourism and Sports, the government has set an objective to open the country again in October, and with no quarantine for Covid-19 vaccinated visitors, the event is expected to attract international attention.

Speaking at a press conference in Bangkok to officially open registrations, Mr. Phiphat Ratchakitprakarn, Minister of Tourism and Sports said: “From the success of the inaugural Thailand by UTMB^® in 2020, it is clear that the event was able to generate a positive economic impact. In addition to this, we are dedicated continuously to organize the event to the highest standard as well as deliver impressive memories to all runners.

Thailand by UTMB^® is one of the most important events and we are focused on being the best destination in runners’ eyes. We all hope that Thailand will be an ideal choice for travelers after the pandemic unfolds.”

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Part of the Ultra-Trail^® World Tour and considered Thailand’s leading trail running race, Thailand by UTMB^® aims to be the most competitive race of the Asia-Pacific region in 2021. Held during the late rainy season, 5 distances are on offer including 170km, 100km, 54km, 23km and 10km, all named after the mountain on which they are run, with routes that showcase the local biodiversity and a gradual climb from 400 to 2,100 metres above sea level.

Doi Inthanon, in the northern Chiang Mai province, is one of Thailand's most popular national parks and part of the Himalayan mountain range, where runners will experience cool temperatures in beautiful, tropical, humid forests. In the city, there are unique museums, fantastic spas, wonderful cuisine, rich art and numerous cultural attractions for competitors and their families to reward themselves with after a hard-earned race. With direct flights from around the world, Chiang Mai International Airport is only 100km from the Doi Inthanon National Park.

Catherine Poletti, UTMB Group Chairwomen and co-founder, said: “UTMB^® International events are organized to the highest standards and in the most striking destinations giving runners the chance to explore the world. Today, perhaps more than ever, that is even more relevant, as we are all eager to travel and experience new destinations and cultures.

Thailand by UTMB^® is an ideal destination race for athletes and their families to experience this wonderful, friendly country. The DNA of the UTMB brand puts sustainability at the centre, and we encourage all runners to travel less to travel better, and therefore to take advantage of our events to spend their vacations with their families and discover these amazing destinations.

As the organizers prepare to welcome runners to the beautiful trail network of the Doi Inthanon National Park, I congratulate them on their ability to remain flexible and responsible during this time. As a Group we are looking at this year with optimism and hope, and we are working hard to deliver exceptional events while respecting all the necessary health measures, including remote support if needed.”

For more information and to register, visit the Thailand by UTMB^® website here.