Hong Kong Runners Dominate Thailand Awards
Kwong & Lam, Co-winner of Thailand Action Asia 50
THAILAND, Doi Inthanon - November 24, 2019 – The 3rd edition of Thailand Action Asia 50 organized by Action Asia Events was run on the 24th of November 2019 in Doi Inthanon National Park near Chiang Mai. Doi Inthanon, Thailand’s highest mountain which is also called “The Roof of Thailand” was prazed by all for a well marked course that had everyone talking making it easier to enjoy the stunning scenery. Joint tie first place in 58km men category belonged to 2 Hong Kong runners Kwong Hoi Tik and Thomas Lam Shing Yip holding hands across finish line with 7 hours 33 minutes 33 seconds. They relished the battle over this technical Ultra Skymarathon course between themselves, but also supported each other on the course.
Thomas Lam thought that he originally felt good when starting the race in the dark. “The trail was very dark, especially when I was running through the forest. But as we were together it made it easier and we could work together like a team, but it was very well marked.” The Hong Kong famous running coach said.
Meanwhile, Kwong Hoi Tik is one of the students in Thomas’ running class in Hong Kong. He reckoned that the uphill part was really difficult, “but the view was excellent and the weather very nice. It was sunny and cool in the morning, but became hot at noon. It’s a special experience going down to the valley as we got to visit a local Karen hill tribe village that we didn't even need to pay extra money for," joking as previously they spent money by a tour guide visting villages not realizing the Action Asia course actually went thru local villages.
The 58km women overall champion also went to Hong Kong runner Leung Ying Suet, with 8 hours 33 minutes 6 seconds. “I go slower at the beginning to save energy for the latter part of the course. Almost all the male elite runners were ahead of me, so I had been running alone for some time. It wasn't scared as was not concered about any wild animals or anything, but I worried that I might get lost, but was happy that the course marking was so good that didn't have any problems. I did see a small little snake in the dark which was interesting,” Leung said. She reviewed that the glowing yellow ribbons were very helpful and the marking was again very good. “The best part was the ridgelines of the mountain sections on the Padang as the views were stunning of the whole valley, especially during dawn break. It feels good and we feel like we are waking up. Really will recommend this to my friends to come back next year in a bigger group.” The other women in same category never made the cut-offs showing how difficult and technical the course was.
For the 31km category, the Hong Kong Yoga teacher Tracy Ho became the overall first place women. She crossed the finish line with 5 hours 28 minutes 12 seconds. “The toughest part is probably the long uphill from the start up to checkpoint 1 thru the forest. I love the part from checkpoint 2 thru the forest section after the rockface, but the tall grass covers up the rocks. When I ran across it, I need to look carefully and go really slow. I almost twisted my ankle there as guess I was so excited. The best part of the race is the view on the mountain top by the rock face section near checkpoint 2. It’s so beautiful, the scenery is spectacular. I love this course; I highly recommend it to my friends."
Natthanawan Boonpalanan won the 15km women first place, with 2 hours 50 minutes 6 seconds. “I really like the view of the course. The peak point reaches a high altitude, almost too high for me, but loved the challenge when pushing myself. The race is not difficult. I will join again next year, and I will recommend it to my friends too,” the local Thailand runner said with a big smile on her face.
All runners winning the overall top 5 in their distances were rewarded with a certificate to enjoy The Oasis Spa which was greatly appreciated from the organizers and judging by all the smiles at the finish line, what a fantastic gift to offer for those with sore legs.
The Thailand Action Asia 50 is possible due to the generous support of supporting partners Tourism Authority of Thailand-Hong Kong, Action X Store, Doi Inthanon National Park, Air Asia, Outdoor Channel, Tri Action, Rarinjinda Wellness Spa, The Oasis Spa Thailand, International Skyrunning Federation, ITRA and UTMB Qualifier.
Result
Name-Time
58km overall top 5 men
1.Kwong Hoi Tik & Thomas Lam Shing Yip - 7:33:33
3.Patinya Nathong - 8:33:03
4.Yotchai Chaipromma - 8:53:19
5.Luke Stearn - 9:40:39
58km overall top 5 women
1.Leung Ying Suet - 8:33:06
31km overall top 5 men
1.Hamish Wilman - 3:50:32
2.Chokdee Khosawat - 4:20:41
3.Jacy Little - 4:22:48
4.Tharnawat Chuaphanngam - 4:31:06
5.Sittitchai Tharinjaroen - 4:36:04
31km overall top 5 women
1.Ho Chui Sze Tracy - 5:28:12
2.Jessica Keins Timm - 5:58:47
3.Janelle Dong - 5:58:47
4.Orntima Kularb - 6:21:19
5.Ladawan Chaiya - 6:41:50
15km overall top 5 men
1.Michael LeTouzic - 1:56:00
2.Kidin - 1:57:00
3.Pichate Udomwong - 1:58:00
4.Dech Kaewpeng - 2:06:00
5.Navik - 2:16:00
15km overall top 5 women
1.Natthanawan Boonpalanan - 2:50:06
2.Prapassorn Deangrassamee - 2:55:44
3. Apiradee Nuansuk - 3:09:50
4.Pornkhwon Tanjitanont - 4:11:57
5.Vijit Ploy - 4:12:43
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About Skyrunning
Since the first extreme races in 1992, the first World Championship in 1998 and the introduction of the Skyrunner World Series in 2003, Skyrunning has grown to become a globally renowned sport governed by the International Skyrunning Federation. In 2015, the Continental Championships were introduced and includes Asia, Europe, North America, Africa and Oceania. The sport is practiced in more than 40 nations and counts followers from 126 countries.
Event Info:
Event Name Thailand Action Asia 50 - 3rd edition
Date Nov 24, 2019 (Sunday)
Start Time 58km – 5:00 a.m.
31km & 15km – 6:45 a.m.
Start Location Doi Inthanon National Park Headquarters. Chiang Mai, Thailand
Distance 15km, 31km and 58km
Category Trail Running
For more race details, please visit below:
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