Races

Pong Yaeng Trail

ThailandOctober

Thailand, October. 100 km on 75% trail. +2,130 ft of climbing. 31 hours cutoff.

62 mi+2,130 ft-2,124 ft31 hours407 ft to 605 fttech 5/10Checkpoints per race bookWSER qualifierOctober
Distance62 mi
Gain+2,130 ft
Loss-2,124 ft
Altitude407 ft to 605 ft
Technicality5/10
Air50°F to 85°F
Gradient profileOfficial race GPX
  • Start479 ft
  • High605 ft
  • Low407 ft
  • Finish486 ft

Geometryderived

Steepest drop164 ft-1.4% over 2.2 mi
Night miles19 misunset near 18:00 local

The cruxHumid climbs, ridge exposure, and aid gaps in remote terrain (near mile 40)

Course DNA

The Course

Pong Yaeng Trail runs 100 km through Thailand. +2,130 ft gain and -2,124 ft loss. Surfaces skew 75% trail / 20% dirt road / 5% paved. Humid climbs, ridge exposure, and aid gaps in remote terrain. High point near 605 ft. Low near 407 ft. October temps run 50°F to 85°F. The course rewards patience early and punishes rushed descents after mile 31.

The Work

Train for 2,130 feet of climbing across 100 km. Back-to-back long runs on trail. Practice power-hiking grades above 15 percent. 31 hours total means limited margin: rehearse fueling every 45 to 60 minutes and downhill eccentric work weekly. Technicality 5/10. Build a block that simulates the crux near mile 40.

Kit

October in Thailand: plan for 50°F to 85°F. Mandatory shell if rain is in forecast. Headlamp with spare batteries if 31 hours pushes past dark. Poles help on sustained climbs above mile 16. Vest capacity for 2 liters minimum. Shoes matched to 75% trail: lugs for mud, rock plate if the course turns technical after mile 31.

Race Day

Hold effort through mile 16. The field often splits on the first big climb after mile 31. Humid climbs, ridge exposure, and aid gaps in remote terrain near mile 40 is where time is won or lost. Walk the steep pinches. Run the flats and gentle downhills. Crew at major aids: socks, calories, ice if hot. Transitions under 5 minutes when possible. Final third is 21 miles of fatigue management. Finish with reserve for the last descent.

Pong Yaeng Trail