Races
Pong Yaeng Trail
Thailand, October. 160 km on 75% trail. +38,835 ft of climbing. 48 hours cutoff.
- Start2,539 ft
- High5,358 ft
- Low1,102 ft
- Finish2,513 ft
- Thailand at mile 0.0
- Pong Yaeng Trail mile 20 at mile 20, cutoff 9.600000000000001 hours
- Pong Yaeng Trail mile 40 at mile 40, cutoff 19.200000000000003 hours
- Pong Yaeng Trail mile 59 at mile 59, cutoff 28.799999999999997 hours
- Pong Yaeng Trail mile 79 at mile 79, cutoff 38.400000000000006 hours
- Finish Thailand at mile 99, cutoff 48 hours
Geometrycourse math
The cruxHumid climbs, ridge exposure, and aid gaps in remote terrain (near mile 65)
Course DNA
The Course
Pong Yaeng Trail runs 160 km through Thailand. +38,835 ft gain and -38,862 ft loss. Surfaces skew 75% trail / 20% dirt road / 5% paved. Humid climbs, ridge exposure, and aid gaps in remote terrain. High point near 5,492 ft. Low near 1,089 ft. October temps run 50°F to 85°F. The course rewards patience early and punishes rushed descents after mile 50.
The Work
Train for 38,835 feet of climbing across 160 km. Back-to-back long runs on trail. Practice power-hiking grades above 15 percent. 48 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 65.
Kit
October in Thailand: plan for 50°F to 85°F. Mandatory shell if rain is in forecast. Headlamp with spare batteries if 48 hours pushes past dark. Poles help on sustained climbs above mile 25. Vest capacity for 2 liters minimum. Shoes matched to 75% trail: lugs for mud, rock plate if the course turns technical after mile 50.
Race Day
Hold effort through mile 25. The field often splits on the first big climb after mile 50. Humid climbs, ridge exposure, and aid gaps in remote terrain near mile 65 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 33 miles of fatigue management. Finish with reserve for the last descent.
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