This year marked my second consecutive appearance at Chiang Mai by UTMB.
Last year, I ran the 50km category. It took me 11 hours. It was memorable, meaningful, and physically demanding enough to leave a lasting impression well beyond race day.
So when this year’s event came around, I made a different decision.
From matching milestones to making better choices
Running 50km last year felt symbolic – a personal milestone paired with a physical one. It was less about performance and more about testing limits.
This year, the motivation shifted. Experience has a way of reframing priorities. Progress isn’t always about doing more; sometimes it’s about choosing what fits better.
Instead of committing to another ultra-distance effort, I signed up for Chedi 20, the 17km category at Chiang Mai by UTMB. Not because longer distances were out of reach, but because they were no longer necessary.
What Chedi 20 is really like
Chedi 20 is a 17km loop course with approximately 700 metres of elevation gain, set around Doi Suthep and the Mae Jok Luang Reservoir. The route weaves through forested trails, rolling climbs, and scenic stretches with open views near flower garden areas.
The course offers enough variety to feel like a proper trail race without tipping into relentless difficulty. Climbs are steady rather than punishing, and the flow of the route allows runners to settle into a rhythm instead of constantly managing fatigue.
The time limit is 5 hours, making it approachable for runners new to trail racing, while still engaging for those with more experience.
I completed the course in 3 hours and 5 minutes, finishing 353rd out of 957 runners. Pace has never been the central focus for me; experience and execution matter more.
Click to read on what to do and where to go in Chiangmai.
Beginner-friendly does not mean easy
One important clarification: beginner-friendly does not mean easy.
Runners still earn every kilometre. The elevation gain is real, the trail surface demands attention, and the climate adds its own layer of challenge. What Chedi 20 avoids is unnecessary punishment. It is demanding without being excessive.
This makes it a sensible option for runners who are:
- new to trail running
- exploring UTMB-branded events for the first time
- returning from injury
- balancing training with work and family commitments
- prioritising long-term consistency over maximal effort
Chedi 20 delivers the UTMB experience – atmosphere, organisation, and setting – without the extended recovery typically associated with longer distances.
The bigger picture: Chiang Mai by UTMB
As an event, Chiang Mai by UTMB continues to stand out. In terms of scale, logistics, and overall race-day execution, it is among the most polished trail running events in the region.
Course markings were clear, aid stations well managed, and volunteers consistently supportive. The event balances the needs of elite competitors and everyday participants without compromising quality or experience.
The experience was made possible with the support of the Tourism Authority of Thailand (Singapore Office), whose invitation is much appreciated.
Choosing races differently over time
At different stages of a runner’s journey, motivations evolve.
Sometimes it is about pushing limits.
Sometimes it is about testing resilience.
And sometimes it is about selecting events that allow you to finish well, recover properly, and return motivated rather than depleted.
Chedi 20 felt like the right choice – not as a compromise, but as a considered decision.
And it is one I would make again.
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