When Trisha Yuen signed up for the 30 km category at Koh Chang Trail 2025, she knew she would get a taste of island trails. What she did not expect was how much variety – and how much heart – the race would pack into one course.
Course Snapshot and Elevation
On paper, the 30 km course looks straightforward. In reality, it comes with about 1,500–1,600 m of elevation gain – plenty of climbing and descending across jungle, hills, and beaches. Add in a storm before the start, and the route turned into a tough but rewarding test. The event also featured multiple checkpoints and aid stations stocked with hot food, drinks, and medical support. Forest rangers, race guards, sweepers, and ploggers were stationed across the course, making safety and support a visible priority.
Storm, Mud, and the First Big Hill
The race began under heavy skies, and the rain quickly turned the trails into a slippery challenge. The very first hill was the hardest – raw, muddy, and lined with thorny plants. Ropes were fixed in place to help runners pull themselves up, and once on top, they had to navigate a downhill section that was just as muddy. Trisha summed it up simply: this race throws everything at you right from the start.
Rivers, Rope Sections, and Rubber Plantations
The course kept runners on their toes. There were so many river crossings that she joked it felt like “a million of them.” Some were shallow, others deeper, but all added to the sense of adventure. Rubber plantations and dense forest sections meant sticky mud and tricky footing, while rope supported climbs and descents gave runners a fighting chance when the ground got too steep.
Checkpoints with Real Comfort Food
One of the highlights was the aid stations. Instead of the usual snacks, runners were treated to rice with fried chicken, tea eggs, and hot soup. After battling through mud and hills, these stations felt like mini celebrations. The volunteers, often locals, cheered loudly and gave every runner a lift in spirits.
From Jungle Silence to Beachside Cheers
The final stretch of the race opened up from quiet jungle trails into a beachfront road lined with hotels. Suddenly, there were people everywhere – clapping, shouting encouragement, and giving high fives. It was a fitting way to finish: from the solitude of rivers and hills to the energy of a cheering crowd. Post race, runners could clean up at the school with showers, bag deposits, and even shoe washing pipes. Hot food and friendly conversations rounded out the day. Trisha walked away with tired legs, new friends, and memories of a course that offered just about every challenge in one package.
A Trail with Everything
The Koh Chang Trail is not just another island race. It has rain, mud, rivers, ropes, hills, plantations, and beaches – all rolled into 30 km. It is tough, but the sense of community, the delicious food, and the beachfront finish made it unforgettable. For Trisha, it was not just a run. It was an adventure that tested her legs, lifted her spirits, and reminded her why trail running is always worth it.
