The HMONG 50, part of the Chiang Mai Thailand by UTMB World Series, is a 53-kilometer trail race through the breathtaking Doi Suthep-Pui National Park.
This year, after completing two World Marathon Majors and a series of shorter trail races in the region, I decided to take on the 50 km category—the longest distance I’ve attempted in 2024. The promise of double UTMB running stones was too enticing to pass up. While I don’t have immediate UTMB plans, the stones don’t expire, so I figured, why not?
Here is my account of the race, from pre-race preparations to crossing the finish line.
Friday, 6 December: Pre-Race Preparations
I flew directly to Chiang Mai on Scoot, departing from Changi Airport at 9 AM and arriving at 11 AM. A friend picked me up, and we drove straight to the Provincial Administrative Organization (PAO) Park for race pack collection. Just 11 kilometers from the airport, the park is easily accessible – less than a 30-minute drive. For those without a ride, the organisers provided shuttle services between the airport and the park.
PAO Park was bustling with activity. The race pack collection process was seamless—no fuss, no delays—and I was done in under 20 minutes. The expo featured a variety of booths selling running gear and apparel, as well as official merchandise. Having experienced the UTMB in Chamonix back in 2018, I can confidently say this is the closest any race has come to replicating that vibe. Other races have tried but haven’t reached this level yet.
For my stay, I chose the Nimman area, often dubbed the Orchard Road of Chiang Mai. It’s packed with great hotels, delicious food options, and ample shopping opportunities – all just a 15-minute drive from the race site.
Race Morning: The Start of an Adventure
The day began at 3:00 AM with a quick breakfast in my room. By 3:45 AM, I was on a shuttle bus from Nimman to the race village, arriving by 4:10 AM. I got in too early, duh! Runners from all over were exchanging greetings, and I bumped into a few familiar faces from the previously organised send-off event by Tourism Authority of Thailand Singapore Office.
Assigned to Wave 4, I started at 5:30 AM. The energy at the start line was palpable, fueled by enthusiastic cheers and a notable presence of Chinese runners. Shortly after the start, I made a quick detour to chat with Sophie, my favourite trail event emcee, before diving into the race.
The First Stretch: From Roads to Trails
The initial kilometers were on roads, giving runners room to spread out before hitting the trails. Despite the large turnout, the trails were well-managed, avoiding bottlenecks. Early on, we crossed several streams, soaking our shoes in the process. The cool water was refreshing, but it was clear this was just the beginning of the challenges ahead.
Then came the climbs – long, steep, and seemingly endless. Running uphill was out of the question; power hiking became the default. Relief finally came at the first aid station, B9. Well-stocked with food and drinks, including halal options, and equipped with chairs for resting, the station was impeccably organized – a hallmark of UTMB events.
The Middle Segments: Climbing Through the Sunrise
The next leg to B10 was mercifully short. After a quick toilet break and refueling, I pressed on as the first light of day broke over the trails. The scenery was stunning, but the relentless effort required was a constant reminder of the race’s difficulty.
Reaching B4 felt like a small victory. I took a brief rest before tackling the course’s most challenging segment – a steep uphill climb that tested both my physical and mental limits. This 10-kilometer section combined roads and trails, but the climb felt interminable. Arriving at B11 was a moment of triumph. The bustling aid station, filled with food, drinks, and camaraderie among runners, provided a much-needed morale boost.
The Final Push: Descent and the Finish Line
From B11, the route led to B9 for the final aid stop. I expected the finish to come easily after that, but a deceptively optimistic “To the Finish” sign marked the beginning of a punishing descent. The downhill was steep, dusty, and slippery, demanding unwavering focus. My knees bore the brunt of the effort, but the bright, sunny weather was a saving grace.
As the trail transitioned back to roads, the finish line felt tantalisingly close. However, the course threw in one final twist—a loop around the PAO Park after crossing the iconic red overhead bridge. It felt like a cheeky trick, but the joy of crossing the finish line made it all worthwhile. Sophie and the organizers were there, celebrating every runner’s achievement.
Final Thoughts
The HMONG 50 is, without question, the toughest 50 km race I’ve completed. The early uphill stretches were brutal, testing both my physical endurance and mental resilience. The middle segments offered some relief, but the final descent was a punishing finish.
Despite the challenges, the event’s sound organization made it all worthwhile. This race is not just a test of strength but a rewarding experience that I’d gladly undertake again. For anyone seeking a challenging yet fulfilling trail race, I wholeheartedly recommend the HMONG 50.
What I’d Do Differently Next Time
- Train specifically for long climbs and steep descents.
- Bring hiking poles—an invaluable tool for tackling this course
Lessons learned. Ready for the next adventure.