Following a successful test event on June 4, the first edition of MSIG Thailand Action Asia 50 will be held at Doi Inthanon, the “Roof of Thailand” which covers an area of 482 square kilometres – or about one-third the size of Bangkok.
The race aims to raise fund for two projects: purchase of trees for planting and the construction of a water dam in the local Hmong and Karen hill tribe village areas. In addition, the event also intends to raise awareness of Doi Inthanon National Park and its villagers.
Action Asia Events is the first and only trail running company allowed to hold a charity running event in Doi Inthanon National Park. Thus, MSIG Thailand Action Asia 50 is a rare chance for you to race at Thailand’s highest mountain and help the communities at the same time.
Participation of local and overseas runners
Thai runner Phoothong Pornmongkol, the overall 50km champion from the previous MSIG Thailand 50 test event, whose legs are still remembering the recently-completed MSIG Lantau 50 – Asian Skyrunning Championship in Hong Kong, has signed up for the MSIG Thailand Action Asia 50 and looks forward to the technical race this Sunday.
Hong Kong runners, Cheung Man Yee and Hui Ho Tat, who were named the local female champion and male runner-up in MSIG HK50 Series – Hong Kong Island, will also be participating in MSIG Thailand Action Asia 50. They aim to have a satisfying performance.
Bangkok resident Woraphan Kijsawasdi, who won the women’s 50km champion from the previous test event, recalls her impression of the course during the test event, “It is challenging as the course is unique in Thailand since we don’t have such big mountains so much. The course is very beautiful, and my favourite part is the rock which looks like a tiger on one of the highest points.” She added, “I know the organizer has the “No Cup Policy” in the race, and I couldn’t agree more with that. I would recommend people coming to this place to also leave with their rubbish, for the aim of protecting the environment for the villages.”
Event supported by the Tourism Authority of Thailand
Ms Sarima Chindamat, director of the Tourism Authority of Thailand, Hong Kong, was pleased to support the trail running charity event in Thailand,
It is an honour to get a chance to work with Action Asia Events and also Doi Inthanon National Park in the supporting the organizing of this event which is really useful for not only participants, and also give benefits to the local community and support the sustainable tourism development. We come here to enjoy the scenery and do the running, and we also give something back to the nature and the local community around, which is very meaningful.
Rattapol Gitisakchaiyakul, CEO of MSIG Insurance (Thailand) Public Company Limited, commented,
The MSIG Thailand Action Asia 50 captures spirit of ambition and success through sports. We encourage all runners to go forward whether you’re attempting the 14km, the 31km or the 54km. We are proud to partner with Action Asia Events to bring this event to Thailand.
This fundraising event is possible due to the generous support of presenting sponsor MSIG Insurance (Thailand) Public Company Limited and supporting partners Tourism Authority of Thailand-Hong Kong, Doi Inthanon National Park, Thai Airways, Hoka One One, Outdoor Channel, AirAsia, Alpha Runner, Tri Action, International Skyrunning Federation, ITRA, Action X Store and Action Asia Foundation.
