Thailand Trail Running
Discover the ancient temples, the rich culture and, of course, the world-class trails of Chiang Mai!
DAY 1 Welcome to Chiang Mai
Welcome to Chiang Mai! An ancient walled city of leafy green trees, winding alleyways, gentle inhabitants, and spectacular cuisine, it can make a good case for being the most charming city in Thailand. Get ready to discover the ancient temples, the rich culture and, of course, the world-class trails of Chiang Mai!
In the afternoon you will meet up for a short briefing about your trip in Chiang Mai. It’s the perfect moment to get to know your running buddies, and your guide and the experienced team that will take you out on the trails will make sure everyone is on the same page about what to expect in the coming days.
With that out of the way, you will make your way up to the centuries-old Wat Prathat Doi Suthep, located on the mountain west of the city. It is one of the most spiritually remarkable temples. After taking in the sights and learning about the history of the temple you’ll experience a unique blessing and witness the chanting of monks: an awe-inspiring moment that will give you plenty to think about. You will gain a sense of balance between earth and sky as you behold the sky bursting into different colors during sunset.
To end the evening, you will enjoy a local dinner in a local restaurant.
Meals included: welcome dinner
Overnight: hotel in Chiang Mai (check-in hotel starts at 2 PM)
Transfer airport -> hotel is not included
DAY 2 Chian Mai - The Temple Run
Today you will start the day early for your first short introduction to the trails of Northern Thailand. But just because the route is short doesn’t mean it is not exciting! You will go to the outskirts of town to a local temple. After a short warmup, you will make your way up the staircase. By the time you reach the top, you can be sure that your body is awake, and your heart will be pumping. The reward for your effort is some breathtaking views of the valley below.
After the temple, you will continue the run into some fun trails through the forest. The terrain is fun and varied, with a couple more challenging sections scattered along the way. Perfect to get a feel of what trail running in Chiang Mai is like. As you make your way down back to the valley you will get to enjoy some more magnificent views as you return back to the starting point to complete a loop.
You’ll head back to the hotel where you will have time to freshen up and relax until the early afternoon when your guide will take you to explore the old town of Chiang Mai and some of its most iconic temples.
Distance of running: approximately 8 kilometers, 350m elevation gain, 350m elevation loss
Course details: Loop with start and finish at the same location, mainly offroad on dirt roads and single-track trails
Evening is at leisure.
Meals included: breakfast at the hotel
Overnight: hotel in Chiang Mai
Today we will pick you up early at Kex Hostel in Reykjavík. We drive 2 hours to Þórsmörk (The Valley of Thor.), exploring the waterfall Seljalandafloss on our way there, a waterfall you can walk behind! Once in Þórsmörk, we will do a 15 km route with 270m elevation. Expect gorgeous scenery. We end up running the last 3 km of the 5VH Trail Run, imagining how we will feel at the end of the race.
After showering and eating at Volcano Huts, we drive to Skógarfoss, where the race starts, and explore this beautiful waterfall and walk up the iconic stairs that launch the race.
Lastly, we drive to Reynisfjara and spend half an hour at this famous spot before heading back to the capital. En route we stop at a gas station where people can have a quick dinner. In the evening, we drop you off at your hotel/guesthouse in Reykjavík.
DAY 4 AUGUST 7
We pick you up in the morning and drive 40 minutes to Hveragerði. There we do an 11 km run with 460m elevation. In the middle of the run, we will take a dip in a natural hot river that is about 38° Celsius (100°F) before we finish downhill. Expect to see plenty of hot springs and hot, bubbling mud on the way! You will be back well before 2 PM and can spend the rest of the day as you wish.
DAY 5 AUGUST 8
A day off where you do whatever you wish in Iceland. If you need ideas from locals, we have your back.
DAY 6 AUGUST 9
We are getting close to the race, so today we do an easy 6 km sightseeing jog. We pick you up in the morning and drive about 20 minutes to a beautiful, desolate, peaceful place.
The starts in the Heidmork Nature Reserve and continues towards the lava tunnel of Búrfell. You will see caves and old sheep gathering areas before we walk up the volcano Búrfell and run on the ridge of the crater.
Afterwards, we will take you to Laugardagslaug, situated close to the Reykjavík City Center. There you can enjoy the hot tubs, steam bath and don’t forget to use the cold-water tub!
Then we will have lunch together where we will go through the logistics of the 5VH Trail Race and prepare mentally for the big day
DAY 7 AUGUST 10
You have the day off to do as you please
DAY 8 AUGUST 11
Today you can make your own plans until 3:00 PM when we travel to Skógarfoss, right where the race starts. This night you will spend at Hotel Skogafoss in nice twin or double rooms. This way, you won’t have to wake up early in the morning on race day and drive all the way from the capital. This last day before the race, dinner is included. Enjoy eating with your fellow competitors and make final preparations for the big day!
DAY 9 AUGUST 12 RACE DAY
The 5VH Trail Race starts at 9:00. You wiill eat breakfast at the hotel and join the other competitors at the start line around 8:30. Enjoy this fantastic race, whether you intend to go as fast as possible or just cruise along and smell the roses.
When you have finished your accomplishment, taken a shower and put on fresh clothes in Volcano Huts, you can buy yourself something to eat and enjoy your time in the other wordly place of Þórsmörk until the bus takes you back to Reykjavik.
DAY 10 AUGUST 13
It´s time to say good bye to this magical country, unless you want to stay longer and explore further, that’s up to you.
On your way home, your muscles will be tired and your head dizzy with overload of beautiful scenery that will stay with you for the rest of your life. Make Iceland Trail Race Trip a dream come true!
INCLUDED
Three epic trail runs with Arctic Running guides with transportation included.
Accommodation 8 nights in 4 or 6 bed dorms in the hip downtown Kex Hostel. The night prior to the race a twin/double room at Hotel Skogarfoss where the race starts.
Breakfast is included at Hotel Skogarfoss but not at Kex Hostel (available on site at a fair price, no need to preorder).
On Day 3, the Day Trip includes an epic, guided trail run in Þórsmörk, showers and lunch at Volcano Huts, exploration of the end and the beginning of the race route and sightseeing two waterfalls and the spectacular Reynisfjara.
Admission to the 5VH Trail Race 2022 and transportation from Reykjavik and back.
On Day 6, the Day Trip includes admission to a public outdoor swimming pool, lunch and Race prep by an experienced runner who has done the race and knows the route well.
On Day 8, dinner at Hotel Skogafoss is included.
The company of fellow adventures!
NOT INCLUDED:
Meals and drinks. Except for lunch the 7th and 10th, dinner the 11th and breakfast the 12th, you buy your own meals. At Kex Hostel you have the choice of using the cooking facility or eat out at their restaurant/bar or at countless restaurants in walking distance.
Nothing except accommodation is included on days off.
ACCOMMODATIONS:
For 8 nights out of 9, you stay at Kex Hostel, a hip downtown hostel with a bar/restaurant and where you can hang out with fellow participants in the the evening. There are also plenty of various diners in walking distance. Make your own meals or eat out — your choice! Get to know fellow participants as you stay in 4-6 bed dorms with the choice of mixed genders or ladies only. Alternitavely, a limited selection of twin/double rooms are available for an extra fee.
The night before the race, all participants stay in a twin/double room at the peaceful Hotel Skógar, situated just where the race starts. After sharing dinner, you can count on a good night’s sleep—and no need to get up super early!
COST: $2450 USD Per Person Single Supplement: $600
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