Runner dies after 42-minute wait at Doi Sakad trail race

A Thai runner known as Go died after collapsing during the Doi Sakad trail running event, with fellow runners claiming he waited 42 minutes before rescue personnel reached him.

The account was posted on 20 July by the Facebook page Wing Noi Roi Rup, which questioned why assistance took so long when the runner had reportedly collapsed just 2.4km from the starting point. The event organiser, SAKAD Scenic Trail, has issued a message of condolence but did not address the allegations about the emergency response.

The post said the race began at 6am in light rain. Go, who the page said may have had an underlying medical condition, was running with two friends when he collapsed face-down and lost consciousness.

Runners attempted CPR while waiting

A group of around 14 runners who were behind him stopped to help, according to the account. They turned him onto his back, used smelling salts and balm, fanned him and massaged his hands and feet while others tried to contact organisers and emergency services.

As his condition worsened and his pulse became weaker, a companion began CPR, the post said. The runner reportedly responded briefly on several occasions, but then lost consciousness again.

Participants continued CPR and mouth-to-mouth resuscitation while waiting for help. The Facebook page said that after 38 minutes, Go had no pulse and had stopped breathing, although runners continued trying to revive him.

Two rescue workers arrived after 42 minutes and took over CPR, according to the post. He did not recover and declared dead, before being placed on a stretcher and taken to hospital, for an autopsy.

Questions raised over race safety cover

The page criticised the organiser, saying vehicles, including motorcycles and cars, could have reached the location. It also alleged there were no guards, sweepers or properly equipped rescue staff available at the scene.

It questioned why a runner had been left waiting for assistance for 42 minutes so close to the start of the route. These claims have not been independently verified.

Organiser offers condolences

In its own Facebook post, SAKAD Scenic Trail said it was deeply saddened by the runner's death and offered condolences to his family.

"We join in mourning and offer our deepest condolences to the runner's family," the SAKAD Scenic Trail 2026 team said, adding that it hoped the runner's final journey would be peaceful.

Pictures courtesy of Amarin

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21 July 2026