Amazing Thailand Adventure Race

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The Yara Bangkok Challenge 2009 Adventure Race

To be Held in Nong Chok on November 14, 2009

3-8 hours of trekking, mountain biking, canoeing and swimming

Yara, The Bangkok Metropolitan Administration, The Tourism Authority of Thailand, and Active Management Asia are proud to announce the 4th edition of the popular Yara Bangkok Challenge.

Part of the Amazing Thailand Adventure Race Series, the Yara Bangkok Challenge 2009 Adventure Race is a three to eight hours racing, which will take teams of 2 participants through a 50+ km course of trekking, mountain biking, swimming, and paddling as well as some mystery tests.

It is difficult to believe that we can set up such an interesting Adventure race course at only one hour driving from the city center” says Serge Henkens, the Race director.

“But after 4 years of existence, this race has become extremely popular for its uniqueness.

This course is very different of what we usually propose in Kanchanaburi , Chiang Mai or Samui.

It is much flatter here. No more mountains, no jungle”, says Henkens.

This year, we expect to have more than 100 teams from around the world to participate”

“What Adventure racers like the most and what makes this sport so exciting and unique, is that the racers don’t know what is coming next. They don’t know the course, the exact distances. They must be ready for all scenarios. These unknown factors, combined with the great outdoors, are the main reasons for the tremendous success of this new sport.”

The reason Nong Chok has been chosen as the race venue is because the area has so much to offer to outdoor enthusiasts. The course travels through paddy fields, lakes, canals, temples, wooden bridges, bathing buffaloes, birds and villages trapped in time. The area offers the recipe for great adventure racing, a memorable experience and a wonderful voyage through the greenery and beauty of the Thai Countryside.

“Racers like to compete here also because of the warm welcome and kindness of the local people. Smiling and cheerful, they often offer water or fruits to the grateful participants. It is nice to see how the sports can bring so much enthusiasm and friendship.”

“It is the third year in a row that we support this exciting event says Olivier Saulnier, the president of Yara Thailand. Environmental issues and human health is a major concern at Yara since our business is focused on food, nutrition and overall human wellbeing. It is therefore important for us to support healthy lifestyle and sport activities. Yara is sponsoring triathlons and Adventure Races in many countries around the world”

As AMA strives to promote the sports for youngsters in Thailand and in order to make it a festive event and involve the local people, we have decided to offer a fun run for all in parallel to the Adventure Race.

A 5Km open run will start before the Adventure race at 6:45am.

A 3.5 km run/walk for children will start at 7:15

All Nong Chok schools have been invited and all children and families are warmly welcome to participate to this unique event that promises to be one of the highlights of an active day.

This run will raise participant’s numbers and create a festive, sporty and friendly atmosphere throughout the day.

“We wanted to involve local residents and people who are not keen to compete in a strenuous adventure race”, say Henkens. “This running initiative will give the opportunity for all to participate in this unique sport’s day event! Schools will also animate the activities throughout the day with dances, shows and songs”.

The venue will be the Korean International School of Bangkok which means that it is organized in a protected environment. A bouncy castle and other games for children will keep supporters and families happy while waiting for their heroes to return. Some parts of the race will take place in the nearby lake which is at walking distance from the start finish.

A good restaurant is located on the lakeshore and offers hundreds of delicious dishes.

The trophy ceremony that will take place on the school’s football field from 3pm promises to be fun with spectacles, entertainment shows and food.

So we strongly recommend families and friends to come and enjoy a wonderful outdoor day with us, you won’t regret it!

“Anyone can participate as we propose 2 different divisions. Adventure level is accessible to anyone with a minimum of fitness. But beware, Adventure Racing is the most addictive sport you will ever try, and once you get sucked in, there's no going back.” concludes Henkens.

Adventure: For newcomers and Weekend warriors.

This is a good introduction to the world of Adventure Racing. Open to everyone with a minimum of physical condition. Top teams expected to complete the course in 3 hours

Extreme: For more experienced and stronger athletes, as this division requires more serious training. Top teams are expected to complete the course in 4:30 hours

The race is open to anyone 14 years of age or older and each team must consist of two athletes.

Race details:

Level: Adventure-Extreme

Disciplines: Mountain biking, running, swimming, kayaking and mystery tests…

Categories: Men, Women, Mixed, Masters (80 years combined), Seniors (100 years combined) and Students (14-18 years of age)

Teams: 2 racers

Course length:

• Adventure approximately 45k all disciplines combined

• Extreme approximately 65k all disciplines combined

For more details please take a look here www.ama-events.com