Tham Ngob Trail Chiang Mai 2027

The Tham Ngob Trail 2027 heads into the forested hills around Ban Sinchai, Chai Prakan District, Chiang Mai on Sunday 10 January. This conservation-minded mountain race coincides with the season when the wild Himalayan cherry, known locally as Phaya Suea Khrong, can bloom along the ridgelines. Expect an early start, mountain mist, sustained climbing and winding village and forest trails, rather than a conventional flat city run.

Course lengths: read the organiser's maps carefully

The organiser sells four categories labelled 40K, 20K, 10K and 5K, but the published maps show that some actual routes are considerably longer:

• 40K trail: 40 km, about 2,265 metres of ascent, 12-hour cut-off, 2 ITRA points advertised.
• 20K trail: 21 km measured course, about 1,100 metres of ascent, 6½-hour cut-off, 1 ITRA point advertised.
• 10K trail: 13 km measured course, about 700 metres of ascent, four-hour cut-off.
• 5K fun run: 8 km measured course, about 200 metres of ascent, three-hour cut-off.

ARC's fixed distance selector uses the closest available standard categories where exact 40K, 13K or 8K options do not exist. Follow the measured distances above and official course maps, not an approximate distance badge, when planning hydration, pacing and equipment. All routes start and finish at the Ban Sinchai multipurpose shop near Tham Ngob and pass selected checkpoints including Pho Luang A Chong's shop, Doi Chom Wiw, Chui Thang, Pha Daeng and Tham Ngob Inn, depending on distance.

Race morning: Sunday 10 January (Thailand time)

• 05:00: 40K departs; last finisher must arrive by 17:00.
• 05:30: 20K departs; cut-off 12:00.
• 06:00: 10K departs; cut-off 10:00.
• 06:30: 5K departs; cut-off 09:30.
• 07:00–10:00: Stage programme, finishers and awards; programme subject to change.

The longer routes involve significant elevation gain. Train for climbing and descending, carry suitable weather protection and water, and check the latest route briefing for navigation and mandatory equipment requirements. The organiser's 40K and 20K finishers who reach the cut-off qualify for a special finisher shirt. The 40K and 20K award trophies to the first five overall finishers; the short categories do not list podium trophies.

Before race day

Race bib and kit collection takes place Saturday 9 January, 10:00–18:00, followed by an optional route briefing from 16:00 to 18:00 at the same Ban Sinchai location. Runners collecting their own packs should bring their registration number and ID/passport. A representative may collect with the runner's registration number and identification documents required by the organiser.

Entry includes a souvenir shirt, bib, medal, food and accident insurance. Early-bird prices are listed through 18 December 2026 at 23:59 Thailand time; that is a price transition, not a confirmed final registration deadline. Entries are non-transferable and the organiser may cancel registrations for incorrect details. Confirm remaining places, final directions and regulations directly with the live RUNLAH booking page. The ARC map point is approximate for Ban Sinchai village; use the organiser's linked Google Maps pin for the precise assembly venue.