Khao Jook Dragon Trail 5.1 Winter Season 2027 - Rayong

Khao Jook Dragon Trail 5.1 Winter Season returns to the hills surrounding Khao Jook Reservoir in Klaeng District, Rayong, on Sunday 10 January 2027. This fifth-season trail event is built around repeatedly climbing and descending the rugged, wooded hills near the reservoir rather than running a flat road course. The organiser describes the longest race as a particularly demanding challenge and has promoted changes to the 2027 trail layout, so choose a distance based on your trail experience and ability to move safely on steep or uneven ground.

2027 distances and provisional course profiles

Six categories are advertised. Their rounded race names and the more detailed course lengths are not always identical:

• KJD50: advertised 50 km, approximately 2,255 m ascent; 04:00 ICT start, a published checkpoint cut-off at 40 km after 12 hours; confirm the final overall limit with the organiser.
• KJD35: advertised 35 km, approximately 34.6 km / 1,555 m ascent; 05:00 start, 13-hour limit.
• KJD25: advertised 25 km, approximately 24.6 km / 1,155 m ascent; 05:40 start, 10-hour limit.
• KJD15: advertised 15 km, approximately 15.5 km / 695 m ascent; 06:20 start, 6-hour limit.
• KJD8: advertised 8 km, approximately 8.3 km / 380 m ascent; 06:30 start, 4-hour limit.
• KJD5: advertised 5 km, approximately 205 m ascent; 06:50 start, 3-hour limit.

The starting times and elevation figures above follow the organiser-linked THAIFIT registration page; its listed cut-off clock times are not fully consistent, so verify them against the organiser's final briefing and course maps before travel. ARC's structured distance filters represent the advertised 50K, 25K, 15K and 5K categories. The 35K and 8K options remain listed here because ARC has no exact matching structured distance entries.

Race atmosphere and preparation

The longer routes are associated with shaded forest tracks, tightly spaced hills and the red-earth gully commonly described as the Grand Canyon of Khao Jook. Expect repeated changes in gradient rather than a steady climb. Route and elevation figures may be revised after final course inspection. Study mandatory-equipment requirements, checkpoint cut-offs and weather advice from the organiser before committing to a long distance. Even in Thailand's cooler season, humidity, exposed sections and technical descents warrant appropriate footwear, hydration and a realistic pacing plan.

Registration and runner information

The organiser's current Facebook announcements direct entrants to THAIFIT for online registration; regular entry prices range from THB 1,090 (5K) to THB 2,590 (50K). Early-bird rates are advertised through 15 November 2026, from THB 990 (5K) to THB 2,290 (50K). Verify the amount shown at checkout, any additional payment charge, live places and transfer/refund conditions. Race-pack collection has been advertised for Saturday 9 January, 12:00–18:00 Thailand time, at the Sala Khon Lek community enterprise / event campsite. Bring your registration confirmation and identification, and check the organiser's final collection notice before leaving for Rayong.

Venue and navigation: The event is at the Sala Khon Lek community-enterprise camping area near Khao Jook Reservoir, Thung Khwai Kin, Klaeng District, Rayong. The map point is an approximate reservoir-area reference, not a surveyed camp entrance or exact start line. Follow the organiser's current driving directions, especially if arriving before dawn.

Sources: Organiser's registration platform, current-edition category announcement, and 2027 race details.