Adventure Racing is a new sport that has exploded in popularity across Asia. In Thailand, the highly popular Amazing Thailand Race Series organized by Active Management Asia (AMA), a professional sport events organizer, is supported by the Tourism Authority of Thailand.
The Koh Samui Trophy Adventure Race 2009 is also supported by Ibis, the Tourism Association of Koh Samui and the Thai Hotel Association of Koh Samui. This inaugural Adventure Race is set to attract 150 teams from around the world.
Koh Samui Trophy Race Information
The challenging one-day race on September 19 will include biking in the mountains, along woodland trails and off road running, sea kayaking, swimming in the turquoise waters of the Gulf of Thailand and surprise obstacles along the course.
Experienced racers and extremely fit competitors can opt for the “Extreme” category. This consists of *biking 45 kms + swimming 1,000 metres + kayaking 10 kms + running 15 kms and completing the race in approximately 4.5 hours.
The “Adventure” category is suitable for weekend warriors or adventure racing newcomers and consists of biking for 30 kms, swimming 500 metres, kayaking 5 kms and running 10 kms completing the race in 3.5 hours.
Note: * The above distances are a rough indication only.
Each team consists of two racers in any of the following race categories: men, women, mixed, masters (combined age over 80 years) and seniors (combined age over 100 years).
“After the tremendous success of the other races of the Series in Kanchanaburi, Nong Chok and Chiang Mai, it was important to have a competition in the South” explains Serge Henkens, the Race Director and Managing Director of Active Management Asia.
“Despite 10 years of unbelievable development, we wanted to show that the Island has a lot to offer and is still a paradise destination” continues Henkens. “Well-known for its magnificent beaches, Samui also offers fantastic opportunities for Adventure and Great Outdoor lovers. The Island has all the ingredients for a memorable race: the blue ocean, forests, mountains, waterfalls, sandy beaches and a very rich fauna and flora. The perfect recipe for great Adventure Racing” continues Henkens.
According to the event organizer, 20 per cent of the donations from sponsors will go towards environment friendly initiatives undertaken by “The Green Island Project”, a local environmentally-friendly association.
FUN RUN FOR ALL
AMA strives to promote the sports for youngsters in Thailand and is offering a fun run for all in parallel to the Adventure Race. This presents an opportunity for Samui residents to be involved in the festive event. A 5Km and 10km open run will start before the Adventure race at 6:30 am. A 3.5 km run/walk for children will start at 7:15
All schools in Samui have been invited and all children and families are welcome to participate to the event. The fun run for all will raise participant 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.
Sports related activities will also take place in the afternoon such as:
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Thai boxing demonstration and class for kids |
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Martial Arts demonstration and class for kids (Karate and Jiu Jitsu) |
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Yoga demonstration and class for all |
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Gym dance demonstration |
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Aerobic for all |
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“The Koh Samui Trophy 2009” consists of 3 days of activities including:
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An expo for sponsors to promote their products/services |
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Parties and VIP hospitality |
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A spectacular Sprint Adventure Race |
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Both 10km-5km fun runs in the fishing village of Bophut |
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A 3.5k run/walk for children and schools |
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Sports activities on the beach |
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Shows, dances and songs from local Schools |
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Trophy presentation |
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Children corner and games |
Koh Samui Trophy
Location: Hotel Ibis Bophut Samui
180/10 Samui Ring Road
T.Bophut, Koh Samui, Surat Thani
84320 Thailand
For further details about the race, please visit
http://kohsamuitrophy.com/index.php?page=home&hl=en_US
About IBIS
Ibis, the worldwide economy hotel brand of the Accor group, offers consistent quality accommodation and services in all its hotels, for the best local value. Ibis Samui is the fourth Ibis hotel opened in Thailand after Ibis Phuket Patong, Ibis Pattaya and Ibis Bangkok Sathorn. Ibis is also reinforcing its presence this year in Bangkok with the Ibis Bangkok Nana, opened in March and Ibis Phuket Kata opening end of the year.
In addition to The Koh Samui Trophy, The Chiang Mai Challenge, The River Kwai Trophy, and The Yara Bangkok Challenge are also part of the Amazing Thailand Adventure Race Series organized by Active Management Asia. The professional sport events organizer specializes in athletic races such as Runs, Triathlons, Bicycle and Adventure Races. Now in its fourth year of operation, AMA has established an international reputation of professionally organized events, solid logistics and challenging courses. These non-stop races, ranging from length from 4-8 hours, require teams of two to run, trek, mountain bike and paddle, while navigating a course through the wilderness.
Likened to an expedition with a stopwatch, adventure racing requires, perseverance, strategy and determination.
Contact information:
Active Management Asia
Tel: 02 7189581-2
E-mail: info@active-asia.com
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