The 5th annual edition of the increasingly-popular off-road running competition will be hosted at MIRA Valley in Si Sunthon, Thalang. The event features a variety of distances, including 100 kilometre, 75km, 55km, 40km, 25km, 15km, and a 7km Fun Trail. All race catgeories are open to male and female competitors, with cash prizes and trophies up for grabs for the top three placed finishers in each.
The Southern Thailand Trail Series 2026 is a major five-race championship held across five southern provinces between June and November. The 2026 season features scenic jungle routes, coastal views, and elevation challenges, attracting both elite and amateur trail runners. The races include: Kapong Trail in Phang Nga, which took place June 5-6; Ngorn Nak Trail in Krabi on July 11-12; Aokhanom Trail in Nakhon Si Thammarat on Aug 15-16; Phuket Trail on Sept 12-13; and Samui Trail in Surat Thani on Nov 7-8.
The series is designed to allow each province to showcase a feature that is considered unique, with Phuket highlighting the natural beauty of its pristine forests and local environment at MIRA Valley, organisers said.
The course location at MIRA Valley will take runners through a challenging yet pristine landscape encompassing dense tropical forest, steep climbs, winding creeks, wetlands, and tranquil lakes.
NATURAL BEAUTY
An official press conference to disclose details of the Phuket event was held at Decathlon Phuket in Kathu recently, over seen by Phuket Provincial Administrative Organisation (PPAO) Deputy Mayor Anupap Wechwanichsanong, who was joined by: Warin Khaothong, Secretary-General of the Phuket Provincial Sports Association: Anus Buanak, representative of the Phuket office of the Sports Authority of Thailand (SAT); Mahachart Suwannarat, Director of the Phuket Trail; and selected representatives from various public and private sector entities.
“On behalf of the PPAO we are fully prepared and happy to support the Phuket edition of this well respected and popular event to the very best of our ability,” said Mr Anupap.
“We are fully committed to coordinating the area and providing whatever services are required, including ensuring full safety measures are in place to ensure the event is a welcoming and safe occasion for competitors, one that is delivered smoothly and to the highest standards.
“It is both a fun and challenging event that will boost fitness levels and we look forward to welcoming athletes from all over the world to compete and admire the abundant natural beauty of Phuket,” Mr Anupap added.
“Additionally, we hope vistors are also able to experience more of what Phuket has to offer while they are here, including the wonderful beaches, local shopping and cuisine, natural landmarks and the historic old town. This event helps promote Phuket as a world class sports tourism destination and will help stimulate the local economy during the low season.”
VIBRANT
Economic value is created via channels such as accommodation, transportation, and general tourism related activities such as shopping for local souvenirs and handicrafts, as well as food and beverage, Mr Anupap explained, adding that last year’s event generated close to B10million for the local economy.
“We anticipate not only local runners and those from other provinces in Thailand taking part but from over many countries worldwide and Phuket welcomes everyone,” Mr Anupap concluded.
Mr Warin explained how exercise is becoming increasingly popular among people in Thailand as more importance and focus is being attributed to improving overall levels of health. He further explained how trail running especially has surged in popularity in recent years with more and more people attracted by the relative accessibility of the sport which still provides a sufficient fitness challenge.
“I would like to invite both keen, experienced runners and relative newcomers who have never undertaken this route or competed in this event to open their minds and get involved to have a new experience together,” said Mr Warin.
Mr Mahachart explained the decision to switch venues from Bang Wad reservoir in Kathu to MIRA Valley was merely down to providing a fresh new route that offers an equally if not more challenging yet fun experience for participants.
“The event has grown each year and is surging in popularity,” Mr Mahachart said. “We already have expressions of interest from runners from 36 countries and many from within Thailand so we expect a fun, vibrant occasion that will provide an unforgettable experience for all involved.”