UTMB World Series Major ยท Chiang Mai, Thailand
HOKA Chiang Mai Thailand by UTMB
Chiang Mai Thailand by UTMB is the Asia-Pacific UTMB World Series Major, near Chiang Mai in northern Thailand. It is the only Major in jungle, so heat and humidity shape the fuel plan.
- Where
- Chiang Mai, Thailand
- Month
- November or December
- Region
- Asia-Pacific
- Longest race
- Chiang Dao 160, about 173 km, about 9,800 m of climbing
- Conditions
- Warm and humid days, cool nights. Sweat does not evaporate, so fluid and salt loss are high.
- Official site
- chiangmai.utmb.world
Dates, distances and qualification rules change every year, so confirm on the official site before you plan.
What is the Chiang Mai Thailand course like?
The highest ground is around 1,700 m, much lower than the alpine Majors, but the climbs are steep and rolling. Expect dense jungle singletrack, remote hill-tribe villages, warm and humid days and chilly nights in the mountains.
What are the Chiang Mai Thailand distances?
| Race | Distance | Climbing | Note |
|---|---|---|---|
| Chiang Dao 160 | about 173 km | about 9,800 m | |
| Elephant 100 | 100 km | about 5,500 m | |
| Hmong 50 | about 63 km | about 3,000 m | |
| 57 KM | about 57 km | about 3,600 m | |
| Suthep 20 | about 26 km | about 1,100 m | |
| Inthanon 20 | about 20 km | about 800 m | |
| Chedi 20 | about 17 km | about 700 m |
How do you fuel the Chiang Mai Thailand?
Warm and humid days, cool nights. Sweat does not evaporate, so fluid and salt loss are high.
- Start with the heat. Enter the forecast temperature and humidity in the heat adjustment calculator.
- Set sodium on purpose. Heavy sweating means large salt loss. Plain water alone over many hours can dilute blood salt.
- Keep carbs gut-friendly. Heat makes the stomach more sensitive, so stay at the lower end of your usual range.
- Cool down. Wet your cap or buff at every stream and station.
Work out your numbers
- Heat adjustment calculator: Heat index, WBGT and how much more to drink and salt in hot, humid weather.
- Fluid and sodium calculator: Fluids and sodium per hour from your weight, the weather and your sweat.
- Ultra fuel plan calculator: A whole race plan: per hour, hour by hour, race totals and a rough fuel budget.
- Sodium per hour in an ultra
- How much to drink in an ultra
- Gut training for ultras
What does a Major give you?
Majors award double Running Stones for the UTMB World Series Finals in Chamonix. See the official Majors page for the current rules, and the comparison of all of them.
Frequently asked questions
When is Chiang Mai held?
In November or December. Check the official site for the exact dates.
Does it count towards the UTMB World Series Finals in Chamonix?
As a Major it awards double Running Stones, which are entries to the Finals lottery. The top 10 men and top 10 women in the 50K, 100K and 100 mile races also get automatic entry. Rules change, so check the official Majors page.
Where are the course files?
In the download centre under Races and Runners on the official site.
The other races
- HOKA Canyons Endurance Runs by UTMB (April)
- HOKA Ultra-Trail Australia by UTMB (May)
- HOKA Val d'Aran by UTMB (July)
- Wildstrubel by UTMB (September)
- HOKA Kodiak Ultra Marathons by UTMB (October)
- UTMB World Series Finals in Chamonix (August)
General information, not medical or dietary advice.