UTMB World Series closes out 2024 on ultimate high at Asia Pacific Major, HOKA Chiang Mai Thailand by UTMB.

All finishers will earn double Running Stones, while also vying for automatic qualification to the UTMB World Series Finals. This opportunity is available to 210 runners, including age-group category winners and the top 10 male and female runners in the 100M, 100K and 50K categories.

Set against the breath-taking backdrop of Doi Inthanon National Park - nicknamed the ‘rooftop of Thailand’ - this unforgettable event features the highest mountain in Thailand at 2,656 meters, the iconic Royal Twin pagodas perched above a sea of clouds, plus lush jungles and waterfalls which make Doi Inthanon National Park one of the most popular in Thailand.

With Thailand also known as ‘the Land of Smiles’, runners will also get to experience the local way of life, including Hmong, Pga-Gan-Yaw and Karenic tribes. Alongside their rich cultural heritage, these communities also embody a spirit of hospitality, peace and a unique connection to nature that will leave a lasting mark on all runners.

Runners are equally dedicated to leaving their mark in a positive and sustainable way to protect and preserve our natural resources. More than 2,000 runners have donated to support the three national parks featured along the race route, providing vital funds to help combat haze and forest fires. Nearly 1,000 participants also engaged in the ‘Reduce Race Day Waste, Repurpose Your Gear’ initiative, and over 700 runners opted to exchange their medals and finisher shirts for shirts to support wildfire fighting efforts.

This edition of the race also celebrates a surge in female participation, rising from 22% to 35%, highlighting the growing inclusivity and appeal of trail running both locally and worldwide.

Elite runners

The event buzzes with a unique atmosphere, made even better by the thrilling competition. In 2024, a stacked field of talented runners is set to make the event another unforgettable edition.

A challenging point-to-point race lies ahead in the Trans-Int 160 (100M). Two previous champions - Ji Duo (CHN, UTMB Index 888) and Jiaju Zhao (CHN, UTMB Index 883) are ready to battle for glory in the men's race. Finishing third in 2023, Beñat Marmissolle (FRA, UTMB Index 869) also features in a long list of top contenders to watch in the men's race.

Defending champion in the women's race and 4th at UTMB®, Lin Chen (CHN, UTMB Index 741) will be tough to beat. Finishing just six minutes behind her in 2023, Anna Li (CHN, UTMB Index 737) will be ready to fight for the top step, while UTMB Legend and 2018 winner of the UTMB, Francesca Canepa (ITA, UTMB Index 651) will also be one to watch as she makes her debut at this event.

“I'm very excited and grateful to have the opportunity to be back to Thailand. Although I know that it will be extremely challenging because we are not used to the jungle here at home, I love challenges and I felt in love with the amazing nature in Thailand."

"As every 100 miles is every time a jump in the unknown, my only goal is to try to manage myself as well as possible and do my best, because the journey itself will be my reward.” said Francesca Canepa.

In the Elephant 100 (100K) - named after the Mae Sa Elephant Camp which it passes by as part of the route - Jose Angel Fernandez Jimenez (ESP, UTMB Index 885), Canhua Luo (CHN, UTMB Index 858) and Daniel Jung (ITA, UTMB Index 856) head into the men's race as the top-ranked. Sunmaya Budha (NPL, UTMB Index 774) is the pre-race favorite in the women's race, but the likes of Yuri Yoshizumi (JPN, UTMB Index 746) and Simone Brick (NZL, UTMB Index 697) could certainly feature at the head of the race.

The Hmong50 (50K) - which takes in the culture, art and lifestyle of the Hmong tribes - is one of the most hotly contested races. This is especially apparent in the women's race, with a close battle expected between Fuzhao Xiang (CHN, UTMB Index 798) and Miao Yao (CHN, UTMB Index 796). American runner, Allie McLaughlin (USA, UTMB Index 773) will also be one to watch, and could find the extra speed when it counts over this course.

In the men's race, Guangfu Meng (CHN, UTMB Index 901) heads into the race as the out and out favorite, having already taken the title in the 100K race in 2023. He will face talented athletes, Huohua Zhang (CHN, UTMB Index 881) and Meikael Beaudoin Rousseau (USA, UTMB Index 877) in the battle for glory.

With two more race distances to choose from - SUTHEP 20 (20K) and CHEDI 10 (12km), the event offers a race distance and opportunity for all levels as they prepare to enjoy the last UTMB World Series event of 2024 in one of the most iconic trail running locations in the world.