Planting Trees adds to Mountain Marathon Fun

The event held on June 4 and was supported by the Tourism Authority of Thailand with its main purpose to raise funds for tree planting and the construction of water dam in the local Hmong and Karen village area, said the event's press statement.
Pornmongkol said, “The course is really awesome with such beautiful views all around. I liked the section between check point 4 and check point 5 the most.
It is a cool event because it provided a chance for us to make donation and support the village on the hill. And I will definitely be participating in the race in December,"he said.
Meanwhile Woraphan Kijsawasdi, a Bangkok resident, won the women’s km champion, reaching the finishing line in 9 hours 37 minutes and 15 seconds.
 “It is a little bit challenging because the beginning 20 km is only going up-hills. It’s quite not normal in Thailand, since we don’t have such big mountains so much. The course is very beautiful, and my favorite part is the mountain which looks like a tiger.”
She said she donated more than 10 dollars to the village and I know you have the “No Cup Policy” in the race, and I couldn’t agree more with that. I would recommend people coming to this place to leave with their rubbish, for the aim of protecting the environment for the village.”
The 20km Men’s winner crossing the finish line is Pongprapart Tharworn from Thailand, with a time of 2 hours 9 minutes 18 seconds. He enjoyed the whole course, although he thought the course was very challenging. Pongprapart still managed to complete the whole 20km course in 2 hours.
“I knew I could do this and now I am very proud of myself. Despite the beautiful scenery, I really appreciate the meaning behind this race, which aims for helping people in need by donating $US10 for participating in the race, and I would recommend it as a great event for runners,” he said.

Sarah Adyniec, the 20km women’s winner from the United States finished in 2 hours 52 minutes 9 seconds. Sarah has been living in Thailand for 6 months and only starting trail running 4 months ago. 
“Because there are not many mountains from where I’m from, I really enjoyed this course as a change of scenery. Trail running has become my passion now and I love being in the mountains. As for this course, I like up-hills more, since that’s where I felt strongest and downhills is something I need to work on.”
“The scenery and weather today was amazing, which made me have to stop several times for taking picture of the mountains and villages. As the first trail race in my life, I am really proud that we could be able to donate to the village around, and I would like to try the 50km race if I have chance in December.”
Jason Tam, the only Hong Kong runner participating in the 20km category, joined the first trail running race in his lifetime. “Since the weather here is humid, it made the route more difficult to adapt to, especially in the beginning. However, the scenery is wild and comfortable on the peak with suitable temperature.” 
 “When I ran through the village, I saw how the locals live here. No matter how many donation we made for them, it is always my pleasure to help them.”
Chaiyaphat Saengarun grabbed 10km Men’s title in 50 minutes and 48 seconds. “I really love the route, the charity event is so meaningful and I can see the gorgeous mountains throughout the route, which brought me plenty of fun and adventure.” he said.
Michael Maddess, Director of Action Asia Events, said “We are honoured to be supporting Doi Inthanon villagers with focus on construction of water dams and tree planting through this MSIG Thailand Action Asia 50. The zero edition was a great success and we look forward to hosting the main event in December and bringing many more runners here to participate through the beautiful National Park and do more to support the local villagers.”