Expect the unexpected

The adventure race was supposed to take place last year – but was postponed to mid February this because of flooding.

Part of the Amazing Thailand Adventure Race Series, the Essilor Bangkok Eco Challenge Adventure Race takes place over three to eight hours. 

It takes teams of two participants through a 50-plus kilometre course of trekking, mountain biking, swimming, and paddling as well as some mystery tests.

“It’s hard to believe that we can set up such an interesting adventure race course at just an hour’s drive from the city centre” says Serge Henkens, the adventure race director. “But after five years, this race has become popular for its unique challenges.”

Nong Chok is about 30 minutes drive to the east of Suvarnabhumi Airport. 

The course travels through paddy fields, lakes, canals, temples and villages trapped in a time warp. The area offers a recipe for great adventure racing, a memorable experience and a wonderful voyage through the greenery and beauty of the Thai countryside.

“Nong Chok is very different from the trails in Kanchanaburi, Chiang Mai or even Koh Samui. It’s far flatter here. There’s no high terrain or jungle,” Henkens says.

Over the last 10 years, adventure races have become popular in Thailand among adrenaline-chasers and weekenders. 

“What adventure racers like the most and what makes this sport so exciting and unique, is that the racers don’t know what is coming next,” adds Henkens. “They don’t know the course, the exact distances. They must be ready for all scenarios. These unknown factors, combined with the great outdoors, are the main reasons for the tremendous success of this new sport.”

In Nong Chok, the race centre will be the Korean International School of Bangkok.  A bouncy castle and other games for children will keep supporters and families chilled out while the racers are sweating it out.

More than 100 teams are expected to race in Nong Chok.