Over 5,000 Athletes from Around the World Geared Up to Conquer Doi Inthanon Thailand by UTMB, Chiangmai, Thailand Last Weekend.
Chiang Mai, Thailand – [10 December 2023] – Doi Inthanon Thailand by UTMB, the only UTMB World Series in Asia-Pacific Major, took place in Chiangmai on Dec 8th to 10th, 2023 with close to 5,200 runners from around the world. Over 64% of the participants were international athletes from China, Malaysia, Vietnam, North America and Europe, which included elite HOKA athletes from Asia-Pacific and global – Xiang Fuzhao and Patrick Bohard.
Doi Inthanon Thailand by UTMB was set against the breathtaking backdrop of Doi Inthanon National Park, offering participants a unique opportunity to push their limits and explore the stunning landscapes of the most Northern part of Thailand. The event featured a range of race distances, TRANS-INT 160 (175KM), ELEPHANT 100 (96KM), MHONG 50 (50KM), PALACE 20 (25KM), and RAJAPREUK 10 (10KM), attracting athletes of various levels of experience and new courses with new experiences from the race in 2022.
On December 9, Saturday 2023, Ji Duo; HOKA China was the Winner of the TRANS-INT 160 with an average speed of 24 km/hour, and an overall time 23:58:49. He is now the course record holder, as previously set by his fellow HOKA China athlete Jiaju Zhao. Ji Duo qualified for UTMB World Series Final at Chamonix, France in 2024 as the champion.
Other HOKA athlete achievements included Guangfu Meng, HOKA China competed in ELEPHANT 100 this year with an average speed of 9.88 km/hour and came in 1st place with an overall time of 10:09:22.
And Han Mei; HOKA Malaysia competed in RAJAPREUK 10 and won the 3rd Rank of her Age Group 45-49 category with overall time of 01:14:27.
“Our HOKA Athletes continue to inspire the trail running community here in Thailand” says Pittaya Sarapee, Sports Marketing at HOKA, Rev Editions Co., Ltd. “After a 1st place finish at PAGODA 50 last year, Guangfu Meng made it his goal to compete at the race this year and achieve his best results in a new race category. We are honored and humbled to have him on the HOKA team.”
The HOKA athletes that raced at Doi Inthanon Thailand by UTMB are not only world-class runners but also ambassadors of the brand’s core value with a passion for the trail and a commitment to pushing boundaries. Thet were quipped with HOKA’s cutting-edge trail running footwear and apparel, designed to provide comfort and performance in the most demanding conditions.
“As a brand, we are incredibly excited to have HOKA athletes competing at Doi Inthanon Thailand by UTMB,” said Penphannee Ritthikan, Brand Marketing Manager HOKA, Rev Editions Co., Ltd. “This event continues to represent a significant milestone in our ongoing support of trail running globally. Our athletes have trained diligently, and they are eager to embrace the challenges this remarkable race has to offer.”
HOKA has a long-standing tradition of supporting athletes in their pursuit of excellence, and this partnership with Doi Inthanon Thailand by UTMB serves as a testament to that commitment. The brand takes pride in encouraging athletes to reach new heights and inspiring others to explore their own boundaries in the world of trail running.
The presence of HOKA athletes at this event will not only elevate the competition but also showcase HOKA’s role in advancing the sport and empowering athletes to achieve their best.
For more information about HOKA and the HOKA athletes competing at Doi Inthanon Thailand by UTMB, please visit HOKA INSTAGRAM @Hoka_TH or HOKA Thailand Facebook Page.
