Khaopratubchang Compressport Trail 2016

I finally completed the trail run at Khaopratubchang, and what an experience it was! This trail taught me so much and served as a critical test to see if I’m ready for the Columbia Master Trail next month. In this post, I’ll share the lessons I learned, the techniques I’ll carry forward, and all the excitement that this trail had to offer.

This trail run is highly coveted, with registration slots filling up almost instantly. It’s not just about having the money to sign up; you have to be quick too! Did I manage to register in time? Unfortunately, no. I had given up hope of running this course until I participated in a contest hosted by P’Pok’s 42.195 group and was one of the lucky winners of a VIP code, which allowed me to register and even choose my BIB number. With the VIP code in hand, I didn’t hesitate—I signed up for the 32km race. Call it the enthusiasm of a trail running rookie!

With everything set, the only thing left to arrange was accommodation. I managed to convince P’Kot to join me, making the experience even more enjoyable.

Travel and BIB Pickup

To minimize expenses, I planned my trip carefully. I flew to Bangkok on Saturday morning, then traveled to Ratchaburi with a friend of P’Kot’s. A big thank you to P’Nicky from the Snail Gang for giving us a ride and providing a place to stay! For the return trip, I took the First Class bus with Nakhonchai Air, planning to sleep all the way back after the race.

I had my friend pick up my BIB in Bangkok and send it to me via EMS, so I didn’t have to rush to the event.

Event Location

The Khaopratubchang Trail was held at the Ban Chom Bueng Botanical Garden, located between the city of Ratchaburi and Chom Bueng district. The venue was interesting, with a small zoo inside. The excitement was building—I was ready to run!

The event attracted a huge crowd, from those watching the kids’ race to people taking photos, meeting running celebrities, enjoying the free food, or shopping at the vendor booths.

Event Organization

The event was organized by the team from Rajabhat Chom Bueng, the same team behind the popular Chom Bueng Marathon. This probably explains why the Khaopratubchang Trail is so popular. Even the day before the race, the event was bustling with activities—free food, movies, and more.

In terms of race organization, I have to commend the team for their attention to detail. First, the water and electrolyte stations were well-stocked, and there was no shortage, even for the last runner. There were various flavors to choose from—yellow, white, green, red. I particularly liked the yellow and red ones. And let’s not forget the endless supply of watermelon!

However, there were some issues with the course layout. The overlapping sections of the route were confusing, and at times, it was hard to tell where to go. But the organizers had plenty of staff on hand to guide runners, especially in the forested areas where some might have missed the ribbons marking the trail.

The first aid services were excellent, with mobile units on motorbikes covering almost every area. Although I heard from others that there wasn’t enough spray for everyone, I didn’t need any myself. Before the steep climbs, they even provided bamboo sticks for support, which was a nice touch.

I also appreciated the finish line setup. After crossing the line, runners had to walk to the back to receive their medals, preventing crowding at the finish line—a well-thought-out detail.

The Course

After a day of rain, I expected the trail to be muddy. The course started on hard-packed dirt roads before transitioning into the forest. We had to dodge branches and watch out for tree stumps, which added to the challenge. There was a small zoo along the way (if you can call it that), which we passed before hitting the first hill, known as “Leing Pha.” The elevation gain here was about 160 meters over 1km of rocky, slippery terrain.

The descent was even trickier, with wet conditions making it difficult to maintain footing. The sharp rocks and muddy ground required careful navigation, and grabbing onto trees for support wasn’t always an option, as some had thorns.

After the descent, the trail became less dense, with more open terrain. However, this was also where the sandy paths began, which, combined with loose soil, sapped the energy out of many runners, myself included. The course continued with a mix of ups and downs, some gradual, some steep, until we reached the final long climb, which felt endless.

Race Experience

The horn sounded, and we were off! Starting in the middle of the pack, I waited for the crowd to thin out before settling into my pace. The first few kilometers were on flat ground, where I managed to maintain a pace of around 5-6 minutes per kilometer.

As we hit the first hill, the crowd slowed, and it was impossible to pass. The trail was narrow and slippery, but I felt confident with my trail shoes gripping the ground. The descent was equally challenging, but again, my shoes gave me the confidence to navigate the tricky terrain.

By the time we hit the sandy sections around kilometer 15, I could feel the fatigue setting in. My heart rate was climbing, and I had to slow down to bring it back under control. The soft, loose soil was taking its toll, and my pace dropped to around 7-8 minutes per kilometer.

At the 19km aid station, I had to stop to squeeze the water out of my socks, as my feet had started to wrinkle from the moisture. Just 300 meters after the aid station, I felt the first twinge of a cramp in my leg. I knew I had to manage it carefully if I wanted to finish.

The final kilometers were a test of willpower. The last climb, ominously named “Endless Hill” by the staff, was a steep, rocky ascent that sapped the remaining energy from my legs. The descent was no easier, with cramping threatening to stop me in my tracks. But I managed to push through, sprinting the last few hundred meters to the finish line, despite a severe cramp that forced me to stop just before the end.

Final Thoughts

This event was impressive in almost every aspect. My only criticism would be the confusing course layout, but overall, it was an excellent race. If you want to experience it for yourself, I highly recommend signing up for next year’s event—you’ll fall in love with it.

I finished the race in 3:55:41, which was better than my target of 4 to 4.5 hours. Despite the cramps and discomfort from my wet shoes, I didn’t suffer any major injuries. It was a good training run, but I know I need to be better prepared for the 50km race coming up. I’m confident I can improve next time.