This is a series about trail and ultra racing. Explore great trail races all around Asia: from the Central Asian steppe to the tropical islands of the Southeast Asia and everywhere in between!
Didn’t find the race you’re looking for? Have a look at more races in South Korea, North America and around the world.
Happy training, happy travels and, of course, happy trails!
Just read your IJEN TRAIL post and loved it! You guys are awesome thanks for sharing and motivating the rest of us to go out there and do it!
Hi all.I am new to trail running and this site.I would like to join some events.I live in Geoje.Are there any events in and around Busan etc?Thanks
Hey Andrew! Welcome to the best sport ever! π There are some GREAT races right in Geoje!
This summer (August 3rd), you’ve got a choice between a tough 50k and a short but spicy 12k. This race is called MBC Badaro Saegyero – check out my report above (A summertime sprint) or this facebook group: MBC λ°λ€λ‘μΈκ³λ‘ Trail Race. They do have a website (cafe.naver.com/gjgmaek/1417) – but it’s all in Korean. This is a new event, but it’s a fun one with pretty scenery and good organizational team.
The main Geoje race takes place in the fall this year – September 28th. This is Ultra Trail Geoje Jimaek – check it out at http://www.utgj.kr. This race has 4 options: a 13k, a 25k, a 50k and a grueling 100k. You can read a race report above (entitled ‘Sixty’).
I’d highly recommend both of these races! They’re bpth great, fun events – and they’re right in your neighborhood (you can train on the course in advance!). There’s also lots of great events around the country if you’re up for a bit of exploration. This year’s big season opener is a new race called Gurye Mt. Jiri Skyrace. Korea50k is one of the biggest races of the year and it’s in Seoul, in April. TransJeju is a terrific race on and around Hallasan mountain on Jeju Island – usually held in the fall.
If you’re on facebook, you might want to consider joining the following groups: Trailrunning & hiking in Korea, Trail Running Korea, Seoul Flyers and Busan Running and Triathlon. Lots more good events up on those pages and great people to point you in the right direction. Happy trails Andrew!
Thanks Carrie,great info!I’m a bit of a lone wolf at the moment.Just need to look after the knee.Happy trail running to you!
Hey! Great website! Came across it as am planning a cycle trip in South Korea soon, thanks for the information you have shared.
On trail running- I live in Myanmar where I help organise the Kalaw trail run in the beautiful Shan state mountains, now in its 4th year, This year we are introducing an ultra distance (50k), it will be the very first ultra run in Myanmar! The event is on the 7th and 8th December in case you are interested to join π
Hey Tim, thanks so much for your kind words π Cycling in South Korea is great: it’s a great blend of convenience and adventure (and fun, of course)! Very cool that you’re involved with the trail scene in Myanmar! I would LOVE to go back, especially for a race! Unfortunately, I’m lined up to go to Japan on December 7th – really a shame because I would love to join you. If you host or hear of any other trails in Myanmar, I’d love to hear about them. Happy trails Tim!
Read your post on UTMB Thailand. What a story! I am doing the 50km one in Dec. As much as I enjoyed reading your post, I don’t want to experience your challenges, LOL. I am from Hong Kong and not familiar with the set up there. I couldn’t find any close-by accommodation yet as it seems everywhere is fully booked already. How early one needs to arrive at the starting point? My race will start at 6am…
Hey Tim, thanks so much for dropping by! I definitely don’t want you to experience my challenges either! I found it a little tricky for non-locals, particularly for such a big, international event. What I did (as you know), was book an AirBnB in downtown Chiang Mai, then contact the race organizers and eventually reach out to local runners for a helping hand. If you’re on facebook, you can try reaching out to the Thailand Mountain & Trail Runners – that’s where I found some friends!
However! After the race, I heard about a place called Basecamp Trail Cafe closer to race HQ in Doi Inthanon national park. Apparently they offer both food and board, and maybe even a ride to the race, word has it. I suggest searching them and check them out, maybe? I’d say it’s worth an ask, anyways!
Good luck with your 50k and getting set up with the logistics! Have a blast out there, and happy trails π