Between two Stages - personal Snapshots

The stage of 24th November contrasted completely with the others on previous days. But opinions were united on the 25 kilometres (for walkers) and 37 for mountain-bikers. They were magnificent stages. The competitors passed a number of elephants and along a fantastic fast-flowing river where they do white water rafting.

Stage 2, Raid Thai 2003 The second day‚s race led competitors from Ban Khun Sarp and Sa Moeng. This small village will welcome the caravan of the Raid Thai in a forest camp that is distinctly reminiscent of ... a Japanese Second World War camp. But we haven't reached it yet. For the moment the competitors are on the start line of the second stage. They don't know what to expect yet, but they are all in high spirits, encouraged by the first day's stage. They won't need anything more to convince themselves that the Raid Thai is fully underway. And certainly the rhythm of the race won't slow up during the stage.

All the competitors made it to the bivouac at the end of the first day and were welcomed with open arms by the organisers and Thai logistics staff. In the evening, which is surprisingly cold after the sweltering day, everyone made their way to the wood fire and enjoyed, once again, the excellent local food. And then they went to bed early because tomorrow they will be out there again.

The eleventh edition of the Raid Thai, which is held in the northern region of Thailand, around Chiang Mai has just set off. The 80 runners set off from Paris on 18th November and arrived the following morning in Bangkok, where they spent the day touring the city. That evening they took the night train to the sweltering north of the country, where the race itself will be held.

This year's Raid Thai will be staged between 17th and 27th November, as usual in northern Thailand, around the city of Chiang Mai. It is a five stage run, hike or bike over five days, and it is fully supported, with nights in hotels or bivouac camps and full meals and logistics provided by the organisers.

If you have been enjoying our coverage of the Fouless de la Soie this week, a race which gives participants the opportunity to combine sport with the opportunity to discover something of the culture of the Far East, you may be interested in the Raid Thai.

We at EventRate are delighted to announce that we are now the UK and USA representatives for this great race, set in the Chiang Mai area of Northern Thailand
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The Raid Thai is open to walkers, runners and bikers, each of whom complete five stage of 10km,21km and 32km respectively.