LAMPANG – Tragedy struck the LAMPANG 100 trail race after a 50-year-old runner suffered a heart attack, falling 10 meters into a ravine in Chae Son National Park and the Doi Phrabat Wildlife Sanctuary. The courses passed through some of Lampang’s most scenic natural and cultural sites, including local landmarks and community areas.
On Saturday, 75 runners began the 160-kilometre (100-mile) challenge early in the day. By evening, around 6:30 p.m., tragedy struck. One of the competitors, a 50-year-old man, slipped while running on Doi Chikjong in Ban Kho, Muang Pan. The path was slick after the rainfall, and as he lost his footing, he reportedly fell about 10 metres down a rocky slope.
Local rescue teams from Lampang quickly responded. Volunteers from different districts joined forces with doctors and emergency staff, bringing more than 30 people and essential equipment to reach the injured runner.
The first medical team found the man unconscious with a head injury and a serious wound on his lower leg. Despite starting CPR around 3 p.m. and their best efforts, he did not regain consciousness and was declared dead at the scene.
Officials believe the accident happened when the man stepped on a slippery rock and tumbled downhill, landing on large rocks below. Heavy rain beforehand left the forested trails wet and hazardous.
Rescue teams then worked carefully to move the runner’s body out of the forest. Using bamboo stretchers, they trekked roughly five kilometres through rugged terrain. The trail was steep and narrow, with loose rocks and poor lighting as darkness fell and more rain started to fall, making their task even harder.
After several challenging hours, they brought the body to the trailhead close to midnight. Rescue staff from Chae Son then transported him to Muang Pan Hospital. The body will be sent to forensic experts at the Hospital to determine the exact cause of death.
The LAMPANG 100 trail race is an annual event aimed at promoting tourism and healthy activities in Lampang province. Held in Muang Pan, it receives support from the Lampang Provincial Administrative Organization.
The race encourages locals and visitors alike to stay active, discover local culture, and explore the natural beauty of the area, boosting both health tourism and sports tourism in the region.
The LAMPANG100 Trail Race is a thrilling ultramarathon event taking place in the rugged terrains of Pang Ma, Pang Lo, and Muang Pan, the race offers challenging distances of 21K, 42K, 70K, 100K, and 160K, guiding runners through dense forests, steep mountain paths, waterfalls, and breathtaking natural landscapes.
This year marks the second time for the event, taking place from August 22 to 24, with five race distances: Lampang 100mi (160km), Lampang 100km, Chae Son 70km, Chikjong 42km, and Unseen 21km. A total of 506 runners joined across all distances, including 48 participants from 15 different countries.
All five routes wind through Chae Son National Park and the Doi Phrabat Wildlife Sanctuary, passing well-known attractions such as Doi Sun Phrabat, Doi Pu Chiang, Doi Lanka Luang, local waterfalls, hot springs, Doi Chikjong Khong Kham, and the Pra Buddha Bat Sutthawas temple.
Runners also travel through local villages like Ban Pa Miang and Ban Mae Chaem, connecting with the heart of the Lampang community. The event blends adventure, fitness, and cultural appreciation, highlighting Lampang as a welcoming destination for runners and outdoor lovers alike.
