(Courtesy Belly Dancer)
Hares Son of Bitch & Pussy Virus (as well as absent hare Stiffy) teamed up to present what turned out to be a 20km trail on the Thai/Lao border.
With hashers from Bangkok, Phuket, Chiang Rai and Chiang Mai represented we spent the night before with some serious carb loading in Chiang Kong overlooking the mighty Mekhong River. Nursing hangovers we regrouped and headed south to Wiang Kaen though stunning terrain only marred a little by the very dense smog that plagues the north during this time of year.
The hares having set off to complete the trail called me and unknown to me Namron earlier on. SoB suffering from dehydration and hornet stings sounded pretty desperate as I hunted down dirt roads trying to locate him. Eventually I found paper and tried to track the hares down, but the terrain proved too challenging! Finally Namron managed to find the hares and while looking pretty much the worse for wear – headed back to the Wiang Kaen resort.
With hare brief underway – 14 of the runners were keen to leap into the klong to seek the On Out – being reluctant to risk the water I ducked back over the handy bridge 300m away and did a spot of parallel running – with Scooby Doo and Graven Image keeping me company. Scooby was keen to find trail and quickly headed back to the paper while Graven was happy to warm up, but even he too wanted to see paper to off he arced to the shouts. Alone I enjoyed the friendly locals – was even invited to a party, but thought even I better find paper at some point! 1.5km in I finally found the paper and not long after a check – lucky that I picked the right trail as it was a fair way to the next check.
The trail was great – varied and I really enjoyed the scenery – the next check was more tricky and the OnOn calls finally came nearer and nearer. At around 5km at a strange T-check by a small reservior Graven, Namron, Jungle Chim, Skid Mark and Brownfinger caught up with me. Though grapefruit and rubber orchards’ we ran with Scooby and Humperdick catching me just before the first water stop.
Shorty after Able Seaman came in and off out we were sent on the second leg. On up we climbed a 300m hill – with me falling to the back, it was time to enjoy the trail and stunning scenery. The descent was tricky but the runners lapped it up – I wish Chiang Mai had more hills like this – no ankle breaking rocks to negotiate here – eventually the descent completed it was out through the varied farmland and lush orchards and after 3.5hours the welcome sight of Skiddy and Able Seaman with ice cold beers at the second water stop.
Phuket guys – Duke of Puke, and Saggy Balls were content to do the first leg, and wisely Wirgin Bluce, Frozen Dick, Angry Inch, Flying Dutchman and virgin Fishy Finger skipped the middle leg and join the FRB’s doing the final monster hill which led into the larger beautifully positioned on the bank of the Mekhong.
Dog Shit who had bravely come on the run after a m/c accident 3 days earlier attempted the final hill but was safely picked up en route the larger.
Graven Image was awarded the Wings. The next run will be hared by Jungle Chim in Fang.
The amount of planning, scouting and personal expense in both time and money the hares had put into this run was very evident. To run in such a location and to enjoy the company of crazy guys coming from near and far is a real privilege – all in all a great weekend – Thank You!!
