Getting physical in Kanchanaburi Adventure racing is a new, fast growing sport that integrates physical fitness, mental endurance and teamwork. Such events are frequently organised in picturesque tourist settings. Instead of sightseeing or relaxing, tourists today can indulge in more exciting activities. They form teams comprising two to five people and compete in disciplines ranging from mountain biking and running to canoeing, rafting, rappelling and so forth. Teamwork, determination, perseverance and strategy are the hallmarks of such events. To the adventure tourist, they are a challenge as well as a test of endurance. One such upcoming event is the River Kwai Adventure Race 2006 which will take place March 4 at Sai Yok District of Kanchanaburi. The event is a challenging day-long race in the magnificent beauty of the river Kwai valley. Meant for the physically fit, it combines biking, running, river swimming and kayaking involving teams of two persons each. It is competed over four to seven, depending on your fitness, and will be contested in the men's, women's, mixed team and masters' (over 40 years) categories. It is part of the "Visit Kanchanaburi Year" celebrations. The province has designated 2006 its tourism year. The race traverses scenic trails and explores the mountains and farmlands of western Thailand. According to race director Serge Henkens, the adventure race is a perfect combination between sport and great outdoors. He is an avid marathon runner himself. "Kanchanaburi is the perfect place to hold it. The natural settings are tremendous with mountains, rivers, caves and lakes, and it's not far from Bangkok," he said. He also noted that there were several other spots with potential for adventure racing around the country. Henkens considers adventure race a form of interactive tourism. Instead of merely visiting a place, active travellers can do more, and the local economy stands to benefit from such activities. He sees the outdoor activities as a new tourist trend in Thailand. Many family tour programmes now include rock climbing, rappelling, kayaking and mountain biking, and they have been a success. Even army establishments offer such programmes today as Bangkokians, increasingly fed up with city life, are turning to the great outdoors. "I want to make adventure racing more accessible to the average Thai and hope to attract people who have no experience in such events to come out and join in the fun," he said. |