Phuket Trail 2026 returns with 100km ultra race and seven trail distances

Trail runners from Phuket and across Thailand are preparing for Phuket Trail 2026, with this year's event expected to attract more than 1,000 participants. The Phuket round of the Southern Thailand Trail Series 2026 will take place on September 12–13, offering courses for both experienced ultrarunners and first-time trail enthusiasts.

Despite the range of distances available, organisers note that the shortest 7-kilometre Fun Trail traditionally sells out first.

Seven race distances across Phuket's hills

Although the event caters to runners of different abilities, every course presents its own challenge. Phuket's rugged terrain, combined with the unpredictable weather of the rainy season, means conditions can change rapidly throughout the race.

The 2026 routes will pass through the hills surrounding Bang Niew Dam in Sri Sunthorn. While the mountain range is known as Khao Kamala, access to the trail network is via the Manik area.

Participants can choose from seven distances:

• 100km

• 75km

• 55km

• 40km

• 25km

• 15km

• 7km Fun Trail

Part of Southern Thailand Trail Series

Phuket Trail forms one stage of the five-race Southern Thailand Trail Series 2026.

The series began in Phang Nga on June 5–6, followed by the Ngorn Nak Trail in Krabi. The remaining schedule includes:

• Ao Khanom Trail – Nakhon Si Thammarat (August 15–16)

• Phuket Trail – Phuket (September 12–13)

• Samui Trail – Surat Thani (November 7–8)

Growing international interest

Details of this year's race were officially presented during a press conference at Decathlon Phuket in July.

Phuket Sports Association president Warin Khaothong said trail running continues to gain popularity as more people embrace active lifestyles, describing the sport as both accessible and physically demanding.

Phuket Trail director Mahachart Suwannarat said registrations and expressions of interest have already been received from runners representing 36 countries, alongside participants from many provinces across Thailand.

"I'd like to invite both experienced runners and those trying this course for the first time to join us and experience the challenge together," he said.

He added that the event continues to grow every year and is expected to deliver another memorable experience for competitors.

Registration fees

Early-bird registration closed on July 1, with standard entry fees now in effect:

• 100km – 4,200 baht

• 75km – 4,200 baht

• 55km – 3,200 baht

• 40km – 2,800 baht

• 25km – 2,500 baht

• 15km – 1,800 baht

• 7km – 1,000 baht

Phuket Trail is one of the island's two major annual trail-running events held during the green season. The second, Andaman Trail Phuket, traditionally takes place around Bang Wad Reservoir in Kathu, although its 2026 dates have yet to be announced. Unlike Phuket Trail, the Andaman Trail programme focuses on shorter distances of 25km, 15km and 7km.