| BETONG, THAILAND – Amazean Jungle Thailand by UTMB is one of two UTMB World Series races in Thailand taking place in Thailand’s southernmost city. The 2026 edition of Amazean Jungle Thailand by UTMB has concluded, marking a historic turning point for the “Amazon of ASEAN”. Beyond the grueling trails and misty peaks of the Yala province, this year’s event transformed the entire border town into a 24-hour living support system, proving the core theme: “You Are Not Running Alone” (ในทุกก้าว…มีทั้งเมืองวิ่งไปกับคุณ). A Record-Breaking Economic Engine The 2026 event reached an unprecedented scale, welcoming 4,665 total runners from 55 nationalities. This surge in participation has fueled a massive local economic impact, projected to reach 800 Million Baht for this edition alone. Since its inception, the race series has now generated an estimated cumulative value of 2,500 Million Baht for the region. The diversity of the field highlights Betong’s growing status as a global sports tourism hub, with 30% of participants traveling from Malaysia, followed by strong representation from China, France, and Singapore. |
 |
| Redemption and Elite Dominance The competitive field saw a dramatic narrative of persistence and elite performance. The Top-3 finishers of 100M, 100K, and 50K categories will be automatically granted the direct-slot to UTMB World Series Finals in Chamanix in August. In the Betong 100M, Xiao Lin (CHN) claimed the Male Championship with a time of 16:39:21, returning to the top spot after a 2nd-place finish in 2023. Liping Wang (CHN) secured the Female Championship at 21:32:14, finishing an incredible 5th overall. In the Tunnel 100K, elite runner Peiquan You (CHN)—one of the world’s top-ranked athletes with a UTMB Index of 876—returned to claim victory in 10:43:27. Hua Rong Fu (CHN) secured 1st female position with 13:18:17 – almost 4 hours ahead of the 2nd female listed as the only woman in the overall board. The Jungle 50K showcased further international diversity, with Dorian Houze (FRA) and Veronika Leng (SVK) taking the male and female titles, respectively. The Heart of Betong: A 24-Hour Festival The true hallmark of 2026 was the Amazean Jungle Races and Betong Festival, where the warmth of the local community was felt at every kilometer. From stage performers to residents providing late-night cheers, the city remained awake alongside the athletes. Runners and staff utilized exclusive QR code payments on their badges to access authentic local tastes at various service points throughout the city. Local businesses extended their hours to support the early morning arrivals and late-night finishers, ensuring the city’s light never dimmed during the race weekend. |
 |
| The Visual Journey The emotional weight of the race was captured through a dedicated media strategy. With Album Post, a team of specialized photographers documented everything from the deep jungle mist to the intimate moments between volunteers and exhausted runners. Social media content focused on the “Human-First” narrative, moving away from commercial montages to highlight the eyes, hands, and smiles that define the Betong spirit. As the mist settles on the 2026 edition, Amazean Jungle Thailand by UTMB stands as a testament to the power of community, proving that in Betong, you are never running alone. |
 |
| Text Credits: Amazean Jungle Thailand by UTMB Photo Credits: Amazean Jungle Thailand by UTMB Video Credits: Amazean Jungle Thailand by UTMB |
| To keep up to date with the Amazean Jungle Thailand by UTMB 2026, please visit amazean.utmb.world or follow on: X |
| Notes to Editors | About ICARUS Sports ICARUS Sports stands out as a leading Sports Media company, with a dynamic portfolio that spans over 200 international events annually and delivers more than 2,800 hours of filmed content. The company specializes in producing original in-house TV shows, including The Sports Rundown,The Outdoor Sports Show, Gearing Up, Inside Sailing &Sailing to the Games – LA Edition and more than 100 documentaries per year. With a robust media distribution network reaching over 160 countries, ICARUS Sports collaborates with some of the most prominent global broadcasters. Its end-to-end media services encompass high-quality video production, strategic media distribution, and impactful brand promotion. |