October 3, 2026
Sometimes, a race is just a race. And sometimes, it becomes an excuse to escape to the mountains, spend an entire week soaking in the outdoors, explore new trails, meet new people, and come back with memories that go far beyond the finish line.
This was one of those weeks.
The original plan was simple: sign up for a race and use it as a training run for an upcoming UTMP Thailand. Nothing too ambitious. Just an opportunity to get some time on my feet, enjoy a change of scenery, and perhaps get a little mountain training in.
What I didn’t anticipate was how much I would enjoy the entire week!
Mountains, trails, and stairs to heaven
Spending a week in the mountains was an experience in itself. There is something about being surrounded by mountains that makes you forget the usual routine and simply enjoy being outdoors. The fresh air, the changing landscapes, the trails, the climbs, and those moments when you stop to take in the view.
When you are in the mountains, what you do more? You know those climbs where you keep going, one step after another, wondering when the stairs will finally end? And just when you think you must be close to the top, there are more steps waiting for you.
Well, there was plenty of that. But that’s also the beauty of mountain adventures. They test your legs and your patience, while rewarding you with experiences and views that make the effort worthwhile.
Summit Run Indrahar 20K Race day
And then came race day! With the race intended primarily as a training run, I wasn’t heading to the start line with podium ambitions. The idea was to enjoy the experience, run sensibly, and take whatever training benefits the course had to offer.
Summit run series is 100% mountains. They don’t mess around. They test you in every way. The race delivered an experience that was quite different from running on familiar roads or trails back home. Mountain races have their own character, and the surroundings can make every kilometre memorable.
One of the highlights was the downhill run through a crowd of tourists and hikers! Navigating a descent with people enjoying the mountains in their own way certainly adds an interesting dimension to a run. It was one of those moments that reminds you that mountain trails aren’t always just about running, they are shared spaces, full of people exploring, walking, hiking, and enjoying the outdoors. Though it was annoying to have such a crowd there, you just have to accept and keep moving.
And then came the surprise!
I ended up on the podium in the 20K.
A podium finish was certainly not what I had signed up for, but it was a lovely bonus to an already fantastic week. When you go into a race without putting pressure on yourself to chase a result, an unexpected outcome like this makes the experience even sweeter.
More than a race
Looking back, the race was just one small part of what made this trip special.
It was the time spent in the mountains, the daily adventures, the climbs that seemed to have no end, the downhill trails, the laughter, and the opportunity to meet a few new people along the way.
As runners, we often get caught up in training schedules, race calendars, finishing times, elevation gain, and the next big goal. All of these have their place, of course. But every once in a while, it’s good to step away from the numbers and remember why we love running and being outdoors in the first place.
Sometimes, a race can be a training session. Sometimes, it can be a destination. And sometimes, it can be the reason you find yourself having an incredible week in the mountains, making new friends, and returning home with much more than you expected.
This trip was all of that for me.
A huge thank you to the Summit Run Series crew for putting together this experience and making it possible. It was a wonderful week, and I am glad I signed up!
Back home, stronger and ready for the next challenge
Now it’s back home, back to training, and back to preparing for the next challenge.
I am returning with tired legs, a happy heart, some wonderful mountain memories, a surprise podium finish, and a few new friends.
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