Chiang Mai Half-Marathon 2023

My run comeback continues - I actually complete a half marathon event, my longest run race in some 9 years.

Nine years ago I was disappointed to run a time a bit over 1:20.  This year I am content with a time a bit over 1:30.

I am happy in large part because I win my age group, and win it by retaking the lead around 19k and gutting out the final stretch.  

As you can see I am delighted with another elephant trophy.  

There are 64 runners in the over-60 age division, so more elderly runners than in past events, (though 3rd place is a distant 1:45, so still less depth vs other age groups). 

Overall I finish 23rd of 1,200 runners. 

The annual race event is always an excuse for traveling, which this year meant finding splendid running and cycling and biathlon training opportunities in ChiangRai:

including vast Singha Park, a converted barley-producing plantation --

target practice --

and running at 
old ChiangRai airport runway where throngs of local families gather to exercise at sunset -- 

The ChiangMai Half Marathon caps a positive comeback year for me in 2023.  Back in January/February injuries prevented me from running at all and had me wondering again (like in 1983, etc) about having any future in the sport.  In the spring I was grateful to be running again, and then by summer to be feeling stronger and enjoying interval sessions with teammates.  At this point my thoughts turned to taking advantage of moving up in age group and frustration with lack of opportunity and race success.  My 3 events at end of year (X-C, Toda, and ChiangMai) are particularly satisfying in this year-long context.