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A brand-new long-distance SUP event is set to make its debut in Southeast Asia this December 12-13, as Race to the Jungle 2026 brings endurance paddling, technical racing and tropical adventure together in Thailand’s River Kwai region.
Created by endurance paddler and coach Cassie Salter (SUP Fitness UK), the event builds on the spirit of the popular UK “Race to the Castle” series — combining challenge, community and shared experience — but transports it to a dramatically different setting: lush jungle landscapes, warm river currents and one of Thailand’s most iconic waterways. The event is set for the 12th and 13th of December, 2026.
Two-Day Race Format
Race to the Jungle offers paddlers two distinct race experiences across the weekend:
Saturday 12 December – 12km Technical Lake Race
The weekend opens with a 12km technical race on flatwater, surrounded by jungle and mountainous scenery. The course is designed to test race craft, buoy turns and pacing in calm but tactical conditions.
Sunday 13 December – 38km Downriver Jungle Race
The headline event is a 38km downriver paddle along the River Kwai. Following sweeping bends through dense jungle and dramatic terrain, the course finishes beneath the historic Bridge over the River Kwai — offering one of the most visually striking finish lines on the SUP calendar.
The downriver format introduces elements of flow management, drafting strategy and endurance pacing, creating a different dynamic from traditional lake or ocean races.
More Than a Race
While competitive racing is central, Race to the Jungle has been designed as a community-focused paddling experience rather than a single-day hit-and-run event.
Participants are based in the River Kwai region for the weekend, with welcome gatherings, shared meals and post-race celebrations building a festival-style atmosphere. The goal is to create an inclusive environment where seasoned racers, adventure paddlers and supporters can all be part of the experience.
An optional pre-event SUP adventure week is also available for those wanting to explore more of the region, blending guided paddles with cultural and scenic highlights.
A Growing Trend: Destination SUP Racing
Race to the Jungle reflects a broader shift in the SUP world toward destination endurance events — races that combine travel, culture and landscape with competitive paddling.
Warm water conditions, flowing river terrain and jungle surroundings offer a distinctly different racing environment compared to European or UK flatwater circuits. For paddlers seeking something beyond traditional race calendars, this event provides both physical challenge and travel adventure.
Event Details at a Glance
Event: Race to the Jungle 2026
Location: River Kwai, Kanchanaburi, Thailand
Dates: 12–13 December 2026
Races:
• 12km Technical Lake Race
• 38km Downriver Jungle Race
With its combination of endurance paddling, iconic scenery and strong community ethos, Race to the Jungle is shaping up to be one of the more distinctive additions to the 2026 international SUP calendar.
Entries are now open.