Trail runners can treat themselves to an early Christmas gift and take part in the first ever major trail running race in Myanmar, previously known as Burma. The Shaman Trail between Kalaw and the southern point of the magnificent Inle Lake measures 70 km and is also the final race of the 2015 Asia Trail Master series. 

The race course follows natural trails used by villagers every day and with approx 1500 elevation gain is a solid but not a super tough run. The highest hills will be negotiated in the early part of the race, before it goes gradually down towards the lake. 

The course goes past three villages where the local shaman will bless the runners as they pass. 

Beginning runners can also opt for a shorter version of 15 km, which will start at the penultimate drinking station of the main race and finish at the same jetty point directly at Inle Lake. After the finish, runners will be taken by small boats to their five star accommodation on the Northeastern shore of the lake. An outdoor after party at the Novotel resort is also part of the programme. All details of what will be a memorable long weekend can be found on the event website, where you can also register easily online.