Bangkok--25 Dec--Infinity Communications
Organisers of The North Face 100(R) Thailand — dubbed the 'Ultra Marathon' — announced their support of the Thai Elephants Research and Conservation Fund (TERCF). Under the concept of “Take Only Memories: Leave Only Footprints”, a percentage of all entry fees from the 2013 race will be donated to the TERCF.
Asian elephants are an endangered species and are listed on the Conventional on International Trade in Endangered Species (CITES). In Thailand, wild elephants have suffered dramatic loss of habitat over the last century, resulting in a huge decline in wild populations today. Approximately 100 years ago it is thought there were more than 100,000 wild elephants in Thailand. The number today is likely to be less than 3,000.
Khao Yai National Park is home to the largest population of wild Thai elephants, and The North Face 100? Thailand route is adjacent to the National Park and this organisers have decided to support the Thai Elephants Research and Conservation Fund (TERCF), which is located in Pakchong, near the National Park.
“On behalf of all the participants in The North Face 100? Thailand 2013, we are proud to support such a worthwhile cause. This year's event will take place in Pakchong near to Khao Yai National Park and we feel it is important to give-back to the local community and are delighted to be working with the Thai Elephants Research and Conservation Fund,” said Chaiyut Srivikorn, President of Thai Outdoor Sport Co. Ltd., official distributor of The North Face? in Thailand.
The TERCF operates a number of programmes with the aim of conservation through research and use of local knowledge, and engaging public and encourage participant in conservation through education and awareness raising.
The TERCF have initiated an education program with the local Thai schools to raise awareness and share knowledge, mainly schools around Khao Yai National Park.
The Centre has rescued 11 elephants from cruel and dangerous situations and they now live at the Centre and take an active role in the education of the local school children at the Centre.
“Our work at the Thai Elephants Research and Conservation Fund provides vital research and conservations services to Thai elephants and we welcome the support of The North Face 100? Thailand organisers and all the participants. Within our facility, we currently provide care for 11 Thai Elephants are donations such as this are essential to the organisation's success,” said Dr.Alongkot Chukaew, Directer of Thai Elephants Research and Conservation Fund.
A percentage of all entry fees from The North Face 100? Thailand 2013 will be donated to the TERCF to support their worthwhile work.
Promoting the spirit of exploration since its inception in 2008, The North Face 100? has become the largest distance trail running series in the Asia-Pacific, with events in Taiwan, Philippines, China, Australia, Singapore, Japan and Thailand.
The North Face 100? Thailand will take place 2nd February in Pakchong, Nakorn Ratchasima, nearby Khao Yai National Park. Registration is online, at www.goadventureasia.com/TNF/tnf.htm.
For more information, visit www.TheNorthFaceThailand.com
Facebook: www.facebook.com/TNF100Thailand
TERCF: www.thaielephants.org