Phuket Draws International Runners

Phuket Draws International Runners

This year, the Laguna Phuket International Marathon, celebrates its 10th birthday. The annual ‘Run Paradise’ race, which will take place this year on 7th June, attracts thousands of visitors to the island each year.

A recent preview of the event took place in Bangkok, and was attended by Khun Santi Pawai, Director of the Phuket Office of Tourism & Sport, Khun Prapa Hemmin, Director of Sales, MICE & Corporate Events, Laguna Phuket, a representative from the Tourism Authority of Thailand, the Sports Authority, and Thailand Convention and Exhibition Bureau.

The organisers announced that the 2015 event will include a marathon, half-marathon, 10.5km run, 5km walk/run and a 2km kids’ run, offering something for everyone that wants to take part no matter their ability or age.

“Laguna Phuket International Marathon plays a vital role in promoting Phuket as a world destination,” said Santi Pawai, director of the Phuket Office of Tourism & Sport. “It also helps increase cash flow in Phuket during the green season, which is of benefit to the locals.”

Each of the participants also raises funds for charitable programmes operated by the Laguna Phuket Foundation and the race has raised more than THB4.6 million (US$130,000) to help fund local initiatives, including the renovation of schools and a mobile learning centre.

“On behalf of Laguna Phuket and Laguna Phuket Foundation, I’d like to thank the organisers, sponsors, running clubs, runners and members of the press for being so kindly supportive to the charity side of this event,’ said Prapa, Director of Sales, MICE & Corporate Events at Laguna Phuket. “It is our hope to make the race a Run Paradise, at which runners can enjoy running, meeting their peers and participating in fulfilling charitable causes,” she concluded.

As well as being a wonderful opportunity for fundraising, the Phuket Marathon offers visitors the chance to meet like-minded people form all over the world and to enjoy the vibrant local spirit of the island. There are also side attractions, including lots food and refreshments for spectators to enjoy in a carnival-like atmosphere.

The course takes in some of the highlights of Phuket’s splendid tropical scenery, winding through local villages, pineapple and rubber plantations and along roads with spectacular ocean views.

Other fundraising events organised by the Laguna Phuket Foundation include this month’s Laguna Phuket Triathlon and Challenge Laguna Phuket in November.

by MAX VEE