On the Run

Marathon and triathlons are heating up all over the region.

Chanut Nawnarong, an executive at a public relations agency in Phuket, started running over a year ago. She just recently returned from Phrae where she ran her first marathon. “Like many, I started running to find a balance in life. It was a new challenge to overcome. I started at 10km and when you conquer that goal, you’re ready for another.” After a few runs, Chanut found a group of runners on Facebook who regularly travel all over Thailand in search of fresh challenges. “The objectives of the members are varied. Some are medal hunters, of course, but most people in our group just like the idea of a get together for runners. After each run, we extend our stays to travel within that area.”

The number of dedicated runners is growing steadily in Thailand, partly thanks to the 2012 film Seven Something, in which superstar Nichkhun stars as an aspiring marathon runner. Social media like Facebook seems to be the most convenient communication channel for aspiring runners. For instance, the Banana Running Facebook page, which started shortly after the movie’s release, currently has more than 11,000 members, while North Face, who also organizes marathon runs, jumped from just 800 to 18,000 members in the past year.

Chanut says long-time members are always welcoming of new runners. Her advice is to just pick a race and go. “One major upcoming marathon event is the one in Khon Kaen (Jan 27), which will be really large in scale with lots of participants. Another big one in Asia is the Singapore marathon, which had more than 50,000 participants last year. There is going to be the first women’s marathon in Malaysia and another interesting one coming up in Nepal, too.”

“You know what, I’ve never seen that movie [Seven Something] but it’s just like it says: running gives you a new life, new friends and new journeys,” Chanut says.

Next Races

Jan 27

KHON KAEN Khon Kaen International Marathon. One of Thailand’s largest marathons celebrates its 10th anniversary this year. There are four races to choose from, ranging from a 4.5km walk and fun run to the marathon proper. Entry is B100-1,500 for Thai residents and US$10-45 for foreigners. 043-202-388/9, www.khonkaenmarathon.com

Feb 2

NAKHON RATCHASIMA North Face 100 Thailand. Sponsored by the adventure apparel brand, the races range from a 10km run to a 100km solo iron man event. All races start and finish at Villa Paradis Hotel and the courses feature a combination of 20% road and 80% trail. Fees are B300-4,500. www.thenorthfacethailand.com

Mar 2

KANCHANABURI River Kwai Trophy. Another iron man event that kicks off from the Bridge over the River Kwai and features a bike and run through the jungle and a kayak and swim in the river itself. There are two levels: Adventure for newcomers and Extreme for advanced racers. Fees are per team of two: from B6,950 for race only, B8,800 for race and one night’s accommodation and B10,650 for race with two night’s accommodation. 02-718-9581, www.ama-events.com

Jun 9

PHUKET Laguna Phuket International Marathon. Now in its eighth year (there were more than 4,000 runners last year), the Laguna Marathon features everything for everyone, from a 2km-run for your kids to a full marathon for experienced runners. Fees are B200-1,200 for Thai residents and B200-3,000 for foreigners, payable through Mar 31. For accommodation, a three-night deal starts from B12,000/room. www.phuketmarathon.com

October (date TBA)

MALAYSIA Mt. Kinabalu Climbathon. Started in 1987, this is regarded one of the toughest races in the world as you need to run (or climb) 23 kilometers up the side of Mt. Kinabalu, Southeast Asia’s tallest mountain, to a height of 2,760 meters above sea level, and back down. The full details for the 2013 edition haven’t been announced yet, so keep tabs on www.climbathon.my

Nov 24

PHUKET Laguna Phuket Triathlon. Listed as one of the 20 races to do before you die by Triathlon Magazine, Thailand’s most famous triathlon is celebrating its 20th anniversary this year. Combining 1.8km swim, 55km bike and 12km run, this is tailor-made for tough racers looking for a big challenge. There is also a 6km fun run for those who just want a small piece of the action. Fees are B6,000/person and entry is limited to 600 people only. This year the event is combined with another race, Challenge Laguna Phuket Tri-Fest (Dec 1), which features shorter courses. Get all the info from www.challengelagunaphuket.com

Where to Start

Become a fan of Banana Running Facebook page (www.facebook.com/bananarunning) and get up-to-date schedules from www.patrunning.com. Some organizers also offer tour packages, inclusive of entry fee and accommodation, with some deals as low as B3,000-4,000 for one night.

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