Hello Kitty Run
Jan 31, 8am. Makkasan Airport Link Station
It’s all about Japan’s iconic cartoon character at this 5km run that promises fans both a healthy morning of exercise as well as plenty of limited edition merchandise. Registration comes with a Hello Kitty shirt, bag and medal. B790-1,000. Register at Thaiticketmajor.
Bumrungrad Tip: Warming up properly but lightly before a run is crucial—start with a light jog and dynamic stretches for no more than 10 minutes. This gets your heart pumping and increases the blood flow to your muscles and tendons, making them more elastic and less prone to injuries.
Care for Cancer 2016
Feb 6, 8:30am. Lumphini Park, Rama 4 Rd.
Organized by Anantara Siam Bangkok Hotel and the Thai Red Cross Society, this run aims to raise funds for the Genetic Cancer Research Center at King Chulalongkorn Memorial Hospital, offering 5km and 10km distances. B350-500. Registration takes place on the day.
Bumrungrad Tip: Remember to also incorporate low-impact workouts into your marathon training, such as yoga, swimming, pilates and weight-training, to make sure your bones and joints get a rest while still keeping your fitness level up.
Run With Me
Feb 14, 4am. Lumphini Park, Rama 4 Rd.
Returning for its second year, this fun run focuses on bringing all the lovebirds out there together for a healthy Valentine’s Day. Couples can take their pick between 3km, 10km or 20km runs to take on together. B400-1,500. Register at bit.ly/1NMCqfP.
Bumrungrad Tip: The best foods to eat while preparing for a race are lean proteins like chicken, beans, eggs and fish. A couple of days before the race, though, you’ll want to fuel yourself with pasta, potatoes, bread and fruit. Avoid processed foods, fats or anything fried altogether.
The Great Relay
Feb 20, 5am. Suan Luang Rama 9 Park
Gather your gang for this brand new team running event that challenges groups of two, four or six runners in a relay format. Each member of the team finishes a lap and passes on the baton to the next person until the group collectively completes a total distance of either 50km or 100km. B800-1,050. Register at bit.ly/1Rp2vZ8
Bumrungrad Tip: Training with friends keeps motivation levels up and makes getting out of bed to run less of a daunting activity. Keeping spirits up before and during a marathon makes a huge impact on energy levels.
Run Hero Run
Feb 28, 6am. King Rama V Monument on Rachadamnoen Nok Rd.
Throw on your best superhero costumes and join the Batmans and Spidermans taking over this fancy-dress run that offers 3, 5, 10.5 and 21km distances. It’s all for a good cause too—proceeds go to the Peace of Life Foundation. B500-600. Register at www.peaceoflife.or.th.
Bumrungrad Tip: The majority of marathon injuries happen from pushing your body beyond its limit. It’s important to plan out the training for your marathon properly—a full marathon ideally needs 18 weeks of preparation with a gradual increase of distance as you get closer to the race date.
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Bumrungrad International is the first Asian Joint Commission International accredited, multi-specialty hospital located in the heart of Bangkok, Thailand. Founded in 1980, it is one of the largest private hospitals in Southeast Asia, with 580 beds and over 30 specialty centres. Bumrungrad International offers state-of-the-art diagnostic, therapeutic and intensive care facilities in a one-stop medical centre. www.bumrungrad.com