LAGUNA PHUKET INTERNATIONAL MARATHON 2008
Welcoming both serious contenders, and those who are there for the experience, the course takes in the picturesque grounds of Laguna Phuket, the island’s premier destination resort.
The Laguna Phuket International Marathon is the largest and fastest growing destination marathon in South East Asia.
Now in its third year, and with registration for the event still open until June 5th 2008, the Laguna Phuket International Marathon 2008 is well on course to break all records.
The third Laguna Phuket International Marathon will take place on Sunday 15 June 2008 at the resort complex. Organised by Go Adventure Asia, the Marathon expects to welcome some 4000 participants, including 1500 runners from approximately 40 countries to participate in this year’s event.
A series of events will kick-off on Friday 13 June starting with a two-day expo featuring sponsor booths and a number of activities. Race day on 15 June will comprise a 42k Marathon, a 21k Half-marathon, a 10.5k Run, a 2k Kids Run and a 5k Walk.
The 42k Marathon’s scenic course will start and end within Laguna Phuket, passing through tropical rainforests, rubber plantations and local villages, heading north towards Nai Yang beach before turning back to Laguna Phuket. The course is flat with some rolling hills in between.
Japanese eco-marathoner and slow-running advocate Hajime Nishi, who has participated in the event the previous two years, will be returning to the Laguna Phuket International Marathon once again. This year, he will be sharing his “Slow is Beautiful” running philosophy with other runners, leading a group of interested participants over the course. His focus will be purely on the enjoyment of the race, interaction with spectators and volunteers and taking photos along the way without the pressure of achieving a certain finish time. On the eve of the marathon he will also deliver a talk on his mission and brief participants on what to expect on race day. The Japanese marathon globetrotter and Guinness World Record holder has run more than 500 marathons and has a target of finishing 1000 marathons by the year 2050.
Trophies are awarded to the top-three finishers in each category at awards ceremonies while every competitor will be presented with a medal to commemorate their participation.
Other entertainment includes the annual Pasta Party which will take place between 17:30-21:00 hrs on the Saturday evening to allow runners to stock up on the carbohydrates they will need for the following day.
After the race, the customary Farewell Party will bring the curtain down on the Laguna Phuket Marathon for another year, giving competitors the chance to exchange stories and experiences over traditional Thai dishes such as green chicken curry and Andaman seafood. Tickets are available online or on the Friday and Saturday from the Expo.
Following the example of other prestigious marathons, the organisers are encouraging runners to raise money for their charity of choice, and the Laguna Phuket International Marathon has nominated HOPE Worldwide (Thailand) as its official charity.
HOPE worldwide Thailand supports and promotes activities of the Department of Public Welfare and the Ministry of Social Development. Each participant taking part in the fundraising effort is to pledge to raise a certain amount of money for the charity at the same time that they pledge to compete in one of the races on 15 June.
Registration for the marathon takes place between 10:00-19:00 hrs on Friday 13th and Saturday 14th June and activities will be held at the Laguna Phuket International Marathon Expo to showcase products and services from sponsors and suppliers alongside this.
Online registration is now open until 5 June 2008. The early bird period will end on 31 March. For further information about the event or to register, please visit www.phuketmarathon.com.
Raimund Wellenhofer, Laguna Phuket International Marathon Race Director, commented: “The Laguna Phuket International Marathon has grown each year to become the largest in South East Asia — we would like to thank all the athletes for again entering, and helping us towards another record year.”
