The “fastest man in Phuket” sped his way back into action from taking a year off after knee surgery, his patience and discipline in rehabilitation rewarded with a first place win in his age group.
Alongside Phanthip were ‘Born Free To Run’ athletes finishing as podium winners in several Powerman Short Distance categories.
Phanthip led his athletes from the ‘Born Free to Run’ grassroots running program to top three age group category finishes over the Powerman Short Distance of 5-kilometre first run,
32.5-kilometre bike ride, and 5-kilometre second run.
Foofa Songklod Jearanaisil took third place alongside Phanthip in the men’s 30-34 age category, while Annie Sukanya Chuaywang replicated the same feat on the distaff side.
Aoy Suthipa Sae-Heng claimed second place in the 45-49 age group, while Bee-Jackkapong Ramchai placed 10th overall and recorded the fastest bike split in his age group.
Thanyapura Phuket’s CSR Program, ‘Born Free to Run’ offers free run training sessions for the local Phuket community, finding and encouraging young talent and building them into future running stars.
These athletes come from rural areas around the region of Phuket who would otherwise not have the means to train and excel in running and multisport.
What started with one athlete, Phanthip, being given a pair of running shoes, has now grown into a club with 40 members strong.
Thanks to a grant from the Phuket Community Foundation and the corporate support and use of the world-class facilities of Thanyapura Phuket, the ‘Born Free To Run’ athletes train in swimming, cycling, and running alongside famous athletes and world record holders.
These athletes race not only locally but also internationally, gaining trophies alongside racing experience and personal growth.
Phanthip’s ‘Born Free to Run’ club is now focused on training 10 aspiring young talents, all local students studying in schools not far from Thanyapura. The plan is to coach and develop them to compete at the national level and beyond.