Kenyan runner Geoffrey Birgan finished the race in 50 minutes and 10 seconds after a fast start that culminated in a visit to the top of the podium at Thanyapura Phuket.
“Yes I feel good about winning. There were many hills in the course which made it difficult but luckily I continued my pace which helped me win today,” Birgan told The Phuket News after the competition.
The event saw several runners from both Thailand and countries abroad compete across different categories, including the 10 miles (16km), 5 mile (8km), 2 mile (3.2), and 500 meter fun run for kids. Toon, the lead singer of the popular Thai rock band Bodyslam, also took part in the 10 miles event, in addition to Ironman Chris McCormack and superstar triathlete Jurgen Zack.
“I knew if I kept a strong pace I could remain ahead and I'm happy to finish number one today,” said Cynthia Chelangat Towett, a 26-year-old Kenyan who was the first female to finish the race with a time of one hour, one minute and 55 seconds.
A mix of expats, Thai nationals and international runners competed in the event, which usually takes place in Bangkok. This was the first Supersports 10Miles International Run to take place in Phuket.
At the conclusion of the event, Thanyapura CEO Philip Graff von Hardenburg told the crowd that the competition will become an annual event at Thanyapura Phuket.
Male winners
1 Geoffrey Birgan – 50 minutes and 10 seconds
2, Paul Kimani Wambui – 52 minutes and 9.7 seconds
3 Boonthung Srisun – 54 minutes and 31.8 seconds
Female winners
1 Cynthia Chelangat Towett - 1 hours and 1 minute and 55 seconds
2 Natthaya Thanaronnawat – 1 hours and 2 minutes and 8 seconds
3 Jane Vongvorachoti – 1 hour and 2 minutes and 39 seconds