Phuket Vice Governor Amnuay Pinsuwan presided over the opening ceremony for the anniversary competition joined by Kathu Mayor Chai-anan Suthikul and other VIP guests from all sectors.
The various races over the course of the morning included a 2.5 kilometre health walk open to all ages, a 6km fun run, a 10km mini marathon and a 21km half marathon.
Winners of the 6km, 10km and 21km races in different age groups were awarded with cash prizes and trophies for their effort. There was also a special reward for any former winner of the race who can break his or her previous personal best record.
To emphasise inclusivity of running, organisers also gave away special prizes for the youngest and oldest winning runners. Plus, following one of Phuket’s good traditions, where were awards for those participating in fancy dresses.
Overall winners of the 21km race among men were Mud Chaison, Erik Bohm and Anuwat Bunmak. Best among women in the half marathon were Sabine Claudia Egger-Weickhardt, Emma Marsh and Wandee Kruas.
In the 10km race Nattapong Buachay, Kittiku Lankhuntod and Ratchaphon Daengudom among men and Anong Piriyaphrut, Thimakorn Ratchasang and Siriyaporn Kamlai.
In the 6km competition top three male runners were Ratthanan Lamanee, Narongrit Phumphuang and Tanawat Simvised. Top three female athletes were Aksaraphak Sengraksa, Porntipa Mulikbutr and Chiara Jessica Egger.
“Foreign runners from more than 15 countries participated in the races as well,” the organisers added after the event which was conducted on some of the most beautiful roads in Kathu.
As Mayor Chai-anan pointed out before the event, tambon Kathu is an area perfectly suited to running competitions including world-class events which can attract top athletes from all around the world. Tambon Kathu is ready to welcome them all, he added.
The marathon was also aimed at uniting the local community, encouraging a healthier lifestyle for all, promoting sports tourism and rejuvenising the local economy recovering from the fallout from the COVID-19 pandemic.
Full results for 6km, 10km and 21km runs are available at Sportstats.Asia: