Over 3,000 athletes turnout for dual Phuket running events
TWO HIGH PROFILE RUNNING events recently held in Phuket both saw impressive turnouts as the island continues to develop its position as a leading regional sports tourism destination.
Over 1,500 people turned out for the seventh annual edition of the Rawai Mini Marathon on Feb 18, an event that was split into three separate race categories for both male and female competitors: a 2 kilometre healthy walk, a 4.5km fun run and a 12.7km mini marathon.
All runners who finished each race category received a medal, while those that finished between first and 10th place in each race category also received a trophy and a cash prize for their efforts.
Phuket Governor Sophon Suwannarat was on hand to officially inagurate the event and also joined the post-race festivities to distribute prizes and medals.
Aroon Solos, the mayor of Rawai, confirmed that over 1,500 people took part in the three races, made up of local residents and a variety of foreigners either residing in Phuket or who had come to the island specifically for the occasion.
He added that the event is part of an ongoing drive by not only Rawai but the rest of the island to promote a healthy lifestyle to residents, of which exercise is a key component.
Mr Solos also confirmed that all proceeds from the event were to be donated to the Islamic Ethics
Center at the Noorul Ibadah Mosque in Saiyuan village, Rawai, although no specific amount was mentioned.
Following on from the Rawai event came the “Discover Phuket Night Run” last Sunday (Feb 25), which also attracted over 1,500 competitors.
Held at Chaloem Phra Kiat Park in Phuket Old Town with a 9:30pm start, the event incorporated a 3.6km fun run and a 10.5km mini marathon, with the latter split into male and female age-specific competition categories.
Commemerative shirts and medals were given to everyone who crossed the finish line while trophies and cash prizes were awarded to the top five finishers in each age category of the fun run and both male and female categories of the mini marathon.
Governor Sophon was once again on hand to officially open the race and help distribute prizes afterwards.
Governor Sophon explained that the event significantly helped promote Phuket as a sports tourism destination of choice, while emphasising the importance of exercise in contributing to a healthier lifestyle.
All proceeds from the event are to be donated to the Nakhon Phuket Care Center fund, Governor Sophon confirmed. The Phuket News