4th Laguna Phuket International Marathon
A resort marathon for the family. Laguna Phuket Marathon attracts a record turnout for 14 June race
What makes the annual Laguna Phuket International Marathon, 14 June, different from most other races is the variety of categories that encourage all family members to join in the fun. Sure there is a serious side to the run, particularly, when last year’s winners in the men and women’s categories are keen to keep their crowns and better last year’s course times.
But alongside the serious are the fun runners, even children who jog the most scenic route that takes them around the Laguna’s lake and tropical gardens. Kids get to run 2 km, while the morning is still fresh. Grown-ups have to slog it out for the honour of completing 42 kilometers, perhaps even beating their own record on this very attractive, but tough course.
They can down-size their objectives too by enrolling in the half-marathon, a 10-km fast run, or a very leisurely 5 km walkathon. A festival atmosphere prevails particularly as hotels and local clubs enter teams to compete and have fun at the same time.
Laguna Phuket has been hosting this family event for four years through thick and thin. Even during political crisis, it still attracted a fine crowd of friendly runners, who clearly had their priorities in order.
The route is one of the finest a marathon runner could hope to find. A fresh sea breeze sweeps in from the Andaman Sea to cool runners. Then, the course passes through spectacular landscaped gardens in the resort before joining a coastal lane to neighboring bays, with some steep headland inclines to challenge runners. Professionally monitored with ample water stations, runners appreciate the effort that has gone into making this a memorable race that attracts familiar faces year-after-year.
Go Adventure Asia organizes the 4th Laguna Phuket Marathon, while Nike acts as the main presenter. Approximately 4,450 runners, from 40 countries, are registered representing a 10% increase over last year’s event.
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