Phuket, known as the "Pearl of the Andaman Sea", will play host to a total of about 3,000 foreign and local runners. About 500 runners from more than 30 countries will take part in the marathon and discover some of the famous beaches on the resort island.

The slogan for this year's marathon is "Run Paradise!" and the event will include a 42.195 kilometre full marathon, a 21.097km half marathon, a 10km fun run and a 1km children's run. The event, held in the low season for tourists, is expected to draw large numbers of runners from both Thailand and around the world.

Rimund Wellenhofer, the race director of the Phuket International Marathon, said the organising committee aimed to make the event the leading one of its kind in Southeast Asia.

"With the global running boom, we believe that it's now the right time to stage the international marathon in Phuket. People all over the world are taking up running to stay fit and healthy," said Wellenhofer.

There will be other activities for the runners for three days and the marathon is also being held to celebrate His Majesty the King's 60th accession to the throne. Bt60 from each runner's entry fee will be granted to the Rajaprachasamasai Foundation, which is under the patronage of His Majesty the King.

The winner in each category will be awarded a trophy and every runner who makes it to the finish line will get a medal.

Meanwhile, Nakon Nayok will host the first Klong Thadan Dam Marathon on June 4 with three prestigious trophies sponsored by the Royal family as prizes.

The local meet will be divided into three categories - the 42.195km full marathon where the winner will receive His Majesty the King's trophy. The second will be a 21.1km half marathon and a 10.5km mini marathon. The winner of the half marathon will be awarded a trophy sponsored by Her Majesty the Queen, while the mini marathon champion will receive HRH Princess Maha Chakri Sirindhorn's trophy.

Alitta Tangrungruengkit

The Nation