• 
• 

Q: I'm a keen runner but my trip to Thailand is booked for October - which means I'll miss the Bangkok Marathon on November 22. Are there any other running events I can join?

A: Checking around I was surprised to find the calendar is packed with big running events. At the end of this month, there's the 5th Mini Marathon & Fun Run organised by Phuket's Mai Khao Marine Turtle Foundation, followed by the Laguna Phuket International Marathon from June 1214. Runners will hear the starting gun at the Pattaya International Marathon on July 19, then at the Hat Yai Nature Run 2009 on August 2.

For a new angle, come to Bangkok in the last week of September when the Vertical Marathon at the Banyan Tree Bangkok challenges runners with a 1,093step race up to the 61st floor.

But the Amari Midnight Run on October 10 should fit your holiday plans. This unique annual event draws a huge crowd eager to pound the pavements of central Bangkok. Runners have a choice of two routes - of six kilometres and 12km - that wind through the city night. The atmosphere is usually more like a party than a race and the proceeds go to charity. Check www.Amari.com for details.

Q: I need to book a 45 star hotel within easy reach of the Skytrain for my trip to Bangkok in two months' time. But I have one special requirement: a large swimming pool I can swim laps in. Any suggestions?

A: The Sukhothai Hotel on Sathorn Road has a 25metre lap pool along with a location right in the heart of the business area. But the Skytrain and subway are a 10minute walk in the heat (or rain) of Bangkok. Two other luxury hotels nearby - the Metropolitan Bangkok and Banyan Tree Bangkok - also have lap pools, but not quite as big at 20 metres.

Only twominutes' walk from the Skytrain's Rajadamri stop is the Four Seasons, which has a 25metre lap pool surrounded by trees.

Most of the swanky hotels down by the river have two pools, one for laps and the other to relax in. That's the case at the Oriental, the Royal Orchid Sheraton and the ShangriLa's Krungthep Wing. They also offer free ferryboat transfer to Saphan Taksin where you can catch the Skytrain.

If you want a more serious sporty atmosphere, check out the Pathumwan Princess's Olympic Club, with 25-metre lap pool, gym and other fitness facilities. It's right next to MBK shopping centre and the National Stadium Skytrain stop.

I hope this helps you have a swimming time.