There was a fine sprinkle of rain as the day broke, but that couldn’t deter 3,000 runners from showing up to run for a good cause. Last Saturday, the 8th Bangkok Post International Mini Marathon took place at CentralWorld. The run, as usual, was a fun, healthy and charitable activity: this year the event raised more than 900,000 baht for Bangkok Post Foundation, which provides education scholarships to needy Thai students across the country.
Former Bank of Thailand governor Prasarn Triratvorakul joined Bangkok Post editor Umesh Pandey and editor-in-chief and chairman of Bangkok Post Foundation Pichai Chuensuksawadi to chair the opening ceremony and start the runners.
Over the years, the Bangkok Post International Mini Marathon has also built up a reputation as a favourite fixture of runners who enjoy city runs through some of the usually busiest Bangkok roads. The divisions include the 10.5km, 6.5km and 3.5km run, and the strong turnout on Saturday — from serious racers to families and even some disabled participants — testified to the popularity of the activity.
For the 10.5km mini marathon, the course began at the plaza outside CentralWorld, turning into Phetchaburi Road, Banthat Thong, Rama IV, Henri Dunant, then making a U-turn back to Rama IV, Ratchadamri Road and onto the finish line at CentralWorld.
Runners gathered to warm up from before 5am. At around 5.30am, as first light was about to break — and following the previous night’s heavy rain — we felt a fine sprinkle coming down. But thankfully it soon stopped, and the runners went out with confidence and enthusiasm.
The winner of the 10.5km run was Sutat Kalayanakitti, clocking in at an impressive 35.35 minutes.
But of course the more impressive performance was that of all runners who contributed to Bangkok Post Foundation. Established in 1982, the foundation has provided scholarships to over 600 students. Currently 234 students are receiving support. To date, 97 have graduated from university. The funding comes from readers’ donations and charitable events, including the mini marathon. There are no strings attached to students who receive support — except the hope that they will give back to Thai society.
See you at our next mini marathon. In the meantime, train!
Runners in the 3.5km run at the start. photos: THANARAK KHUNTON
Runners in the 3.5km run at the start. photos: THANARAK KHUNTON
Runners in the 3.5km run at the start. photos: THANARAK KHUNTON
Sutat Kalayanakitti, winner of the 10.5km run, rejoices on reaching the finishing line.
A fun run for the family.
This source first appeared on Bangkok Post Lifestyle.