Date : 14 June 2009
Venue : Laguna Beach Resort, Phuket
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 kilometres, 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 neighbouring 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 organises 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.
Organisers say it is an anecdotal sign that Thailand’s tourism appeal is resilient and in recovery mode.
Prior to the event, runners can browse through a sports expo. Open for two days, the expo stalls offer bargains in sports shoes, clothes and other items that keep runners jogging happily.
The trick to enjoying this resort-style marathon is to make a family holiday out of a favourite sporting hobby. Laguna Phuket packages special rates for runners who extend their stay. The fun starts with the carbo-loading dinner prior to the race, then in the evening after the race, everyone meets in the Laguna’s grand marquee, pitched on the beach and fully air-conditioned. In between excursions to the sumptuous buffet, runners enjoy a well deserved glass of cold ale or wine. TV screens, positioned throughout the marquee, depict race-day fun, tears, agony and the joy of beating a best time, or just finishing. Finally, winners in each category are honoured on stage.
As waves roll up the sandy beach to serenade the party, marathon runners say their farewells, many of them with a promise; “see you next year.”
For more information, click www.phuketmarathon.com
ไม่มีความคิดเห็น:
แสดงความคิดเห็น