The first will see runners take on the famed slope leading up to the Big Buddha statue in Karon, while the second challenge will take place on the beautiful sands of Mai Khao Beach.
A press conference was held on Tuesday at Central Festival shopping mall in Kathu overseen by Phuket Governor Sophon Suwannarat, who was joined by Ratchadaphon Oin, Director of the Tourism and Sports Phuket office, Thammawat Wongcharoenyot, President of the Phuket Sports Association, and selected officials.
The ‘Big Buddha Sky Run’ is an early morning event on Mar 17 where participants will cover a total distance of 4 kilometres, finishing with the challenge of a 360 metre incline to the top of the slope. Once there, runners can relax at the base of the famous statue while enjoying the sunrise and beautiful 360-degree views across the island.
The ‘Mai Khao Beach Run’ will take place on Saturday, Mar 23 with the option of three separate distances: 3 kilometres, 6km or 10km.
This is an especially gruelling challenge as beach running can be very taxing on the body, Mr Thammawat said, although the picturesque setting at sunset, with beautiful views and areoplanes landing and taking off overhead at the nearby Phuket International Airport, will be long remembered, he added.
There is the option for participants to wear fancy dress costumes in both events, Mr Thammawat explained, as both are geared towards having fun and are ideal for family participation.
Turtle dolls will be given as prizes for everyone taking part to emphasise the province’s commitment to safeguarding marine wildlife, nature preservation and environmental sustainability, he added.
Additionally, there will be a range of food and handicraft stalls at both events where a variety of goods will be on offer to help provide an economic boost to local businesses and entrepreneurs.
Governor Sophon extended thanks to various public and private sector entities that are collaborating to make the event happen, including: Karon Subdistrict Municipality; Chalong Subdistrict Municipality; Sirinath National Park; Mai Khao Subdistrict Administrative Organisation; Central Festival Shopping Center; Tiger Park Phra Phuttha; Ming Mongkol Sattha Foundation 45; Lotus Department Store, Chalong; Otsuka Nutraceuticals Thailand; and Run To Paradise.
More information on the Big Buddha Run, including how to register, can be found at their Facebook page.
Similar details for the Mai Khao Beach Run will be disclosed shortly, organisers confirmed.