The popular off-road running competition took place at Bang Wad reservoir in Kathu over three separate race distances of 7 kilometres, 15km and 25km, with all three catgeories open to male and female competitors and cash prizes and trophies distributed to the top three placed finishers.
Ratchadaporn O-in, Director of the Phuket Tourism and Sports Office, oversaw the opening ceremony and start to the race and was joined by the Acting District Chief of Kathu, Deputy Superintendent of Kathu Police Station, Director of the Phuket office of the Tourism Authority of Thailand, and selected digniatries.
The challenging course took competitors through forest and jungle while also showcasing the natural beauty and picturesque forest landscape of Phuket and Bang Wad reservoir in particular, said Ms O-in.
The Phuket leg of the AITR 2025 competition is one of six races being held around the Andaman coast, with others staged in the nearby provinces of Krabi (July 27), Ranong (Aug 3), Trang (Aug 31), Satun (date TBC) and Phang Nga (date TBC).
The event is designed to allow each province to showcase a feature that is considered unique, with Phuket highlighting the natural beauty of its pristine forests and local environment at Bang Wad reservoir to particpants.
Yesterday’s event was expected to generate more than B10 million for the local economy, explained Ms O-in and is a further example of how important sports tourism is to the island.
Economic value is created via various principle channels, she explained, such as accommodation, transportation, and general tourism related activities such as shopping for local souvenirs and handicrafts, as well as food and beverage.
Exercise is receiving increased interest from Thai nationals in particular, Ms O-in explained, as people are tending to focus more on improving their overall health, while many regard sports as a perfect way to relax on the weekends.
Trail running especially has surged in popularity in recent years with more and more people attracted by the relative accessibility of the sport which still provides a sufficient fitness challenge, Ms O-in added.