Taking place at Ban Bang Niew Dam in Thalang, the event was split into four separate race categories, namely: a 3.5 kilometre ‘walk for health’; a 5km fun run; a 10km mini marathon; and the 21km half marathon.
Competitors were not split by gender, with age divisions in each race category instead made up of under-19 years old, 20-29 years old, 30-39 years old, 40-49 years old, 50-59 years old, and 60 years and above.
Participants were made up of local Phuket residents, people from nearby provinces and from overseas, with Thais and foreigners all getting involved. A total of 243 people took part in the walk, 418 people participated in the fun run, 331 people entered the mini marathon and 406 people took on the half marathon.
Trophies were awarded to the top 10 finishing athletes in the men’s and women’s half marathon and mini marathon, while the top five male and female finishers in the fun run all also received a trophy.
Cash prizes were also awarded as follows: in the half marathon, B2,500 to first place, B2,000 to second, B1,500 for third, B1,200 for fourth and B1,000 for fifth. First place finisher in the mini marathon received B2,000, second place B1,500, third place B1,200, fourth B1,000 and fifth B800. The top finisher in the fun run received B1,500, B1,200 went to second, B1,00 to third, B500 to fourth and B500 to fifth.
The opening ceremony took place at 5:30am on Sunday at the designated race start point at Bang Niew Dam Reservoir, overseen by Phuket Governor Sophon Suwannarat.
Governor Sophon was joined by Sri Soonthorn Mayor Chalermphon Kerdsap, members of the executive race committee, local council members, selected heads of government agencies, village headmen, local residents, foreigners and school children.
Mr Chalermphon exclaimed his delight at the successful organisination of the event, the first of its kind in the Srisoonthorn area, stating it was a great initiative to encourage all local residents to use their spare time wisely to adopt a healthier lifestyle by taking up exercise.
Furthermore, Mr Chalermphon explained how the event would provide a welcome boost for tourism and the local economy by attracting participants from local provinces and foreign countries.
Mr Chalermphon acknowledged the high participation turnout for the inaugural event, adding it was a positive sign for the future that demonstrated the event will no doubt grow year-on-year to become a key fixture.