Phuket Governor Sophon Suwannarat inaugurated the event and was joined by Kathu Mayor Wannayut Suttikun, President of Phuket Provincial Administrative Organisation (PPAO) Rewat Areerob, in addition to selected digniatries from public and private sector organisations.
This year’s event was split into four separate categories for participants to take on, including a health walk and run, a fun run, a mini marathon and a half marathon.
The half marathon this year increased slightly in distance from the usual 21 kilometres to 23km, while it was also officially rebranded as the ‘Kathu Super Half Marathon.’
The health walk and run category covered a distance of 2.5-kilometres, the fun run a distance of 6km kilometers, and the mini marathon 10km.
The 3,000 participants were made up of both local and international athletes across the four race categories, and there were over 300 trophies up for grabs as well as over B33,000 in prize money.
Organisers had previously explained that Kathu is a area well suited to hosting long distance running events like the Super Half Marathon as it provides suitable terrain such as slopes and long, flat stretches through beautiful natural scenery.
Furthermore, the event aligns with the local government policy to promote exercise as an effective way to achieve and sustain a healthier lifestye among local residents, while contributing positively to local businesses and the local economy.