PPAO President Rewat Areerob declared registration for the annual run event open at a press event held at Central Phuket Floresta shopping mall on Thursday (Aug 1).
Joining the event was Ratchadaporn Oin, Director of the Phuket Tourism and Sports Office, along with Thai Ironman triathlete Nathapat Sirimongkolpan and other esteemed guests.
Mr Rewat confirmed that the PPAO Mini Marathon 2024 will take place on Sunday, Aug 25, at Sunrise Beach, Koh Siray, east of Phuket Town.
Mr Rewat stated that the PPAO has consistently promoted exercise and healthcare for the people of Phuket and Thailand. He noted an increasing number of participants in running events and emphasised that taking part in such activities strengthens individuals both physically and mentally, contributing to a healthier society. The people of Phuket and Thailand are prepared to embrace changes, he added.
The running events aim to motivate the community to improve their health through sports. The PPAO is committed to using sports to lead the community towards a stronger Phuket, both physically and mentally. The event will showcase a beautiful natural running route in Phuket Town at Sunrise Beach, Koh Siray, a picturesque tourist destination, Mr Rewat noted.
Holding this year’s PPAO Mini Marathon at Sunrise Beach is also expected to boost tourism and create business opportunities in the area and for the island’s sports industry, thereby supporting economic and social changes as more people prioritise health care, Mr Rewat said.
Ms Ratchadaporn highlighted that Phuket is a unique province that integrates various elements to drive a strong economy, impacting the stable living conditions of its residents.
“Organising diverse sports activities contributes to strengthening the local economy,” she said.
She pointed out that sports activities are closely linked to the tourism industry and generate significant revenue for Phuket. “This revenue distribution benefits communities across the province, marking a success that can be elevated to the international stage,” she added.
While more than 1,000 people have already registered to take part in this year’s PPAO Mini Marathon, the number of entries is limited to 3,000, Ms Ratchadaphon explained.
People may still register at: https://soft.events/run/ppao2024
People may collect the Race Kit shirts and bibs at Phuket Central Festival between midday and 9pm from Aug 21-23 or on Saturday (Aug 24) at the race starting point at Sunrise Beach on Koh Siray (location here) from midday to 5pm.
Race day itself will start at Sunrise Beach at 4:30am, when athletes can start marshalling at the Athlete Service Area at Sunrise Beach.
Warm-up starts at 5:30am, followed by the Opening Ceremony at 5:45am.
Race start for the 10km run is at 6am, followed race start for the 6km run at 6:10am. The cut-off for race start for both distances is 8:30am
The award ceremony will be held at 7:30am, with the event officially concluding at 9:30am.
The 6km run features men’s and women’s categories from under-19s to over-60, while the 10km run features men’s categories from under-19 to over-65 and women’s categories from under-19 to over-50.
The first 3,000 runners to cross the finish line will receive a participation medal. The first three to finish in each distance and age category will receive a Plaque
Prize money for the 6km run is: 1st place B2,000; 2nd place B1,500; and 3rd place B1,000.
Prize money for the 10km run is: 1st place B2,500; 2nd place B2,000; and 3rd place B1,500.
Entry to any of the age categories in either the 6km or the 10km run is B200 per person.