A press conference was held at Provincial Hall yesterday (Mar 13) to officially announce the event, chaired by Phuket Vice Governor Norasak Suksomboon, who was joined by Damrong Chaisena, Director of the Sports Authority of Thailand’s Phuket office, Thammawat Wongcharoenyot, head of the Phuket Sports Association, Boonperm Inthanapasat, President of the Thai International Fairs and Festivals Promotion Trade Association (TIEFA), and related government officials.
The event, to be held on the weekend of May 18-19 at Saphan Hin Park in Wichit, offers race categories to cater for participants of all ages and fitness levels, including a half marathon of 21.1 kilometres, a 10km half marathon and a 5k fun run, which combines walking and running and is geared towards more family fun participation. This year also sees a new feature with the 10km and 5km park relay races which involves teams of four and two people competing.
In addition to the actual running events themselves there will be a variety of food and beverage stalls offering delicious local produce as well as stalls offering recognised sporting brand goods, local handicrafts and gifts and numerous live entertainment acts.
Environmental responsibility is a key theme at this year’s event, being staged under the slogan ‘Phuket Go Green’, where participants are being asked to be fully mindful of their environmental impact before, during and after the race on the island of Phuket.
Runners are being asked to bring their own drinking recepticles while there will be a specific focus on reducing the use of plastic such as cups and bags with people urged to bring their own cloth or tote bags to the event.
Participants and spectators are also being asked to consider their choice of transport to the event by using public transport, bicycles or car-sharing as an option instead of motorbikes, which cause significant noise and air pollution.
Phukethon also incorporates charitable and social responsibility, with proceeds from the event being donated towards local community projects, healthcare casuses or environmental initiatives.
Organisers expalined at the press conference that over 20,000 people from over 25 countries are expected to join the occasion, which is anticipated to generate over B200 million for the local economy.
The first 900 registrants stand to receive a Phukethon limited edition tee-shirt worth B450. Similarly, those who can show proof of participation in a minimum of two Phukethon events since the inaugural 2017 edition will receive a special commemorative turtle-shaped coin worth B900 and a discount for any friends they refer and who sign up for this year’s event.
The event is being organised in partnership with several public and private sector entities, including Phuket Provincial Administrative Organisation (PPAO), the SAT Phuket office, RunRio Thailand, Spartan Thailand, L’Etape Thailand by Tour de France, TIEFA and the Thai Mass Sports Organisers Trade Association (TMPSA).
All race distances are certified by the Athletic Association of Thailand (AAT), the Asian Athletics Association (AAA), and the International Association of Athletics Federations (IAAF).
For more information on the event and how register visit the Phukethon Fest Facebook page.