The 27th annual edition of the hugely popular event will take place on Sunday, Dec 8 with four separate categories for participants to take on including a health walk and run, a fun run, a mini marathon and a half marathon.
This year the half marathon will increase slightly in distance from the usual 21 kilometres to 23 kilometres, while it is now being officially rebranded as the ‘Kathu Super Half Marathon.’
The health walk and run category will cover a distance of 2.5-kilometres, the fun run covers a distance of 6km kilometers, and the mini marathon is 10km.
Organisers stated they expect over 2,500 entries across the four race categories, while confirming there will be over 300 troohies up for grabs as well as over B33,000 in prize money.
Confirmation of the event was made at an official press conference at the Kathu Municipality Council Offcies on Wednesday, overseen by Phuket Vice Governor Samawit Suphanphai.
Mr Samawit was joined by: Kathu Mayor, Wannayut Suttikun; Thamrong Chuay-akson, Kathu District Chief; Ratchadaporn Oin, Director of the Phuket Tourism and Sports Office; Pol. Col. Rungrit, Chief of Kathu Police Station; and Phongsaphan Thongphat, head of the Narendorn Andaman Center.
“The revamped version of the Kathu Super Half Marathon will elevate the event to that of international standards,” commented Mr Wanyut.
He further explained that Kathu is a area very 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.
“It is a very popular event that will attract many people to the area which will have a positive knock on effect for local businesses and the local economy,” Mr Wanyut added.
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, he said.
“Exercise areas such as the Kathu Municipality Stadium and open areas such as the Phuket Mining Museum and Bang Wad Dam are great examples of locations where people can exercise and become much healthier,” Mr Wanyut concluded.