SUNDAY June 15 marks the Laguna Phuket International Marathon, and a load of fun even if you are not inclined to move at faster than walking pace.
Standing still also has the potential to be exciting, especially if you combine that with watching others exert themselves.
And if you are taking photographs, whether on the move or standing still . . . well, that's our kind of event.
The number of athletes at this year's fixture is expected to top 5000. Spectators are encouraged to be at Laguna around daybreak to enjoy some food and drink and watch the energy levels rise with the sun.
As well as the testing but scenic 42 kilometre marathon, there is a 21-kilometre half-marathon, a 10-kilometre run, a two-kilometre kids' run, and a five-kilometre walk.
The other event, an unofficial one that is proving more popular every year, is the no-kilometre watch. Competitors are simply require to turn up and join in the fun.
Deviating from the customary rush to finish a marathon in the least time possible, runners this year will be encouraged to worry less about their finish times and focus more on enjoying the race.
In quirky island style, a new event is beginning in earnest this year.
The idea for a complementary photo contest was proposed to the event organisers by eco-marathoner and slow-running advocate Hajime Nishi.
With 541 marathons in 71 countries under his belt, Nishi is renowned among running circles as the founder of the 'slow is beautiful' philosophy.
The Japanese marathon globetrotter, who has participated in the Laguna Phuket International Marathon the previous two years, will be focusing purely on the enjoyment of the race, interaction with spectators and volunteers and taking photos along the way.
While the course meanders around the island, the centre of activities is at Laguna Phuket, where the runs start and end. Social events are also a highlight of the two days leading up to the runs.
Schools in remote parts of the region will benefit this year especially from the team competitions, with Laguna Phuket staff lining up against teams from The Sarojin, The Chedi, Trisara, Le Meridien Phuket Resort and Asia Web Direct.
On-site registration will be available on June 13-14. Registration on race day will not be accepted. For team entries, call 076 362300 ext 1304. Details: www.phuketmarathon.com
Standing still also has the potential to be exciting, especially if you combine that with watching others exert themselves.
And if you are taking photographs, whether on the move or standing still . . . well, that's our kind of event.
The number of athletes at this year's fixture is expected to top 5000. Spectators are encouraged to be at Laguna around daybreak to enjoy some food and drink and watch the energy levels rise with the sun.
As well as the testing but scenic 42 kilometre marathon, there is a 21-kilometre half-marathon, a 10-kilometre run, a two-kilometre kids' run, and a five-kilometre walk.
The other event, an unofficial one that is proving more popular every year, is the no-kilometre watch. Competitors are simply require to turn up and join in the fun.
Deviating from the customary rush to finish a marathon in the least time possible, runners this year will be encouraged to worry less about their finish times and focus more on enjoying the race.
In quirky island style, a new event is beginning in earnest this year.
The idea for a complementary photo contest was proposed to the event organisers by eco-marathoner and slow-running advocate Hajime Nishi.
With 541 marathons in 71 countries under his belt, Nishi is renowned among running circles as the founder of the 'slow is beautiful' philosophy.
The Japanese marathon globetrotter, who has participated in the Laguna Phuket International Marathon the previous two years, will be focusing purely on the enjoyment of the race, interaction with spectators and volunteers and taking photos along the way.
While the course meanders around the island, the centre of activities is at Laguna Phuket, where the runs start and end. Social events are also a highlight of the two days leading up to the runs.
Schools in remote parts of the region will benefit this year especially from the team competitions, with Laguna Phuket staff lining up against teams from The Sarojin, The Chedi, Trisara, Le Meridien Phuket Resort and Asia Web Direct.
On-site registration will be available on June 13-14. Registration on race day will not be accepted. For team entries, call 076 362300 ext 1304. Details: www.phuketmarathon.com
