A few Kenyans captured the spotlight, but the annual King’s Cup Pattaya Marathon also captured the imagination of thousands of runners, young and old, slow and fast, Thai and foreign.
The full 42.2-kilometer marathon drew just 730 participants – 614 men and 84 women. But their average finish time was 4:54:53.19, showing not everyone was aiming for the King’s Cup, won by Alex Melly of Kenya with a time of 2:25:32. In all, however, 10,000 people participated in July 27’s many races, which included half and quarter marathons, plus a 5 km. “fun run.”
12-year-old Banglamung student Wichaya Kamorawong said he couldn’t sleep well the night before the fun run.
The 2014 race was the eighth for 70-year-old Thammachart Sangkawong, who completed the full 42.2k marathon. “I think exercising every day is a way to stay out of the hospital,” Thammachart said. “And also I joined the marathon this year because I want to meet fellow runners that used to run together and come from various places.”
He said he found the event day atmosphere cheerful, but suggested Pattaya officials better publicize the race next year.
At just 12 years old, Wichaya Kamorawong and Boossagorn Charoenpongsiri are new to running, participating this year in the 5 km fun run. Both said they were excited and impressed.
70-year-old Thammachart Sangkawong ran in the full 42.2k marathon, saying that exercising every day is a way to stay out of the hospital.
“I could not sleep well last night,” Wichaya said. “My friends, my teachers and I woke at two in the morning. Exercising is very beneficial and much better than playing games.”
Boossagorn, a student of Srisuvit School said she wanted to run to get strong and “exercise my patience.”
