Positioning itself as a world-class sports destination, sports events are a key part of Phuket’s strategy to attract visitors and the Laguna Phuket Marathon Presented by Supersports has been a major magnet drawing repeat and new international visitors to Phuket for over 18 years. Set to welcome over 10,000 runners, friends and family members from 51 countries this year, Southeast Asia’s favourite destination marathon is taking place 8-9 June, 2024 at the award-winning Laguna Phuket and has a new “Fun-Sport-Lifestyle” concept.
Event data shows that the top five international countries by participant numbers this year are Singapore, Hong Kong, Malaysia, China and Japan, and organisers expect the event to contribute hundreds of millions of baht to the island’s tourism economy this year through accommodation bookings, food and beverage spend, and more.
Raimund Wellenhofer, Race Director of the Laguna Phuket Marathon Presented by Supersports said, “We are excited to be celebrating another successful year and are encouraged to see a good mix of new faces and returnees. From Thai and international children and families to age-groupers and elite runners, it’s great to see such a mix of people taking part this year and also that so many are staying on in Phuket to vacation afterwards.”
With a nod to the island’s robust recovery and its sea dragon protector Hai Leng Ong, organisers wish to inspire people to exercise and live a healthier lifestyle with this year’s event theme, “Awake Your Inner Dragon.” With the aim to make sports more accessible and create a Fun-Sport-Lifestyle event experience throughout June 7-9, organisers have expanded more zones for local food and drinks and food trucks inside the Expo and outside around Laguna Grove, as well as various music performances located at the finish line. The festival vibe is a big hit with elite and fun runners alike.
New this year is a Charity Mini Concert by popular Thai singer ‘Zom Marie’ which will take place on Friday 7 June on the stage by the lake. Complimentary to all runners, concert tickets for non-participants are available at 299THB each and can be purchased online at https://bit.ly/3KoQL9b – proceeds will benefit the Children First Fund.
Prapa Hemmin, Assistant Vice President, Events and Strategic Partnerships, Laguna Phuket shared that, “Laguna Phuket is honoured to welcome Laguna Phuket Marathon participants to Phuket and we’re looking forward to them experiencing our leading resort facilities and hospitality. While we celebrate our 18th year supporting the event, we are also celebrating the 30th anniversary of our iconic Banyan Tree Phuket resort. Throughout our history we have worked closely with the local community to ensure the benefits tourism and events are dispersed and through Laguna Phuket Foundation’s Children First Fund (CFF) we support more than 400 underprivileged children in orphanages in Phuket – we encourage all runners and spectators this year to help make a difference by supporting our efforts.”
Speaking of Supersports’ involvement in the event, Kulticha Pruksanubal, Head of Marketing, CRC Sports Co., Ltd. said, “We’re committed to helping everyone access sports and encourage people to go out, exercise, do the sport they love and enjoy a healthy lifestyle. At this year’s Expo, we will be showcasing our latest innovation ‘The SafeSize 3D Foot Scan’. This is the most advanced 3D foot analysis solution in the world and we invite everyone at the event to experience and try.”
The picture-postcard Laguna Phuket Marathon course passes the stunning beaches of Nai Yang, Layan and Bang Tao and also takes runners through local villages and lush tropical landscapes. The popular two day format sees the 2km kids run, 5km and 10km take place on the morning of Saturday 8th June, and the Half Marathon (21.0975km), Marathon Relay (42.195km) and Marathon (42.195km) on the morning of Sunday 9th June. The run course is internationally-certified and measured by World Athletics (WA) and the Association of International Marathons and Distance Races (AIMS), and is also a qualifying event for the Boston Marathon, the world’s oldest marathon event.
