Bangkok Marathon Weekend: Thailand's Finest

The Bangkok Marathon gives runners a unique opportunity to run in Bangkok, traffic free, The weekend offers a 5km, 10km, half and full marathon and is held annually each November. The Bangkok Marathon begins at the Royal Grand Palace on Sanamchai Road and takes runners past many famous landmarks, including the religious sites of the City Pillar Shrine and the Emerald Buddha Temple, the royal landmarks of Vimanmek Mansion, the Ananta Samakhom Throne Hall and the Chitralada Palace.

The Destination

Bangkok, known locally as Krung Thep, is the capital and most populous city of Thailand. It's in the centre of the country, with an estimated population of 10.5 million, around 15 percent of the country's population. As a result it's absolutely at the heart of the national economy.

A city that really does never sleep: it's a melting pot of contrasting cultures and faiths. Towering skyscrapers stand in harmony next to temples and monasteries, while luxury malls and shopping centres compete with the street bazaars and floating markets. Thai and international cuisine are showcased on the streets as well as in rooftop restaurants. The nightlife of Bangkok, on the one hand, revolves around flashy nightclubs, rooftop and go-go bars, bright neon light signs and cheap drinks. There are cabaret shows, Muay Thai and dance exhibitions and even cultural walking tours. Must see sites like the Grand Palace, Wat Pho and Wat Phra Kaew showcase the city's rich history, while museums such as Art in Paradise and parks such as the Sea Life Ocean World cater to those more mainstream options

Bangkok is serviced by Suvarnabhumi International Airport for international flights and Don Mueang Airport is the domestic airport. The city has a huge range of accommodation from luxury hotels to backpacker-friendly options with many hostels, dormitories and homestays now available.

History

The first event took place in 1988, with 17,000 runners on a day inspired by the likes of the New York, London and Berlin Marathons. 40,000-50,000 runners now take part, across all events, with more than 60 countries represented.

The start and finish are near the Royal Grand Palace

Race Organiser

Jogging for Health Association of Thailand, a non-profit organisation, with the aim of ensuring a fit and healthy population.

When?

The race is held annually in November.

Distances

There is a full and half marathon, as well as a 10km and 5km event.

Is there an Expo?

There is an expo where race packets need to be collected for 3 days prior to the event. Its location can vary, so check the event website.

How many runners?

45,000 + across all events.

Course

All divisions start and finish at Sanamchai Road out the front of The Royal Grand Palace. An interesting quirk is the way the wave starts are devised. They aren't put together based on expected finish time like most, but on age. Another major point of difference is the start time. We all expect marathons in Asia to start early due to the potentially oppressive humidity, but this is earlier than most. The marathon starts at 30 minutes past midnight, the half at 3am, 10km at 4.30am and the 5km 30 minutes later! The marathon award ceremony is at 7am. There won't be many that are earlier than that, anywhere in the world.

The marathon course passes by historic sites, cultural centers, and neighborhoods. It starts at Sanam Chai, crosses the Chao Praya River via the Rama 8 Bridge, and passes Phra Sumen Fort, finally ending in front of The Royal Grand Palace. The spectacular Grand Palace is undoubtedly the most famous landmark in Bangkok. It’s one must-see sight that no visit to the city would be complete without. It was built in 1782 and for 150 years was the home of the Thai King, the Royal court and the administrative seat of government. Within its walls were also the Thai war ministry, state departments, and even the mint. Today, the complex remains the spiritual heart of the Thai Kingdom. The first 5km weaves around the Grand Palace and through the City and the event is then dominated by a very long stretch out and back along a major highway. The marathon field is only a few thousand so it is relatively quiet, but the real challenge is the heat. Marathons and half marathons in this part of the world are always dominated by the heat and humidity. You must be prepared for that or suffer the consequences. There is an abundance of water and Gatorade, which helps, but combined with the early start time this is not an event for the faint hearted.

However tired and hot you are, soak up the history. Not far from the finish the Phra Sumen Fort is a highlight. During the rule of King Rama I fourteen guard towers were constructed at various strategic points along the city walls. The most northerly was the Phra Sumen Fort, which was equipped with canons and was also used to store ammunition and weapons. This Fort was one of few that survived and major renovation work was carried out at the old citadel in 1981 to keep alive a link to the Thai capital’s past. It's sites like these that make this event one that's worth training hard for.

The route can change so check the event website for the latest.

You'll cross the Chao Praya River via the Rama 8 Bridge

What's unique?

Parts of Bangkok with no traffic!

Do charities benefit?

There is no charity programme, but you can set up a fundraising page yourself and raise money for your preferred charity.

Our verdict

Events like this are a truly memorable experience. Everything feels different, the energy level feels like it has been ramped up a notch. Sights and sounds are unique. Marathon events in Asia are something special and this is no different.

How to register

Online via the website. It does not sell out yet, but don't leave it too late. Entries are normally available until the end of August.

Race website

https://bkkmarathon.com/en/