If your New Year’s resolution is to get fit and active, then the Khon Kaen marathon in Thailand is currently accepting runners for its 26 January 2014 event.
The eleventh annual Khon Kaen marathon is held in Khon Kaen city, which is some 458 km northeast of the main Suvarnabhumi Airport in Bangkok. Competitors can either fly to the city direct on a connecting flight from Suvarnabhumi and Bangkok’s secondary hub, the Don Mueang International Airport, where the flight lasts about one hour. Or travellers can opt to make the journey via car across the ancient Thai landscape in a six hour trip.
Runners from all over the world will compete and it’s expected that more than 40 nations will be represented on the 26th January. The annual event is overseen by the Association of International Marathons and also the Athletic Association of Thailand.
Khon Kaen is located within Thailand’s province of the same name, which is home to many Buddhist temples, the superb Khon Kaen National Museum and many tourist sights. The area is also rich in ancient culture from the Khmer empire and the more modern traditions of the local Isan. And all entrants to the marathon will be given two passes each for a free tour of the local history and heritage.
The marathon is open to both professional and fun runners alike (this is where the New Year’s resolutions come in) who can compete in a range of categories, based on age and race duration. The traditional 26 mile (42.19 km) race is open to all adults over the age of 18. Those over 16 can participate in the half marathon, which covers 13.1 miles (21.1 km). over 12s can compete in the mini marathon od 7.17 miles (11.55 km) and all ages and abilities can try their hand at the fun run, which spans just 2.79 miles (4.5 km). Winners will receive trophies along with cash prizes.
Check out the race details and register your application: www.khonkaenmarathon.com
Good luck!
