Race start, Laguna Phuket International Marathon 2007

Laguna Phuket International Marathon 2007 Male Marathon champion Brent Roeger

Eco-marathon pioneer Hajime Nishi Images © Laguna Resort & Hotels Plc.

Deviating from the customary rush to finish a marathon in the least time possible, runners at the 2008 Laguna Phuket International Marathon will be encouraged to worry less about their finish times and focus more on enjoying the race. The idea for a 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 and Guiness World Record holder, who has participated in the Laguna Phuket International Marathon the previous two years, will be leading a group of interested participants over the course, focusing purely on the enjoyment of the race, interaction with spectators and volunteers and taking photos along the way.

Online registration for the 42k Marathon, 21k Half-Marathon, 10.5k Fun Run and 5k Walk is available until 5 June 2008 at www.phuketmarathon.com. On-site registration will be available on 13-14 June. Registration on race day will not be accepted.

Participants in any of the races at the 2008 Laguna Phuket International Marathon are also encouraged to take part in fundraising for charity, whether it is a charity of their choice or HOPE worldwide Thailand, the event’s official charity. HOPE worldwide Thailand supports and promotes activities of the Department of Public Welfare and the Ministry of Social Development. Each participant taking part in the fundraising effort is to pledge to raise a certain amount of money for the charity at the same time that they pledge to compete in one of the races on 15 June.

Source: Laguna Resort & Hotels Plc. release dated May 19, 2008