Buri Ram, Thailand, 09 February 2020 – More than 30,000 runners participated in the first Buriram Marathon 2020 organised at the Chang International Circuit.
Mr. Phiphat Ratchakitprakarn, Minister of Tourism and Sports, presided at the flag-off ceremony, accompanied by Mr Tachakon Hatthayakur, Buriram Provincial Governor and Mr. Yuthasak Supasorn, Governor of the Tourism Authority of Thailand. All three senior officials also participated in the marathon.
Mr. Phiphat said that the significance of the Marathon had gained even more importance in the light of the global tourism slowdown. “The fact that we recorded such a large turnout of enthusiastic participants is a huge show of confidence by the general public. It sends a clear signal that events and activities in Thailand are continuing as normal.”
The Buriram Marathon is the first full marathon in Thailand bearing a Bronze Label certificate by the International Athletics Federation under the concept of “Your Ultimate Destination – Runner’s Paradise”. Carrying total prize money of more than 1,650,000 Baht, the Marathon attracted a total of 30,120 participants, comprising:
– Marathon: 7,917
– Half-Marathon: 10,836
– Mini-Marathon: 5,169
– Fun Run: 6,198
Mr. Phiphat said the Marathon is designed to promote Buri Ram as Thailand’s Sport City Centre. “We want every marathon runner in the world to participate in this marathon at least once in their lifetime.”
The Buriram Marathon is organised and designed by the cooperation between the Athletic Association of Thailand (AAT), Asian Athletics Association (AAA), Sports Authority of Thailand (SAT), Buriram United and Buri Ram province.The Buriram Marathon is approved by the International Association of Athletics Federations (IAAF) and the Athletic Association of Thailand (AAT).
Buri Ram, which literally means “city of happiness” or “peaceful city,” is located in the Northeastern region of Thailand, about 380 km northeast of Bangkok. Easily reachable by air, rail and a world-class highway network, Buri Ram is renowned for its ancient Khmer civilisation sites, rich cultural heritage and traditional silk fabrics.
The 2014 addition of the Chang International Racing Circuit, a motorsport race track and football stadium have significantly enhanced the diversity of its appeal.
