The Chombueng Marathon is like a Woodstock for runners. Each year, more than 10,000 visitors vie for a spot in this hugely popular marathon in a small town in Ratchaburi province. The next race will be on Jan 15 next year, with online applications starting on Sept 1 -- expect an internet gridlock since the demand for a place at this event always exceeds the capacity of the organiser. Thus the announcement of registered runners will be done via a random selection process to be announced on Sept 9.
The event has garnered rave reviews for being well-organised and for its charming local hospitality. The race is so famous and so overcrowded that the organiser has to use a lottery system to "choose" 8,000 runners. It is the first event in Thailand that applies a random selection process similar to that used in the Tokyo Marathon.
"Last year, there were 7,500 runners, not to mention 3,000 visitors and around 4,000 volunteers. The event has become overcrowded and we need to control the amount of participants to maintain the standard and prime quality that we have delivered in the past," said Narong Tiammek, former dean of Rajabhat (Chombueng) University and one of the founders of the marathon, which celebrates its 32nd anniversary next year. Organisers also include the Thai Health Promotion Foundation and Federation of Walk and Run for Health.
The selection process will pick 4,000 runners for 42.195km, 2,000 for the 21.1km half-marathon and 2,000 for a 10km mini-marathon.
The event has been praised for its international standards. Last year, the route was certified by the Association of International Marathons, enabling runners to claim running mileage for the Boston Marathon. The event also has professional training medical teams stationed every 5km and at the finish line, and was live broadcast on television.
Despite the fact that it does not award financial prizes, many runners return to experience the charm of the Chombueng Marathon.
"Runners told us that the reason that makes them come back year after year is because they feel that they are respected and feel welcomed. I think the heart of this event is not about competition. The gist of it is community participation. Without the local community, it does not matter. Local villagers look forward to this event. I bet runners feel that welcoming sense, too," said Narong, a Chombueng native and senior adviser for physical activity at the Thai Health Promotion Foundation.
The whole community rises at 4am to greet runners, while monks prepare holy water to sprinkle on the runners and student cheerleaders dance and perform.
Though registration is not easy, finding accommodation is even harder. There are around 1,000 hotel rooms available and many have already been booked six months or a year in advance. Those who can't find accommodation make do with sleeping in tents or using homestay services, as locals open their homes to the runners.
"I would say this is not a commercial event. It is a way of life for our community. The local community has always looked forward to this event as much as the runners," said Narong.
For registration, visit www.chombueng.com, or www.facebook.com/chombuengmarathon or add the LINE account @chombuengmarathon.