The 12th Laguna Phuket Marathon, one of the region's best known international running events, is set to take place on the first weekend of June. Despite the fact that it is still a few months away, over 2,000 athletes have already registered. And they had a good reason: early birds get a discount on the registration fee.
Last year, the annual event was said to have attracted around 6,000 runners from more than 60 countries to the resort island during its low season. This year, the numbers are expected to be even higher.
The marathon (42.195km) and half marathon (21.097km) will take place early in the morning of Sunday, June 4. Time limit for the longer race is seven-and-a-half hours, while that for the latter is four hours.
Prior to the big day, on Saturday in the late afternoon, there will be fun runs of shorter distances -- 10.5km (two-and-a-half hours), 5km (two hours) and 2km. The last, which has no time limit, is for children only. Every runner in all categories (divided by gender and age group) will be timed.
The start and finish points are at Outrigger Laguna Phuket Beach Resort. The running courses will go through villages as well as pineapple and rubber plantations in the northern part of Phuket. Each finisher will receive a commemorative medal.
Registration can be made online at www.gotorace.com/event/laguna-phuket-marathon-2017-full-half-marathon. The fees, which vary depending on the period of registration and other factors, are listed there.
The early-bird discount is available until Feb 28. The marathon fee for expats, for example, is currently 1,700 baht, but from March 1 until May 28, the last day to apply, it will be 2,000 baht.
For latest updates and recommended accommodations nearby, visit Laguna Phuket Marathon page on Facebook.
