CHON BURI: Over 13,000 runners from all over the world took part in the 28th Pattaya Marathon 2019 in Pattaya in Bang Lamung district on Sunday.
The event started at 3.30am from in front of the CentralFestival department store on the Pattaya beach road.
Present at the opening ceremony were Sonthaya Khunplome, the Pattaya mayor, Maj Gen Yuthachai Theinthong, commander of the 14th Military Circle, Pol Maj Gen Nanthachart Supamongkol, the Chon Buri police chief, and Amnat Charoen, the Bang Lamung district chief.
Apart from runners from all over the world, the event was made more colourful and spectacular by people in various costumes, performing activities to entertain onlookers.
Chepkok Kibiwott from Kenya crossed the finish line first in the men 's 42.195 kilometres category. The winner in the women's category was Marta Tinsae Birehan from Ethiopia.
In the 21.100km quarter marathon run, David Kibet from Kenya came first in the men's category and Etaferahu Dubale Betrie clinched victory in the women's category.
In the 10.550km quarter-marathon run, Nathawut Ounnoum and Sunisa Preechaprong of Thailand were the winners in the men's and women's categories.
In the 3km wheelchair race, Nathakan Chaotrakan and Ornanong Praikaew, both of Thailand, were the winners in the men's and women's categories.
The Pattaya Marathon was first launched in 1992. It has since been held annually and become a cultural and sports symbol of the world-renowned resort city.