Phuket to ignite sports tourism with 2024 Laguna Phuket Marathon Presented by Supersports
Organisers leverage Thai soft power to grow number of international participants
The Laguna Phuket Marathon Presented by Supersports is set to welcome over 10,000 runners and visitors from more than 40 countries to the tropical island of Phuket to compete in what has become Southeast Asia’s favourite destination marathon. Held 8-9 June, 2024 at Laguna Phuket, the award-winning marathon is one of the longest-running international sports events on Phuket and is driving the island’s resurgence as a world-class sports tourism destination.
Expected to contribute hundreds of millions of baht to the island’s tourism economy through accommodation bookings, food and beverage spend, and more, the Laguna Phuket Marathon Presented by Supersports – which is famous for its family-friendly atmosphere, world-class standard and warm Thai hospitality – is a showcase of Thailand’s soft power, and is seeing a surge in interest amongst international participants.
“Since the very first event 18 years ago, Laguna Phuket Marathon has always appealed to Thai and international runners and this year we are seeing a surge in international interest, especially from Asia-Pacific countries. Our top five international participating countries for 2024 are Japan, Hong Kong, Malaysia, Singapore and the United Kingdom,” said Mr. Raimund Wellenhofer, Race Director, GAA Events, organizer of the Laguna Phuket Marathon Presented by Supersports. “It’s also encouraging to see a good mix of new faces and returnees. From children and families to age-groupers and top talent across Thailand and from overseas, the event attracts all demographics and it’s great to see many people staying on in Phuket to vacation afterwards.”
With a nod to the island’s robust recovery and its sea dragon protector, Hai Leng Ong, marathon organisers are inspiring people to exercise and live a healthier lifestyle with this year’s event theme, “Awake Your Inner Dragon”.
“Laguna Phuket has long seen Phuket’s sports tourism potential and through our support of the Laguna Phuket Marathon over the past 18 years, we have contributed to Phuket being today recognised as a world-class sports destination,” said Mrs. Prapa Hemmin, Assistant Vice President, Events and Strategic Partnerships, Laguna Phuket. “It’s equally important to us that the benefits from events such as the Laguna Phuket Marathon are shared, and each year we work with the local community to ensure this happens. We invite all runners and spectators to make a difference locally this year and support Laguna Phuket Foundation’s Children First Fund (CFF) through which we support more than 400 underprivileged children in orphanages on the island.”
The picture-postcard course passes the stunning beaches of Nai Yang, Layan and Bang Tao and also takes runners through local villages and lush tropical landscapes. The popular two day format sees the 2km kids run, 5km and 10km take place on the morning of Saturday 8th June, and the Half Marathon (21.0975km), Marathon Relay (42.195km) and Marathon (42.195km) on the morning of Sunday 9th June.
Speaking of Supersports’ involvement in the event, Ms. Wiyada Buranapakorn, Omnichannel Customer Director, CRC Sports Co., Ltd. operator of Supersports, said “We’re excited to again be a part of Southeast Asia’s top destination marathon. We believe that running is a sport for everyone and through our multi-sport brands we encourage people to get involved, to invest in themselves and to live a healthy lifestyle.”
Mr. Nathapat Sukitanon, Director of Activities Promotion Division of the Tourism Authority of Thailand, said, “We are proud to support the Laguna Phuket Marathon by Supersports every year and believe that the event helps to draw both Thai and foreign visitors to Phuket. Sports tourism events like this are important as they contribute significant revenue to the local economy and local entrepreneurs.”
Having set the highest organizational standards for 18 years, Laguna Phuket Marathon is organised by GAA Events and is an internationally-certified and measured run course by World Athletics (WA) and Association of International Marathons and Distance Races (AIMS), and is also a qualifying event for the Boston Marathon.
Register online at www.phuketmarathon.com/registration.
Read race preview at https://aims-worldrunning.org/articles/2341-start-as-strangers-finish-as-family.html
For more information:
Website: www.phuketmarathon.com
Facebook: www.facebook.com/phuketmarathon
Instagram: @phuketmarathon
YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/user/LagunaPhuketMarathon
About Laguna Phuket Marathon Presented by Supersports
Laguna Phuket Marathon Presented by Supersports was launched in 2006 and is owned and organised by GAA Events. Now in its 18th year, Laguna Phuket Marathon won GOLD for “Best Amateur Sports Event of the Year in Thailand” at the 2017 Asia Sports Industry Awards.
2024 event sponsors include: Title Sponsor: Laguna Phuket. Presenting Sponsor: Supersports. Co-Sponsors: Amazing Thailand. Official suppliers: Bangkok Hospital Phuket, Go Thailand Tours, VPOW, Fight5 and Hertz Thailand. Supporting Authorities: Phuket Province, Ministry of Tourism & Sports, Tourism Authority of Thailand, Sports Authority of Thailand, Thailand Convention and Exhibition Bureau, and Thai Mass Participation Sports Trade Association (TMPSA). Media Partners: True Visions
Laguna Phuket Marathon Presented by Supersports is an internationally-certified and measured run course by World Athletics (WA) and Association of International Marathons and Distance Races (AIMS). Official Charity: Children First Fund. The event’s online registration partner is GoToRace.com and professional timing and results are provided by Sportstats Asia, with marketing support by The Sponsorship Experts.