Bangkok--7 Jun--Francom Asia
Go Adventure Asia, organiser of the Laguna Phuket International Marathon, is gearing up in preparation for the annual marathon event's imminent start on June 12, 2011. With just one week left to go, the race venue is now fully ready to welcome a lively international lineup of 5,000 runners.
Laguna Resorts and Hotels, Phuket Province, TAT, 100 Plus, Timex and Go Adventure Asia will serve up five different races, all set on courses certified by the Association of International Marathons and Road Races (AIMS). Ranging from the full marathon (42.195 km), half marathon (21.097 km), 10.5 km run, 5 km walk and 2 km kids' run, the event promises to deliver a memorable and delightful experience for the entire family.
Additionally, this year's marathon packs extra star power with Thai-German superstar Mario Maurer doubling as both participant and charity ambassador, while The Biggest Loser Asia runner-up Atikom "Nai" Laksanapanai - who previously stunned the world with his massive weight loss - will also take part.
Since its first iteration in 2006, the Laguna Phuket International Marathon has long been a world-class attraction for tourists across the planet. The Tourism Authority of Thailand expects this year's event - the sixth in as many years - to give Phuket province an air of joyful celebration with thousands of visitors descending on the idyllic island, providing the local tourism industry with a healthy boost in low season.
"We are delighted to see such an excellent reception for the 2011 Laguna Phuket International Marathon. While Thailand and many other countries have just experienced major natural disasters, this positive reaction shows that these events did not have any serious impact on the tourism industry or the activities of recreational athletes the world over," said Mr. Roman Floesser, General Manager of Go Adventure Asia. Countries currently topping the list of international participants include Singapore, Japan, Malaysia, Hong Kong, Australia and the United States.
Its status as one of the region's leading marathon events aside, the Laguna Phuket International Marathon also offers participants a valuable opportunity to make social contributions through Laguna Phuket's Developing Sustainable Schools programme, building on the experience of almost 20 years of community development program’s. The programme will use funds received from donations through the marathon to renovate and develop facilities at Baan Klong Mai Daeng School in Chaiya district, Surat Thani. All runners contribute directly to the fund through their online registration form, and they can make extra on-site contributions within the pre-marathon expo on June 10 and 11: 10am-7pm at Laguna Beach Resort Y-Junction, Phuket.
The 2011 Laguna Phuket International Marathon will kick off in the early hours of June 12, 2011 at 4:00 AM. On-site registration will also be available in the pre-marathon expo at Laguna Beach Resort Y-Junction on June 10 and 11 with a late-entry surcharge.
Runners, get ready for this year's ultimate marathon challenge. Time to break some records!
The Laguna Phuket International Marathon is presented by Laguna Phuket Resorts & Hotels, Phuket Province, Go Adventure Asia and Amazing Field. It is co-sponsored by the Tourism Authority of Thailand, 100PLUS Isotonic Drink and Timex. Other partners include Anda Focus, ASI Photos, Bangkok Hospital Phuket, ChampionChip, Go Thailand Tours, Nam Man Muay, The Phuket Gazette, Phuket Gazette TV and 91.5 FM Phuket Island Radio. The Phuket Marathon is a member of the Association of International Marathons and Road Races (AIMS). The course is AIMS measured and certified.