A scenic route along some of Phuket’s most spectacular west coast bays makes this an event that attracts runners ready to achieve a personal best.

Some marathons shine brighter than others in this highly competitive field of events. The Laguna Phuket International Marathon is one of them, due its incredibly scenic route along some of the island’s best beaches and on roads that wind through shady rubber plantations.Now in its third year, the marathon will attract as many a 1,500 runners from 40 countries, who will complete in a variety of events, 15 June, including the 42 km marathon, a half marathon, a 10.5 km and 5 km walk.Of course, the fun starts on the evening of the 14 June when runners meet for the traditional pasta party, a carbo loading exercise to prepare them for the demanding races on the following morning. Laguna Phuket’s chef conjures up a mammoth buffet at the hotel, the official headquarters for the event, while Thai musicians and dancers entertain participants. From the participants’ point of view, June is an ideal month to compete in a marathon as monsoon clouds gather over the Andaman Sea providing cover from what would otherwise be a scorching hot day.

This is Phuket’s traditional low season, so the event is billed as a tourism booster that attracts not only the runners, but also family members who travel to Phuket to cheer their kin to victory, or perhaps a personal best.Another factor that benefits runners is the scenic route that takes them initially inland on a country lane to Thalang district and then northwest to Nai Yang beach through rubber plantations. The final section of the marathon takes runners along Layan Beach and south to Laguna Phuket and across the finishing line. Celebrations begin as sponsors and organisers hand out the well deserved accolades and trophies to the winners in a variety of categories.

Runners who finish the marathon in less than four hours receive a certificate.Go Adventure Asia, a Bangkok based professional event organizer with a focus on running and multi-sport events, is organising the event. In addition to managing the Laguna Phuket International Marathon for three years, it is also manages the Laguna Phuket Triathlon.The Laguna Phuket International Marathon has nominated HOPE worldwide (Thailand) as its official charity. HOPE worldwide (Thailand) is dedicated to helping needy children and underprivileged girls in Thailand.

Please Contact:TAT Southern Office: Region 4Tel. 0 7621 1036, 0 7621 2213 Go Adventure AsiaTel. 0 2236 2931, 0 2237 3221Website: www.tat.or.th/festival http://www.phuketmarathon.com/