Inner-city mini-marathon
For the second successive year, the TMB ING Parkrun will be held on September 25, as the only mini-marathon in Thailand that is routed through three major inner-city parks.
What makes this year's event different is the incorporation of specially-selected music throughout the marathon, challenging participants to run at a faster pace.
As an added incentive for runners to make it to the finish-line, TMB and ING will bring Nuvo and Jetset'er together on stage for the first time, to perform their music in a joint concert.
TMB's chief executive Boontuck Wungcharoen said the event would inspire people not only to run, but also to run more effectively.
"Studies have shown that music can greatly improve respiration and heart rate, physical strength, endurance and rhythm, as well as increasing the number of steps a runner takes per minute. We hope that the new format of the TMB ING Parkrun will help active runners perform even better, as well as inspiring people who do not normally exercise to challenge themselves to give it a try in a fun, collective experience," he said.
This year's route will cover Bangkok's three adjacent public parks - Chatuchak Park, Wachirabenchatat Park (Suan Rot Fai) and Queen Sirikit Park. Sound systems will be installed along the planned routes, broadcasting specially-selected music as an enhancement while participants walk and run through the beautiful parks.
"Like TMB, ING also supports and encourages running as a sport. We use running as a way to get people motivated at an early age to live healthy lifestyles. Similarly, TMB ING Parkrun challenges and encourages individuals, particularly those who do not exercise regularly, to change from a sedentary lifestyle to a more active one.
"This mini-marathon is designed with a specific focus to show that each individual has the power to make the difference. And, that difference starts with you," said ING Banking Asia's chief executive Vaughn Richtor.
Two young celebrities, Wathida Chumsai na Ayutthaya and Thip Chantarubeksa, were among the first group of people to sign up to undertake their first mini-marathon challenge at the TMB ING Parkrun.
The event will have three race categories; 2km, 4km and 10.5km. People interested in taking part are invited to register at TMB's head office or Siam Paragon Branch, with an application fee of Bt250. All proceeds from the event will go to the Chaipattana Foundation to mark His Majesty The King's 7th-cycle birthday anniversary.
