Thousands take part in first Buri Ram Marathon at night

The night marathon, with dazzling, colourful lights, started at the Chang International Circuit and ended at Chang Arena Stadium,

The marathon was divided into three men's and three women's categories.

Sergei Siriyanov from Russia won the 42.195-kilometre marathon for men in a time of 2 hours, 35 minutes, 01 second, while the winner in the women's category was Rabiang Rangpia in 3:14:57.

Thailand's Nattawut Innum won the men's half marathon, running the 21.2km race in 1:11:48, while the women's winner was Natthaya Thanaronnawat in 1:26:55.

Nattawat Innum won the men's 10km in 32:02, while the women's winner was Saranya Buaprai in 38:00.

Tourism and Sports Minister Pipat Ratchakitprakarn, who presided over the opening ceremony, said this was the first time that the Buri Ram Marathon was kicked off at night compared to the previous years when it was held in the morning.

He added that the marathon organisers had implemented measures to contain the spread of Covid-19.

"This marathon also helped stimulate the economy as the majority of runners took their families to travel in the province," he said.

He expected runners from foreign countries to participate in the country's marathon in the latter part of this year once runners in Thailand receive their Covid-19 jab.