Running with a heart
More than 6,500 runners turned out for the sixth edition of the BITEC Half Marathon, the biggest running event in the Bangna-Trat area. As ever, the marathon supported a good cause, with “The Heart Runners” as it was dubbed raising funds for the Sai Jai Thai Foundation under the Royal Patronage and encouraging people to take up a more active and healthier lifestyle.
Panittha Buri, Managing Director of Bangkok International Trade and Exhibition Centre and host of the event, was pleased with the turn out, saying: “Over the past 5 years, the total proceeds earned from the half marathon have been donated to various organizations and foundations such as the Prostheses Foundation of HRH the Princess Mother, the Pediatric Cardiac Surgery Foundation, and the Sai Jai Thai Foundation.”
Fully compliant with the Athletic Association of Thailand (AAT) standards with all distances certified by a representative from AAT, the marathon took place along Bangna-Trat Road – closed for the duration – and supported by race and emergency medical units as well as doctors on standby.
BITEC Half Marathon 2018 was again divided into three categories - a half-marathon (21.1km), mini-marathon (10km) for experienced runners, and a micro marathon (5km). All runners who completed the race in their category were rewarded with a Finisher Medal at the finish line. The first, second and third winners of the 21.1km run went home with a trophy and cash prizes worth Bt10,000, Bt7,000 and Bt5,000 baht, respectively. The first, second and third winners of the 10km race were awarded a trophy and Bt5,000,Bt 4,000 and Bt3,000
