Runners invited to join Valaya Alongkorn Rajabhat Run 2017
Rajabhat Valaya Alongkorn University joins hand with Thai Health Promotion Foundation, the National Jogging Association of Thailand and Thai Health network to stage “Valaya Alongkorn Rajabhat Run 2017” which offers prestigious trophies of Privy Councilor Gen Dapong Ratanasuwan and Pathum Thani governor Surachai Kanasa on September 10.
Alumni and general public have been invited to participate in the run that is held in tribute to King Maha Vajiralongkorn Bodindradebayavarangkun. A wide range of food from ethnic Mon will also be available at the event at Rajabhat Valaya Alongkorn University running between September 9 and 10.
Pathum Thani governor Surachai Kanasa states that “the Valaya Alongkorn Run 2017 has been organised to commemorate the 65th Birthday Anniversary of King Maha Vajiralongkorn Bodindradebayavarangkun. The event is held under the “Run for Harmony” concept, in which the alumni, general public and communities are linked together through the educational institution. The run also goes in the same line with the government’s policy to promote regular workout, while our province’s policy is to encourage people to keep themselves healthy. Meanwhile, the winners of men’s and women’s overall 3.5km categories would receive trophies from me as the Pathum Thani governor.”
Dr Pairoj Saonuam, director of Healthy Lifestyle Promotion Section of ThaiHealth said: “ThaiHealth is pleased to be a part of the activity that encourages people to exercise on regularly basis and stay healthy. This will not only help minimise the risk of the non-contagious diseases or widely known as NCDs but also provide inspiration for people in communities to always look after their health by doing exercise. It can help forge the community’s unity as well. ThaiHealth has played a part in driving public policy to promote physical activities among Thais. We also work with the Ministry of Public Health as well as other agencies to propose the draft of the national strategy for physical activities in order to help Thai people have good health.”
Associate Professor Sombat Kotchasit, president of Rajabhat Valaya Alongkorn University under the Royal Patronage reveals the purpose of the event is pay tribute to King Maha Vajiralongkorn Bodindradebayavarangkun and also commemorate His Majesty’s 65th Birthday Anniversary. The aim of “Run for Harmony” concept is to make the educational institution act as a center linking alumni, general public and communities together. This run would set precedence for all 38 Rajabhat Universities nationwide to build internal unity and highlight the importance of good health through the event. More importantly, the university has initiated a new way to welcome freshmen by asking all freshmen to participate in this event. The run will not only allow everyone to exercise, but also be a part of the activity between the university and community. Volunteer students will work with community during the event. Moreover, we’re thinking about including running race as a part of the Rajabhat Universities’ 20-year strategic plan, which could lead to the event being held simultaneously nationwide in the following years.
“Valaya Alongkorn Run 2017” will be held between September 9 and 10. Running Expo will be held on September 9, where runners receive their BIB and go shopping sports-related merchandises. They also can enjoy a wide selection of local products from Mon ethnic community in Pathum Thani, including favourite local dishes such as Peng Tao, Kwan Ha Kor, Khao Chae Pathum, Miang Klib Bua, Khao Hor Bai-bua, and herbal drinks. Local performances and souvenirs from local communities are also available.
The Valaya Alongkorn Run 2017 will be held on September 10 featuring in 10km mini-marathon and 3.5km fun run. The run will start from the Learning Promotion Building inside Valaya Alongkorn Rajabhat University. One of the highlights is the “Sam Khok” jar– the renowned clay pottery made by Mon ethic people, would be used at drinking point for runners along the route. Buddhist monks will also spray holy water on passing runners when they run past a temple,” said Sombat.
Moreover, participants of the Valaya Alongkorn Run 2017 can also bring their friends and family to visit many important places and take part in activities in Pathum Thani such as pay homage to the country’s largest Buddhist statue, Luang Por To, or visit Wat Hong Pathummawas which is an ancient Mon temple dating back to the reign of King Taksin the Great. Wat Chedi Thong – a 160-year-old Mon temple from Ayutthaya era, Wat Chedi Hoi which was built out of ouster shells, riverside market, planetarium, National Geological Museum, and Agricultural Museum are among the attractions.
