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Pattaya Marathon - the Marathon in Holiday Paradise
A mere two hours drive from the capital Bangkok Pattaya has plenty to offer to its visitors.
2005-06-04
Pattaya
The Queen’s Cup Pattaya Marathon will be held on 17 July 2005. The Pattaya Marathon is one of the largest running events in Thailand and the course leads through the famous Thai resort town on the Gulf of Thailand.
Over the last few year’s Pattaya has more and more distanced itself from the Go-Go Bar image of the past and become a holiday destination for the whole family. A mere two hours drive from the capital Bangkok Pattaya has plenty to offer to its visitors. Kilometers of sandy beaches, world class hotels and resorts and the world famous Thai hospitality.
Leisure activity options are endless and holiday makers can choose between the various water sport activities, day trips to the many islands near Pattaya or simply relax on the beach with a traditional Thai massage.
The major travel period is from November to February but even in July and August Pattaya has plenty to offer. Hotels are cheaper and the town is less crowded.
The highlight in July is without doubt the Queen’s Cup Marathon. The race starts on the Esplanade and leads the runners from South Pattaya to Beach Road, the main road along the beach. Over a long straight road runners are sent back to the finish line.
Beautiful view
The last few kilometers are a challenge on their own. From the highest point of the course, runners are required to run the last three kilometers downhill. Not an easy ask after 39 kilometers of racing. However, the beautiful view over the Bay of Pattaya will make the effort worthwhile for everyone.
Thailand's best marathon runner
Favorite to take home the win in the men’s category is Boonchu Chadecha, Thailand’s best marathon runner and winner of the last major marathon in Thailand, the ING Thailand Temple Run in March.
The organizers expect more than 3000 runners for the three categories Marathon, Half Marathon and Quarter Marathon.
Roman Floesser
email: raceinfo@thailandmarathon.org.
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