Run For Hope

I took part in the Run For Hope last week, a charity race for differently-abled people. I was trying to get away with a “smash and grab trophy” (i.e. run to the race, win a trophy and run back home) together with my partner in crime, Craig.

Registration on-site was hassle-free and quick. 100 Baht to charity and you got one of the largest bib numbers I’ve ever seen.

The race started almost on time and we ran through Suan Luang Rama 9 Park. The route had quite a few turns, luckily (well, it’s not only luck) I was in the lead so I could follow the marshal riding a bike in front of me. Otherwise it would have been difficult finding the way as the signs apparently had been removed. Heard afterwards that some runners got lost in the park.

About 6k into the race, I was back where we started and approaching the finishing tape all of a sudden. I assumed I had another 4k to go and therefore jumped over the tape and asked the official where the route continues. To my surprise, the “10k” race was completed. Since this was a training run for me, I just carried on and run the missing 4k by myself.

Incorrect race distances is not unusual in Thailand, especially not in the smaller races, but this wasn’t even close to the announced distance. The organizers had clearly made a big mistake when measuring the course, which they acknowledge and apologized for. This was the first edition of the event and hopefully they will learn from it and correct the mistakes next year. The distance error aside, it was an enjoyable and charming fun run with some nice post race fruits and snacks.

Another interesting race last Sunday was the Singburi Super-Half Marathon. Team Brooks Thailand went there to bring home some cool trophies. The ultra-runner Randy, proved he masters shorter distances too by winning the 12k race. Bryan was cruising through the 25k race to win the super-half marathon category. The reports say it was a well-organized and fairly big event with odd (but accurate) distances on a beautiful out-and-back course along the river.