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Laguna Phuket International Marathon, Asia's fastest growing destination marathon, is now in its 5th year and is experiencing a surge of interest from overseas runners as race registration opens today 1st October 2010.
“We expect to have almost 50% international participants for next year's race, set for 13 June in 2010,” said Race Director, Roman Floesser. “Thailand presents tremendous value for those looking to combine a marathon with a holiday. The Laguna Phuket International Marathon is attractive to runners with families because of the destination setting and the additional activities on offer”.
The marathon course is postcard coastal Thailand, and takes in a typical Thai village market, a rubber plantation, beach and sea views as well as stretches along buffalo plowed rice fields before finishing in the resort of Laguna Phuket in the North West of the tropical island paradise.
A mostly flat course with some undulation amongst the rubber plantation, the race is unusual for those in the region in that it does not offer prize money to elite runners. “Whilst we are delighted for runners that achieve a personal best time or win a trophy at Laguna Phuket International Marathon, and will welcome any budding world champions out there who wish to come along and run,” explains Floesser, “We are a friendly race, and want to encourage the everyman or woman to run for fun and fitness, and enjoy a run in paradise.”
Amongst the race staff will be Laguna Phuket's family of former working elephants, who faced unemployment and abandonment following the decline of Thailand's logging industry. Last year's winner, Stephen Paine of Australia, was greeted by Lucky, the youngest of these tame elephants, along with her keeper. Paine's winning time was 2:39, and first woman, Katja Fink of Switzerland, crossed the line in 3:34. In 2010, the elephants will join the pre race festivities at the pasta party.
Once the marathon has departed, the race will also hold a half marathon, 10.5km run, 2km children's race and 5km family walk on the same day. A resounding success with supporting families and friends this means everyone has an opportunity to get their own medals and a Nike singlet.
The island of Phuket can be reached by direct flights from many international airports or via a connection in Thailand's capital, Bangkok.
Registration for the Laguna Phuket International Marathon opens on 1st October 2009. The race will be held on 13 June 2010. For more info, please visit phuketmarathon.com/.
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steph[.]phuketmarathon.com 
