Record participation at ING Thailand Temple Run
Released on = March 20, 2005, 10:13 pm
Press Release Author = Roman Floesser
Industry = -- Choose an Industry --
Press Release Summary = More than 2100 runners including over 400 foreign runners
from 29 countries participated in the 2005 ING Thailand Temple Run on March 19.
Participation numbers increased by almost one hundred per cent from the previous
year underlining the growing popularity of the event locally and internationally.
Press Release Body = Record participation at ING Thailand Temple Run. Boonchu Chandecha sets new course record in Men’s Marathon
More than 2100 runners including over 400 foreign runners from 29 countries
participated in the 2005 ING Thailand Temple Run on March 19. Participation numbers
increased by almost one hundred per cent from the previous year underlining the
growing popularity of the event locally and internationally.
Thai runner Boonchu Chandecha was first to cross the finish line in a new course
record time of 2:38:51h ahead of compatriot Kordey Senmud (2:39:02)and defending
champion Jirasak Sutthichart (2:40:47).
Thailand’s leading marathon runner Boonchu overcame hot and humid conditions to win
the race for the first time after coming second in the half marathon in 2004.
It was very, very hot and I was very tired”, Boonchu said. I’m happy with my
performance and my time is a bit better than Jirasak’s time last year”.
The women’s category was won by Sunisa Sailomyen in 3:25:02h with Ketmanee Senaphan
(3:26:45) and Saipin Padchun finishing second and third respectively.
In the Half Marathon, Southeast Asian Games 10000 meter champion Boonthung Srisang
proved again that he is hard to beat on the 21.1 k distance winning in a time of
1:14:28. Amnuay Tongmitr (1:14:35) and Sutut Kallayankitti (1:15:04) were the other
two runners on the podium.
The top three female Half Marathon runners were Saifon Piawong in a time of 1:31:33
edging out Saifon Lalee (1:31:36) and Vilaiwan Khampitak (1:33:56).
Race director Raimund Wellenhofer was very pleased with the event. “The size of the
event has almost doubled from last year. That is a big step and there is still a lot
of potential for growth. The great support from title sponsor ING has given the ING
Thailand Temple Run a very high profile which is already reflected in the increased
number of participants.”
Despite the grueling heat only ten marathon runners did not finish the race and the
medical team reported no serious incidents. “We had to treat some runners for minor
heat stress and dehydration but apart from that everything went well despite the hot
conditions” said medical director Dr. Francis Nettl.”
Commenting on the heat, race director Raimund Wellenhofer stated that the afternoon
was a new approach. “We wanted to start in the afternoon hoping that the cooling
conditions will favor the runners and to increase participation numbers for the
shorter distances. We will look at the starting times critically in our post race
evaluation and then decide what to do for next year”.
After a traditional Thai opening ceremony runners were sent on one of the most
picturesque marathon courses in the world leading past Buddhist Temples, through
banana and coconut plantations, past rice paddies and through typical Thai villages.
They were cheered on along the course by Thai cultural bands and interested
villagers.
After nightfall torches and globe lights along the course combined with the sound of
crickets and traditional Thai music created a mystic atmosphere.
Singaporian wheelchair racer William Tan who is currently on a world record bid to
become the first wheelchair athlete to complete seven marathons on seven continents
in 70 days could tick another continent off his list. The former Paralympian
completed the course in 2:18h and was delighted after his race. “It was a really
beautiful race. I really, really enjoyed it.”
The last runner across the line was eco marathoner Hajime Nishi from Japan. He
completed the course in just over 6:30h. After finding out that he was the last
runner across the line he said: “I am happy to hear that I am the last finisher.
This means that I must have enjoyed the race the most”.
Prior to the three main races local school kids took part in the “ING Run for my
School” Kids Run. More than 150 kids lined up for the one kilometer race. After the
run five local schools were presented with checks by ING Life Thailand CEO Jim Brown
to help buy learning materials and sport equipment.
The ING Thailand Temple Run was this year’s first ING marathon in a series of seven
marathons currently sponsored by the financial services company. Other events this
year include the ING New York City Marathon, ING Ottawa Marathon, ING Edmonton
Marathon, ING Taipei Marathon, ING Brussels Marathon and ING Amsterdam Marathon.
A highlight show on the ING Thailand Temple Run will air next month on UBC Thailand
and Asia wide on the Star World Asia network. Exact times will be announced.
Web Site = http://www.thailand-temple-run.com
Contact Details = Roman Floesser
Event Manager
ING Thailand Temple Run
5th Floor CCT Building
109 Surawong Road
Bangkok, Thailand
Phone: + 66 (0) 2 2376910 – 4
Fax: + 66 (0) 2 22372321
Email: raceinfo@thailandmarathon.org
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