Phuket to ignite sports tourism with 2024 Laguna Phuket Marathon

Held 8-9 June 2024 at Laguna Phuket, the award-winning marathon is one of the longest-running international sports events in Phuket and is driving the island’s resurgence as a world-class sports tourism destination.

Expected to contribute hundreds of millions of baht to the island’s tourism economy through accommodation bookings, food and beverage spending, and more, the Laguna Phuket Marathon Presented by Supersports -  which is famous for its family-friendly atmosphere, world-class standard and warm Thai hospitality - is a showcase of Thailand’s soft power, and is seeing a surge in interest amongst international participants.

“Since the very first event 18 years ago, the Laguna Phuket Marathon has always appealed to Thai and international runners and this year we are seeing a surge in international interest, especially from Asia-Pacific countries. Our top five international participating countries for 2024 are Japan, Hong Kong, Malaysia, Singapore and the United Kingdom,” said Mr Raimund Wellenhofer, Race Director, GAA Events, organizer of the Laguna Phuket Marathon Presented by Supersports. “It’s also encouraging to see a good mix of new faces and returnees. From children and families to age-groupers and top talent across Thailand and from overseas, the event attracts all demographics and it’s great to see many people staying on in Phuket to vacation afterwards.”

With a nod to the island’s robust recovery and its sea dragon protector, Hai Leng Ong, marathon organisers are inspiring people to exercise and live a healthier lifestyle with this year’s event theme, “Awake Your Inner Dragon”.

“Laguna Phuket has long seen Phuket’s sports tourism potential and through our support of the Laguna Phuket Marathon over the past 18 years, we have contributed to Phuket being today recognised as a world-class sports destination,” said Prapa Hemmin, Assistant Vice President, Events and Strategic Partnerships, Laguna Phuket. “It’s equally important to us that the benefits from events such as the Laguna Phuket Marathon are shared, and each year we work with the local community to ensure this happens. We invite all runners and spectators to make a difference locally this year and support Laguna Phuket Foundation’s Children First Fund (CFF) through which we support more than 400 underprivileged children in orphanages on the island.”

The picture-postcard course passes the stunning beaches of Nai Yang, Layan and Bang Tao and also takes runners through local villages and lush tropical landscapes. The popular two-day format sees the 2km kids run, 5km and 10km take place on the morning of Saturday 8th June, and the Half Marathon (21.0975km), Marathon Relay (42.195km) and Marathon (42.195km) on the morning of Sunday 9th June.

Speaking of Supersports’ involvement in the event, Wiyada Buranapakorn, Omnichannel Customer Director, CRC Sports Co., Ltd. operator of Supersports, said “We’re excited to again be a part of Southeast Asia’s top destination marathon. We believe that running is a sport for everyone and through our multi-sport brands we encourage people to get involved, to invest in themselves and to live a healthy lifestyle.”

Nathapat Sukitanon, Director of the Activities Promotion Division of the Tourism Authority of Thailand, said, "We are proud to support the Laguna Phuket Marathon by Supersports every year and believe that the event helps to draw both Thai and foreign visitors to Phuket. Sports tourism events like this are important as they contribute significant revenue to the local economy and local entrepreneurs."

Having set the highest organizational standards for 18 years, the Laguna Phuket Marathon is organised by GAA Events and is an internationally-certified and measured run course by World Athletics (WA) and Association of International Marathons and Distance Races (AIMS), and is also a qualifying event for the Boston Marathon.