Khon Kaen is set to host a spectacular celebration of fitness and fun as it marks the 20th anniversary of the Khon Kaen International Marathon. With the theme “Food kor Fun, Run kor Muan” (Food for Fun, Run for Joy), this event promises to be a memorable experience for runners and spectators alike.

On November 28, 2024, a press conference was held at the 25th-floor conference room of the Chalermprakiat Building, Sports Authority of Thailand, Bangkok. The event was led by Mr. Sukit Sirinorrakul, Chairman of the University Promotion Affairs Committee, alongside Asst. Prof. Dr. Kurusart Konharn, Vice President for Student Development and Alumni Relations at Khon Kaen University. Joining them were Mr. Kongpop Photisuwan, Regional Sports Director of the Sports Authority of Thailand, Mr. Prapas Sookpanphotharam, Chief Technology Officer of Lily Pharma Co., Ltd., Maj. Gen. Arnut Rattanapol, representative of the Athletics Association of Thailand, and Mr. Rat Jirojwanitchakorn, President of TMPSA and Board Member of the Association of International Marathons and Distance Races (AIMS).

Mr. Sukit Sirinorrakul expressed pride in the marathon’s evolution into a world-class event certified by AIMS, highlighting its significance as the first marathon in the Northeast. “This is a momentous occasion for Khon Kaen, showcasing our commitment to excellence in the running community,” he stated.
Royal Honors and Exciting Prizes

This year’s marathon will feature prestigious royal trophies from His Majesty the King for the marathon winners, from Her Majesty Queen Sirikit for the half marathon, and from Her Royal Highness Princess Maha Chakri Sirindhorn for the mini-marathon, with cash prizes exceeding 1 million baht. The event also introduces increased prize money for the ELITE FUN RUN 5.4 kilometers and KIDS RUN categories, with a special focus on senior runners, offering a 50% discount for those aged 60 and above.

A Weekend of Fun and Learning; A Warm Welcome Awaits
Khon Kaen is ready to welcome over ten thousand visitors from around the globe, offering a seamless experience with its cool climate, convenient transportation options, and over 5,000 hotel rooms. The city is prepared to ensure a safe and enjoyable event with efficient security, traffic management, and emergency medical services, complemented by vibrant cheering points from local communities.

Asst. Prof. Dr. Kurusart Konharn shared his excitement about the marathon’s growth from Khon Kaen University’s 40th-anniversary celebration in 2004 to its current status as a world-class event. The marathon weekend kicks off on Saturday, January 11, with National Children’s Day featuring KIDS RUN 2.8 kilometers, FUN RUN 5.4 kilometers, and ELITE FUN RUN 5.4 kilometers. The first 8,000 participants will receive commemorative medals and Food Festival coupons, while children in the KIDS RUN enjoy free museum entry and creative activities at “LEARN TOPIA.”
A Culinary and Cultural Extravaganza

Sunday, January 12, will feature the international marathon on AIMS-standard routes, with water stations and PACER teams. This year, the event highlights over 200 local food stalls under the BCG Economy concept, supporting local economies and sustainability, perfectly aligning with the theme “Food for Fun, Run for Joy.”

Runners and enthusiasts can register now at khonkaenmarathon.com (https://www.khonkaenmarathon.com/) to be part of this historic event. In celebration of the 20th anniversary, a special VIP Gift Set will be available, featuring local quality products crafted by the Foundation for Special Children, reflecting Khon Kaen’s unique identity. Don’t miss the 20th Khon Kaen International Marathon on January 11-12, 2025. For more information or to register, visit

[khonkaenmarathon.com].

[Thai]

The post Celebrate 20 Years of the Khon Kaen Marathon: “Food kor Fun, Run kor Muan” (Food for Fun, Run for Joy) on January 11-12, 2025 appeared first on KHON KAEN UNIVERSITY.

Big event that impresses runners with Children’s Day activities, with free food and beverages, also celebrating KKU’s 60th anniversary

Saturday January 13, 2024 – Khon Kaen University, Khon Kaen Province and the network organized the 2024 Khon Kaen International Marathon. The event was officially opened by Assoc. Prof. Charnchai Panthongviriyakul, M.D., President of Khon Kaen University; Mr. Yuthaporn Pirunsarn, Khon Kaen Vice Governor; Mr. Sukit Sirinorakul, Chairman of Khon Kaen University Operation Promotion; Mr. Amnat Prommasutr, Advisor of Khon Kaen University Operation Promotion; Mr. Montree Singhapunnapat, Vice Mayor of Khon Kaen Cjity; Assoc. Prof. Issara Kanjuk, Ph.D., Dean of the Faculty of Education and principle supporters including Mr. Kittirote Pongsrisuebsuk, Vice President for Sales & Marketing, Lily Pharma Co. Ltd.; Mr. Wathee Wichiannit, CEO of V-ing Intertrade, Co. Ltd.; Mr. Poonsak Chaloopan, Senior Director for Business Section Region 1, Krungsri Pattanasin (Public Company); together with honorary supporters. The 19th Khon Kaen International Marathon 2024 (KKIM2024) today was the 4.5 km FUN RUN. The event also incorporated many activities on the Children’s Day for children and their families to enjoy, with a lot of learning stations, over 200 booths of food and beverages for runners and their families at the release point, Golden Jubilee Convention Center, Khon Kaen University.

Assoc. Prof. Charnchai Panthongviriyakul, M.D., President of Khon Kaen University (Third from left)
Assoc. Prof. Charnchai Panthongviriyakul, M.D., President of Khon Kaen University welcomed runners and said that Khon Kaen University holds the intention in community and social dedication and sees the importance in promoting development of different potentials of human resource, especially sports, which is the key basis in mental and physical health development. Therefore, the University has continually supported Khon Kaen International Marathon, and this year, the event is organized to celebrate the University’s 60th anniversary, with greater activities.

“The FUN RUN has been organized for 19 times now, and has been well accepted by the public. There are over 8,000 people joining. We also receive support from all sectors. This year is special for it is on the National Children’s Day. Therefore, besides the objective for people of all ages to exercise in the form of walking and running to enhance their healthiness, without any competition aim, the children and their families will also enjoy the activities of the children’s day and join in celebrating KKU’s 60th anniversary.”
Mr. Yuthaporn Pirunsarn, Khon Kaen Vice Governor (Seond from Left)
Mr. Yuthaporn Pirunsarn, Khon Kaen Vice Governor welcomed the runners by saying that KKIM has been arranged for the 19th time. Khon Kaen can be categorized as a sports, education and culture city. All Khon Kaen people are happy to welcome all runners. We hope everyone will enjoy the FUN RUN. The weather is fine this morning and the P.M. shows green color, which is safe for children and the elderly.

The 19th Khon Kaen International Marathon 2024 is organized in 4 categories: Fun Run (5.4 km) on Satruday January 13, 2024, release time at 07.00 a.m.; Sunday January 14, 2024: Marathon (42.195 km), release time at 03.00 a.m.; Half Marathon (21.1 km), release time at 04.00 a,m,; and Mini Marathon (11.35 km), release time at 04.45 a.m.

Khon Kaen University, in addition, organized the following activities for children and their families to enjoy the activities at the following different places around the campus. Children could register to join the activities at the points of interest:
Faculty of Education at the first floor hall, Golden Jubilee Convention Center, Khon Kaen University
Activities: show with music, cosplay contest, learning classes (Japanese language, scientific, computer, mathematics skills, Chinese language, art for children, English language, innovation technology for learning, army’s armament show (big gun by 5 soldiers, abrupt shooting by 25 soldiers, Fancy drill by 30 soldiers, machine gun show by 15 soldiers.

Mrs. Wiyada Jansoda, a staff member of KKU said, “After the fun run, it was good to join the children’s activities. It was fun. The weather was good and the children are happy getting a lot of gifts. I hope this is organized every year.”

The Natural Museum
Activities: scientific shows, question answering competition

Science Museum
Activities: scientific shows, seeing small world from a microscope, seeing the sun from a microscope, star-related tales, accuracy tests, plaster shapes painting, bag painting, making bead strings, and other activities

KKU Library (opposite of Complex Center)
Activities: Metaverse Experience, painting, tales, music show, singing, and cover dance

Sanpet Polnapin (Nong Oh Joh), a 12th grader from Srisangwan School said, “It was a great fun to join the activities at the KKU Library. I tried the metaverse to see the virtual world. I tried singing. The activities opened for special children to enjoy.”

Cheevasilp Voluntary Camp, in front of the Faculty of Fine and Applied Arts
Activities: painting fans, making paper models, making paper dolls, making bead strings, crocheting; photo booths, 4-action photographing, with free goodies and food

Photos of activities are available at: www.facebook.com/khonkaenmarathon
News / Photos: Public Relation Committee, Khon Kaen International Marathon
By Jiraporn Prathomchai

[Thai]

The post “Children’s Day” and Khon Kaen International Marathon’s FUN RUN – happy family on the special children’s day appeared first on KHON KAEN UNIVERSITY.

January 29, 2023 at 03:00 a.m. – Mr. Charnchai Sornsrivichai, Vice Governor of Khon Kaen, presided over the 18th Khon Kaen International Marathon 2023 (KKIM 2023), which was held on Kalapaphruek Road, by the Golden Jubilee Convention Center of Khon Kaen University. Attending the event were Assoc. Prof. Charnchai Panthongviriyakul, M.D., President of Khon Kaen University, KKU administrators, and administrators of Khon Kaen Province, who joined in releasing the runners. There were, this year, 10,514 runners from 46 countries, divided into 2,671 Full-Marathon (42.195 km) runners, 3,360 Half-Marathon (21.10 km) runners, and 4,483 Mini-Marathon (11.55 km) runners.

The results of the 42.195 km Full-Marathon were as follows: Male Winner: Paul Eyanae from Kenya, finishing in 2 hours, 15 minutes and 24 seconds. The winner received a Trophy from His Majesty King Vajiralongkorn and a cash amount of 100,000 Baht. Female Winner: Zinashwork Yenew Ambi from Ethiopia, who did 2 hours, 49 minutes and .04 second and received a trophy from His Majesty the King and also a cash amount of 100,000 Baht. The first Thai male runner who reached the finish line was Wirat Waidara, doing 2 hours, 36 minutes and .05 second. Wirat Waidara was awarded a cash amount of 50,000 Baht and a trophy. The first Thai female runner beating the finish line was Linda Janthachit, who finished in 2 hours, 57 minutes and 31 seconds and received the prize of 50,000 Baht and a trophy.

The results of the 21.10 km Half-Marathon were as follows: Male Winner: Gezu Muse from Ethiopia, who reached the finish line within 1 hour, 3 minutes and 52 seconds and received a trophy from Her Majesty Queen Sirikit and a cash amount of 50,000 Baht; Female Winner: Misa Yimer from Ethiopia, doing 1 hour, 13 minutes and 41 seconds and received the same prizes as the male winner. The first male Thai reaching the finish line was Natthawut Innum, doing 1 hour, 11 minutes and .07 second and received a trophy and a prize of 20,000 Baht. The first female Thai runner reaching the finish line was Ornanong Wongsorn, who finished in 1 hour, 23 minutes and 43 second and received similar prizes.

The results of the 11.55 km Mini-Marathon were: Male Winner: James Karanja from Kenya, who made it in 34 minutes and 43 seconds, and received a trophy from Her Royal Highness Princess Maha Chakri Sirindhorn and a cash amount of 30,000 Baht; Female Winner: Emebet Soda from Ethiopia, doing 42 minutes and 41 seconds and received the same prizes as the male runner. The first Thai male reaching the finish line was Phumin Jiamphukhiaw, who made it in 38 minutes and 20 seconds and received a trophy and a cash amount of 10,000 Baht. The first female Thai runner reaching the finish line was Suwanee Khamchana who did it in 46 minutes and 9 seconds and also received a cash prize of 10,000 Baht and a trophy.

“Khon Kaen International Marathon” was organized the first time in 2004 from the initiation of the Operational Promotion Committee of Khon Kaen University to celebrate the 40th Anniversary of Khon Kaen University. The running route was certified by the Association of International Marathons and Distance Races (AIMS) and “IAAF”, which was international and included all of the four categories, namely, full, half, mini- and fun run for health. In addition, the event was the first of its kind in Isan and became a traditional event to be held every year in the last week of January. This year, it is the 18th year of the event and was held on two days; Fun Run on Saturday January 28, 2023 and Full Marathon, Half Marathon and Mini-Marathon on Sunday January 29, 2023.

For checking the race results, click:
Seeing the event photos, click:

News: Rawiporn Saisaenthong
Photos: Atthapon Hampong, Natthawut Jaruwong and Natthapong Chamnanua

[Thai]

The post Over 10,000 runners join the 18th Khon Kaen International Marathon, a great event won by a Kenyan runner, who is awarded a hundred thousand cash appeared first on KHON KAEN UNIVERSITY.