Laguna Phuket International Marathon 2008

Laguna Phuket International Marathon 2008
15 June 2008

Experience the real challenge with the doable course for all participants due to the hill.

A scenic route along some of Phuket’s most spectacular west coast bays makes this an event that attracts runners ready to achieve a personal best.

Some marathons shine brighter than others in this highly competitive field of events. The Laguna Phuket International Marathon is one of them, due its incredibly scenic route along some of the island’s best beaches and on roads that wind through shady rubber plantations. Now in its third year, the marathon will attract as many a 1,500 runners from 40 countries, who will complete in a variety of events, 15 June, including the 42 km marathon, a half marathon, a 10.5 km and 5 km walk. Of course, the fun starts on the evening of the 14 June when runners meet for the traditional pasta party, a carbo loading exercise to prepare them for the demanding races on the following morning. Laguna Phuket’s chef conjures up a mammoth buffet at the hotel, the official headquarters for the event, while Thai musicians and dancers entertain participants.

From the participants’ point of view, June is an ideal month to compete in a marathon as monsoon clouds gather over the Andaman Sea providing cover from what would otherwise be a scorching hot day.

This is Phuket’s traditional low season, so the event is billed as a tourism booster that attracts not only the runners, but also family members who travel to Phuket to cheer their kin to victory, or perhaps a personal best.

Another factor that benefits runners is the scenic route that takes them initially inland on a country lane to Thalang district and then northwest to Nai Yang beach through rubber plantations. The final section of the marathon takes runners along Layan Beach and south to Laguna Phuket and across the finishing line. Celebrations begin as sponsors and organisers hand out the well deserved accolades and trophies to the winners in a variety of categories.

Runners who finish the marathon in less than four hours receive a certificate.Go Adventure Asia, a Bangkok based professional event organizer with a focus on running and multi-sport events, is organising the event. In addition to managing the Laguna Phuket International Marathon for three years, it is also manages the Laguna Phuket Triathlon.

The Laguna Phuket International Marathon has nominated HOPE worldwide (Thailand) as its official charity. HOPE worldwide (Thailand) is dedicated to helping needy children and underprivileged girls in Thailand.

Please Contact:
TAT Southern Office: Region 4
Tel. 0 7621 1036, 0 7621 2213

Go Adventure Asia
Tel. 0 2236 2931, 0 2237 3221
Source from:
tourismthailand.org
phuketmarathon2008

Fun in Phuket: Luxury Thailand Summer Trips

Fun in Phuket: Luxury Thailand Summer Trips
by Andrew Regan

Summer is low season in Thailand, but this means that it's a great time to visit the country if you're looking for special offers on hotels, including free nights and free upgrades (both on a hotel room and for a meal plan) and also no crowds.

Phuket, which has also been named "The Pearl of Thailand", is regularly voted as one of the world's top holiday destinations. Lying just off the southwest coast, and surrounded by the warm, blue, tropical waters of the Andaman Sea, Phuket is Thailand's largest island. It is home to around 200,000 people as well as a transient tourist population. Though tourism is now a major industry on the island, it was originally tin that brought the area to the attention of the world, and the
capital Phuket Town, is still a major port, exporting tin ore, rubber, timber and seafood to the rest of the world.

The rapid growth in tourism has led to the quick development of beach resorts, but tranquil spots are not hard to find, especially when there's always a boat waiting to take you to Phuket's offshore islets, where visitors often find themselves completely alone. In contrast to the many white sandy beaches, such as Mai Khao, Nai Yang and Pansea, the bustling night markets are well worthy of a visit; just make sure you get your haggling skills up to scratch so that you can bag yourself a bargain!

Thailand has a monsoon season which runs from May to October; when the climate is still hot there are frequent torrential downpours. Whilst the idea of rain may put some people off, others actually enjoy the tropical torrents which are unleashed from the skies. There's nothing quite like sitting under a veranda, as the heavy raindrops drum down on the roof, and enjoying the wonderful sounds and refreshing smells that the rainy season brings. And unlike rain in the UK, tropical storms don't last for long; it's never long before the sun comes out and the ground quickly dries off again.

With Phuket holidays, there are several great luxury resorts and hotels to stay in, for example Bayan Tree Phuket, a deluxe resort with a tranquil setting which is ideal for honeymooners, or those looking for a relaxing and rejuvenating holiday. Cape Panwa, an excellent first class hotel, has good facilities and a peaceful location, and the Amanpuri resort offers azure waters and palm shaded gardens.

The fabulous resorts of Pattaya (just 1.5 hours drive from Bangkok) and Hua Hin on the Gulf of Siam are also recommended destinations if you'd like to see a different part of the country. So remember, summer is a great time to visit Thailand, and especially Phuket. If you're after a great value holiday, with fewer tourists
to compete with, if you want to dive, play golf, visit a spa, or just relax on one of the many beautiful beaches, you won't regret a trip to "The pearl of Thailand".

Source from: Goarticles.com/
Photo from: school.obec.go.th/karonschool