Global Travel News
Over 7,000 Runners from 71 Countries Join Thailand’s Premier Coastal Race

Returning champion Apichai Phujit, a Phuket native, retained his Full Marathon title with a time of 2:51:48, once again proving his dominance on home turf. On the women’s side, Mayumi Watanabe of Japan delivered a strong performance, crossing the finish line in 3:27:05. Other standout winners included B. Mungai Kirogoi of Kenya, who won the men’s Half Marathon in 1:18:30, and Chiaki Morikawa, a respected Japanese running icon, who claimed victory in the women’s Half Marathon in 1:23:46.
Celebrating its 19th year, the race was held on 14–15 June 2025 under the theme “Run Sunset & Run Sunrise”—offering participants a unique two-day running experience. The excitement began Saturday evening with family-friendly events, including a 2km Kids Run, a 5km Fun Run, and a 10km Mini Marathon. On Sunday morning, serious contenders took to the streets at dawn for the Half Marathon, Full Marathon, and Marathon Relay, pushing their limits on one of the region’s most picturesque courses.
This year also honored inspirational older runners, such as Anont Kullapattanasopon, 72, who finished the Full Marathon, and Bhasker Desai, 73, of India, who led his Half Marathon age group.
The race course, weaving through the serene beauty of Laguna Phuket and its surrounding community, offered runners a visual journey through rubber plantations, peaceful beaches, local temples, and village life. The event met international standards with excellent water stations, medical support, security, and enthusiastic crowds cheering along the way—solidifying its reputation as one of Asia’s most breathtaking coastal marathons.
Beyond the finish line, runners and visitors alike enjoyed a world-class retreat at Laguna Phuket—Southeast Asia’s largest integrated beachfront resort, spanning over 1,000 acres. The destination boasts a collection of internationally acclaimed hotels including Banyan Tree, Angsana, Dusit Thani, SAii, Cassia, and Homm Suite Laguna. The resort also features a championship golf course, award-winning spas, a variety of global cuisines, a state-of-the-art convention center, beachfront event spaces, and its signature Lagoon Shuttle service that makes exploring the area seamless and stress-free.
“We are honored to welcome runners from around the world to Laguna Phuket,” said Mr. Paul Wilson, Managing Director of Laguna Phuket. “This marathon is more than a race—it is a platform for sustainable wellness tourism, and we’re proud to be part of the growing global movement toward healthier lifestyles.”
“This year marks another significant milestone for the running community in Asia,” added Mr. Roman Floesser, CEO of Laguna Phuket Marathon. “What makes this race special is its spirit of inclusivity. From first-timers and kids to elite athletes and senior runners, everyone shares the course with joy and inspiration. We’re deeply grateful to our partners and participants, and we’re already planning an even more spectacular celebration next year.”
The Laguna Phuket Marathon 2026 Presented by Supersports will mark the 20th anniversary of the race. Runners from around the world are invited to be part of this historic milestone in Southeast Asia’s most beloved destination marathon.