“Thai Health Day Run 2026: Running Toward a New Lifestyle” is organized by the ThaiHealth Fund in partnership with the Thai Walking-Running Clubs Federation to ignite nationwide enthusiasm for walking and running to improve health across Thailand.
"Just by running, your organs run too." Welcoming the new year, the ThaiHealth Fund and the Walking-Running Clubs Federation launch "Thai Health Day Run 2026: Running Toward a New Lifestyle," promoting walking and running for health throughout Thailand. Running helps restore blood vessel flexibility, improves circulation, gives the liver a break from overwork, and better regulates blood sugar. Participants are encouraged to train safely around their neighborhoods before the main event on 25 Jan 2026 at Rama VIII Bridge.
At 10:00 AM on 4 Dec 2025, at the Bangkok Health Learning Center, the ThaiHealth Fund partnered with the Thai Walking-Running Clubs Federation to hold a press conference for the 13th Thai Health Day Run 2026 under the theme "Just by running, your organs run too." The event is scheduled for 25 Jan 2026 at Rama VIII Bridge.
Dr. Pongthep Wongwatcharaipiboon, Manager of the ThaiHealth Fund, stated that non-communicable diseases (NCDs) in Thailand have risen over 20 years (2004-2025), especially diabetes, hypertension, and rapidly increasing overweight and obesity. The 7th Thai National Health Examination Survey (2024-2025) found that 10.6% (6.1 million) of Thais aged 15+ have diabetes, 29.5% (17.5 million) have hypertension, and 45% (27.4 million) are overweight or obese. This means Thailand is unlikely to meet WHO targets by 2025 to reduce diabetes to 7.3%, hypertension to 17%, and obesity to 36.2% nationwide. The ThaiHealth Fund aims to spark physical activity trends to change behaviors for better health and lower NCD risk, initiating and promoting proper running through the Thai Health Day Run, now in its 13th year. The event is more than a race; it starts a new lifestyle that strengthens Thais in all aspects.
"Regular physical activity can reduce the risk of type 2 diabetes more than some treatments. The ThaiHealth Fund promotes walking and running—basic activities anyone can start immediately—that improve internal organ function such as blood vessels, heart, and pancreas simultaneously. Running helps blood vessels regain elasticity, improves circulation, enhances heart efficiency, and eases the pancreas’s workload, allowing better blood sugar control. This reduces future risks of diabetes, hypertension, and heart disease. The body’s response to insulin improves, which is crucial for lowering diabetes and hypertension risk," said Dr. Pongthep.
Dr. Phairoj Saonuam, Deputy Manager of the ThaiHealth Fund, said the fund promotes sufficient physical activity and reducing sedentary behavior, providing direct experiences so Thais understand the benefits of walking and running for integrated health promotion. It inspires people of all ages and genders to become new runners. Preparation includes management and safety standards to elevate race organization, focusing on safe events and strengthening partner networks and staff understanding of event measures for nationwide scaling. The fund also promotes correct knowledge among runners alongside international standard event measures—Safe, Fair, Fun—for a safe, fair, and enjoyable run that means more than just a race.
"Thai Health Day Run 2026 is not just about the race day but about creating a model 'physical activity ecosystem' linking runners, clubs, communities, local areas, and partners to organize standardized walking-running events. This develops local health leaders who can ensure safety, design routes, train volunteers, and professionally care for participants. When communities can consistently host their own runs, running and physical activity become part of daily life rather than an annual event, generating more sustainable long-term health outcomes," said Dr. Phairoj.
Mr. Prasan Jirachaisakul, Chairman of the Thai Walking-Running Clubs Federation, said this activity promotes using neighborhood health spaces to increase daily physical activity and prevent injuries from running training. It prepares bodies for safe racing. Eight model communities participate: Suan Samphan Garden Community, Wat Phutthabucha Community by Bang Mod Canal, Bang Khlo Community in Bangkok, Wat Tha Phra Community, Rock Garden Village Community in Suvarnabhumi, Dan Samrong 32 Community in Nonthaburi, Than Samrit Community, and Sam Khok Agricultural Garden Community in Pathum Thani. They receive training on running techniques, counseling, and training programs to encourage long-term physical activity and behavior change, with progress monitoring before the "Thai Health Day Run 2026." The event on 25 Jan 2026 at Rama VIII Bridge, Bangkok, offers three distances: 10 km starting at 5:00 AM, 5 km at 5:05 AM, and a 3 km health walk at 5:10 AM. Registration is open for 3,000 runners at 300 baht per distance. Interested participants can register at https://race.thai.run/thaihealthdayrun26 and follow event details on the Thai Health Day Run Facebook page.