Phuket celebrates the Laguna Phuket Marathon 2026, marking 20 years of success with Chinese elite runners clinching both male and female marathon titles. More than 7,000 runners and celebrities enjoyed the stunning “Sunset-Sunrise” route.
14 June 2026 marked a magnificent success filled with memorable moments at the Laguna Phuket Marathon 2026 Presented by Supersports, celebrating its 20th anniversary in grand style. This year, elite runners from China showcased outstanding performances, winning gold medals in both men's and women's categories among over 7,000 participants, including well-known actors, celebrities, and sports influencers. They came to experience one of Asia’s most beautiful marathon routes at Laguna Grove, Laguna Phuket.
This year’s event delivered a full lifestyle experience with a concept catering to nature lovers and content creators, starting on Saturday, 13 June 2026, with the "Sunset Run." It featured smiles from families in the 2KM Junior Run for youths under 17 within Laguna’s area, followed by a 5 km route winding through local villages, and a 10 km run along the beachfront road bathed in the romantic glow of the sunset.
Meanwhile, the "Sunrise Run" on Sunday morning, 14 June 2026, featured thrilling races including the Half Marathon (21.0975 km) and the Full Marathon (42.195 km). Runners passed through morning mist heading to Ban Don, Thalang district, Nai Yang Beach, and looped back via Layan Beach, enjoying the lush tropical forests, rubber plantations, and pineapple farms while welcoming the first sunlight that brought positive energy to all.
The atmosphere for the full and half marathon races this year was vibrant, amid fresh air and loud cheers. The event was officially started at 04:00 by Mr. Nirat Pongsitthaworn, Governor of Phuket, joined by Ms. Siriwan Seeharat, Director of the Tourism Authority of Thailand Phuket Office; Mr. Somchai Sammani, Director of Phuket’s Tourism and Sports Office; Mr. Eddie C. Hock Lai, Chairman and CEO of Banyan Group; Mr. Paul Wilson, Managing Director of Laguna Phuket; Mr. Alexandre Ambel, CEO of C.R.C. Sport; Ms. Wiyada Buranapakorn, Senior Assistant Managing Director of Marketing at C.R.C. Sport; and Mr. Roman Flosser, CEO of Phuket Marathon Co., Ltd.
A highlight generating buzz this year was the presence of celebrities from various fields, led by top actress Ann Thongprasom, singers Toon Artiwara Kongmalai (Toon Bodyslam) and his wife Koi Rachwin Kongmalai, both artist-runners, along with leading running influencers including the Run with Xa team (Coach Sa, Coach Ne), the Suea Phen team (Coach Win, Coach Toon, Coach Kaew, and Tong), and Earth Oska, a colorful running influencer.
Additionally, it was the first year welcoming three elite runners from China flying in to compete for the first time: Zhipeng Huang (male), Huilin Cai (female), and Ling Wu (female), raising the competition’s intensity and excitement.
In the main Full Marathon competition this year, the elite Chinese runners delivered strong performances, winning titles with distinction. In the Full Marathon (male) category, Zhipeng Huang finished first with an impressive time of 2:45:35. In the Full Marathon (female) category, Ling Wu dominated to claim the women’s championship with a time of 3:03:46. Meanwhile, in the 5 km race, the oldest competitors were 83 years old: Mr. Arak Thongtan finished in 51:56:30, and Mr. Sombun Chaipinijpan finished in 33:46:50, reflecting the event’s true spirit of inclusive sport for all ages.
Beyond the excitement on the course, this year also warmed hearts with the strength of community through the "Running Club Affiliate Program," where runners collectively donated over 40,000 baht from registration fees. This amount was donated to Laguna Phuket to support the Children First Fund (CFF), providing nutritional support to more than 400 underprivileged children in Phuket.
The Laguna Phuket Marathon 2026 Presented by Supersports once again demonstrated the strong cooperation between public and private sectors, led by Phuket Province, the Tourism Authority of Thailand (TAT), Laguna Phuket, Phuket Marathon, Supersports, and many partners. Together, they drive Phuket’s growth as a sustainable international sport event destination.
Get ready for the “Laguna Phuket Marathon 2027 Presented by Supersports,” set to return with even greater excitement. For details, visit www.phuketmarathon.com or Facebook: Laguna Phuket Marathon.
