Ethiopia and Kenya dominated the Bangsaen 10-2026 race with "Pariya Sonsaem" delivering a strong performance, breaking the Thai women's course record with a time of 36:57. Mayor "Tuy" expressed delight and awarded a 100,000 baht bonus to celebrate the new record.
On 13 Sep 2026 GMT+7, the intense and energetic Bangsaen 10-2026 race took place, recognized with the World Athletics Elite Label standard. In its 11th consecutive year, the event welcomed over 12,000 runners from Thailand and abroad, including world-class elite athletes, competing along the Bangsaen route in Chonburi Province, with the start and finish in front of Bangsaen Heritage Hotel.
This year's competition featured notable performances, with the men's overall champion being Sewmehon Anteneh Kbiret from Ethiopia, finishing in 28:28. He was followed by second place Gelana Teshome Jira, also from Ethiopia, with 28:40, and third place James Kipkurui from Kenya, clocking 28:45.
In the women's overall category, the champion was Janet Jepkoech Chepkemoi from Kenya, with a time of 31:43. Second place went to Bernesh Dessie Mihret from Ethiopia at 32:09, and third to Wubrist Aschal Kassie from Ethiopia with 32:14.
Among Thai runners, the men's overall Thai category saw Anucha Pada finish first with 31:47, followed by Sanchai Namket at 31:52, and Pongsakorn Suksawat at 31:56.
For Thai women overall, first place was Pariya Sonsaem with 36:57, second was Suthinee Dansuntornwong at 37:39, and third was Rudi Netthai with 38:12.
The highlight of this Bangsaen 10 race was Thai female runner Pariya Sonsaem crossing the finish line in 36:57, setting a new course record for Thai women and becoming the new record holder.
This achievement prompted Narongchai Khunpluem, known as "Mayor Tuy," the mayor of Saensuk City, to award a special 100,000 baht bonus to congratulate the Thai runner's outstanding performance.
Mayor Tuy commented on this success: "Spending 100,000 baht is a joy for me. I am very pleased that this year the Bangsaen10 course record has been broken for the first time in many years."
Rath Jirojanwanichakorn, Managing Director of MICE and Communication Co., Ltd. and Race Director, stated that the new records at Bangsaen10-2026 not only reflect athletes' skill and dedication but also drive the development of competition standards and connect sports with Thailand's tourism and Soft Power.
"The new records set at Bangsaen10-2026 this year celebrate athletes' talents and dedication, while elevating competition standards and Thailand's Soft Power in tourism and sports. We hope runners from Thailand and worldwide will return annually," Rath said.
Another highlight was the fierce competition for the Top100 bibs, with the following new records recorded in each category.
For the 10K race, the 100th male runner finished in 37:51 (new best time record), and the 100th female runner finished in 48:15 (new best time record), improving by 2 minutes from last year. This new record has shaken the Thai women's running scene.
For the senior category, the 10th male runner finished in 45:12 (new best time record), and the 10th female runner finished in 59:54.
In the 5K race, the 50th male runner finished in 19:12 (new best time record), while the 50th female runner finished in 24:57.
For youth runners, the 25th male youth runner finished in 18:52 (new best time record), and the 25th female youth runner finished in 25:45.
In the senior category, the 25th male runner finished in 25:03 (new best time record), and the 25th female senior runner finished in 37:58 (new best time record).
It can be seen that almost all categories set new, faster records. This indicates Bangsaen 10 is truly a world-class standard course for speed runners to compete at the highest level.
