Buddhist followers embraced the benefits of exercise as Pattaya organized a walk-run marathon for Visakha Bucha Day on May 13.
Co-sponsored by the Pattaya Run and Bicycle for Health Club and Thai Health Promotion Foundation, the “Walk, Run, and Meditate” event aimed to get Pattaya locals to care for their health and recall the life of Lord Buddha, who was born, died and reached enlightenment on Visakha Bucha Day.
Deputy Mayors Wattana Chantanawaranon kicked off the race which was participated in by more than 100 people. In Chonburi, Deputy Gov. Pongsak Preechawit opened a similar event.
Participants begin the walk-run event for Visakha Bucha Day on May 13 at the TAT office on Pratumnak Hill, south Pattaya.
The walk-run offered 10 prizes for males under 40, 10 prizes for men over 40 and 10 prizes for women of all ages. The program called for participants to take part in a five kilometer run and/or a three kilometer walk. The route ran from the TAT office up Big Buddha Hill and down to Bali Hai pier before completing the circuit back at TAT.
Leading runners in the men’s under-40 event pose with their trophies.
Traffic was closed at just two points from 4:00-4:30 p.m.: the police booth in front of Big Buddha Hill and at the intersection under the Bali High Pier flyover.
The male under-40 winner in the 5km run was Anat Phromsaenee with a time of 20 minutes and 2 seconds while the female winner was 18-year-old Kanchanaporn Aomputta with a time of 22 minutes. In the over-40 category, Kitti Wannamalee finished first with at time of 22:01.
Kanchanaporn Aonputta was the winner of the women’s race.
