Residents across the Eastern Seaboard put on their trainers for a series of charity walk-runs to raise money for the family of fallen Tham Luang Cave hero Saman Kunan.
Three walk-runs hit the streets of Pattaya, Jomtien Beach and Sattahip between July 11 and 14, with all proceeds going to the widow and children of the former navy SEAL diver who perished while bringing air tanks to the youth football team trapped for 12 days in the Chiang Rai cave.
Pattaya City Hall joined the Lions Club of Chonburi and the Pattaya Masseurs Club to organize the July 14 walk-run that began at the Dusit Curve on Beach Road.
Joining the cause were members from the Walk-Run for Health Association and a great number of Thais and foreigners.
The joggers began at the Dusit Thani Hotel and ran 10 kilometers to the Tourist Police Division office on Pratamnak Hill.
Organizers asked the public to pledge 10 baht a kilometer for each runner with many donating far more than that. Organizers also raised money through Facebook.
Sattahip Secretary Pratravee Wijob kicked off the district’s July 13 “Tribute to Ja Saman” at the the Prince Chumphon Garden.
About 1,000 people turned out, including members of the Walk-Run for Health Association Sattahip, navy personnel and residents.
The run started at the garden and ended at Laem Phu Jaow, a distance of 10 kilometers. Those who participated gave donations upon registration while the run was to mainly raise awareness of those who wanted to support Sanan’s three daughters.
Organizers said all money raised would be donated, with nothing deducted for expenses.
The walk-run association and the Thailand Windsurfing Association was behind the July 11 event on Jomtien Beach where civil servants and residents alike jogged 10 kilometers from the Dongtan police box to the Pu Pen Restaurant in Najomtien Sub-district and back.
Along the way runners collected donations from vendors, residents and tourists, all of which will go to Sanan’s family.
