December 2, 2022 at 09:00 a.m. – Khon Kaen University, Khon Kaen Province, Isan Rajamangala University of Technology Khon Kaen Campus, and Lily Pharma Co. Ltd. held the press release about the 18th “Khon Kaen International Marathon 2023”. Mr. Kaisorn Kongchalad, Khon Kaen Governor presided over the opening session. Assoc. Prof. Charnchai Panthongviriyakul, M.D., President of Khon Kaen University, reported about the readiness of the event. Ajarn Boonkit Unpikul, Assistant to the President of Isan Rajamangala University of Technology Khon Kaen Campus and Khun Praphat Sukkapanpotharam, Chief Technology Officer of Lily Pharma Co. Ltd. as the key supporter joined as news releasers. A lot of officers, staff and news correspondents attended. The event took place at Sarasin Room, 2nd Floor, Sirikunakorn Building, Khon Kaen University.
Assoc. Prof. Charnchai Panthongviriyakul, M.D., President of Khon Kaen University, revealed that Khon Kaen University is ready for the Khon Kaen International Marathon 2023 (KKIM2023). Khon Kaen is the race route authorized by the Association of International Marathons and Distance Races (AIMS). The race is organized for all 4 categories as before: the Marathon (42.195 km), the Half Marathon (21.1 km), the Mini-Marathon (11.35 km) and Fun Run (5.4 km). The race date is changed this year, for the event will be held two days, on January 28, 2023, which is for the Fun Run. The release time will be 07:00 a.m. at the Si Than Gate, and the Finish Point will be in front of Khum Si Than in Khon Kaen University. Then Sunday January 29, 2023 is scheduled for the Marathon, the Half Marathon, and the Mini-Marathon. The release time will be 03:00 a.m., 04:00 a.m., and 04:45 a.m., respectively, at the Golden Jubilee Convention Center of Khon Kaen University on Kalaphruek Road. The Finish Point is the same as the release point.
“Thanks to all sectors of Khon Kaen University for the good collaboration we have received. Now there are over 1,400 people ready to work in teams, such as welcoming, or giving assistance to runners. I hope that in the future, we can join the province in an even more grandeur occasion that will be impressive to all runners,” said the President.
Mr. Kaisorn Kongchalad, Khon Kaen Governor said that every province has also attempted to hold the Marathon event in order to stimulate the economy, through tourism and sports. “This requires knowledge and competency. Khon Kaen has organized Marathon for 17 times. This is the 18th time. Organizing the Marathon has upgraded Khon Kaen to be a Marathon City. We have developed the administration and management of technology for the racing until they are up-to-date and we have promoted Thai athletes towards the international level, and to become professional. Marathon is not only the pride of Khon Kaen people, but it has enhanced the economy and tourism of Khon Kaen and Isan. The racing standard here has been approved by AIMS. Runners can apply to run in Boston, Tokyo Marathon or anywhere. I would like to ask the mass media to tell the people and tourists to come to Khon Kaen and cheer the runners. I hope to see the event organized with unity of Khon Kaen people.”
Ajarn Boonkit Unpikul, Assistant to the President of Isan Rajamangala University of Technology Khon Kaen Campus added, “Isan Rajamangala University of Technology Khon Kaen Campus is participating by sending about 600 staff and students to serve drinking water and other necessary items for runners along the route. It is expected that this year the event will be greater than before. I hope that all runners will have fun and succeed with their set timing
Khun Praphat Sukkapanpotharam, Chief Technology Officer of Lily Pharma Co. Ltd. as the key supporter said, “This is to reiterate the intention of Lily Pharma to contribute to economic propulsion of Khon Kaen and other cities in the region by supporting various activities. I hope that the 18th KKIM 2023 will bring reputation and revive the economy of Khon Kaen Province.”
The Racing Committee is ready to open the Province Gate to welcome all runners who are from all corners of the world to the 18th Khon Kaen International Marathon 2023 (KKIM2023), which is scheduled on Saturday January 28, 2023 for Fun Run. The release time will be 07:00 a.m. Sunday January 29, 2023 is scheduled for the Marathon, the Half Marathon, and the Mini-Marathon. The release time will be at 03:00 a.m., 04:00 a.m., and 04:45 a.m., respectively, at the Golden Jubilee Convention Center of Khon Kaen University.
Details are available at: https://www.khonkaenmarathon.com
And Facebook Fan Page: khonkaenmarathon
News: Jiraporn Prathomchai, Thanjira Ponsaenjan
Photos: Natthawut Jaruwong
