January 29, 2023 at 03:00 a.m. – Mr. Charnchai Sornsrivichai, Vice Governor of Khon Kaen, presided over the 18th Khon Kaen International Marathon 2023 (KKIM 2023), which was held on Kalapaphruek Road, by the Golden Jubilee Convention Center of Khon Kaen University. Attending the event were Assoc. Prof. Charnchai Panthongviriyakul, M.D., President of Khon Kaen University, KKU administrators, and administrators of Khon Kaen Province, who joined in releasing the runners. There were, this year, 10,514 runners from 46 countries, divided into 2,671 Full-Marathon (42.195 km) runners, 3,360 Half-Marathon (21.10 km) runners, and 4,483 Mini-Marathon (11.55 km) runners.
The results of the 42.195 km Full-Marathon were as follows: Male Winner: Paul Eyanae from Kenya, finishing in 2 hours, 15 minutes and 24 seconds. The winner received a Trophy from His Majesty King Vajiralongkorn and a cash amount of 100,000 Baht. Female Winner: Zinashwork Yenew Ambi from Ethiopia, who did 2 hours, 49 minutes and .04 second and received a trophy from His Majesty the King and also a cash amount of 100,000 Baht. The first Thai male runner who reached the finish line was Wirat Waidara, doing 2 hours, 36 minutes and .05 second. Wirat Waidara was awarded a cash amount of 50,000 Baht and a trophy. The first Thai female runner beating the finish line was Linda Janthachit, who finished in 2 hours, 57 minutes and 31 seconds and received the prize of 50,000 Baht and a trophy.
The results of the 21.10 km Half-Marathon were as follows: Male Winner: Gezu Muse from Ethiopia, who reached the finish line within 1 hour, 3 minutes and 52 seconds and received a trophy from Her Majesty Queen Sirikit and a cash amount of 50,000 Baht; Female Winner: Misa Yimer from Ethiopia, doing 1 hour, 13 minutes and 41 seconds and received the same prizes as the male winner. The first male Thai reaching the finish line was Natthawut Innum, doing 1 hour, 11 minutes and .07 second and received a trophy and a prize of 20,000 Baht. The first female Thai runner reaching the finish line was Ornanong Wongsorn, who finished in 1 hour, 23 minutes and 43 second and received similar prizes.
The results of the 11.55 km Mini-Marathon were: Male Winner: James Karanja from Kenya, who made it in 34 minutes and 43 seconds, and received a trophy from Her Royal Highness Princess Maha Chakri Sirindhorn and a cash amount of 30,000 Baht; Female Winner: Emebet Soda from Ethiopia, doing 42 minutes and 41 seconds and received the same prizes as the male runner. The first Thai male reaching the finish line was Phumin Jiamphukhiaw, who made it in 38 minutes and 20 seconds and received a trophy and a cash amount of 10,000 Baht. The first female Thai runner reaching the finish line was Suwanee Khamchana who did it in 46 minutes and 9 seconds and also received a cash prize of 10,000 Baht and a trophy.
“Khon Kaen International Marathon” was organized the first time in 2004 from the initiation of the Operational Promotion Committee of Khon Kaen University to celebrate the 40th Anniversary of Khon Kaen University. The running route was certified by the Association of International Marathons and Distance Races (AIMS) and “IAAF”, which was international and included all of the four categories, namely, full, half, mini- and fun run for health. In addition, the event was the first of its kind in Isan and became a traditional event to be held every year in the last week of January. This year, it is the 18th year of the event and was held on two days; Fun Run on Saturday January 28, 2023 and Full Marathon, Half Marathon and Mini-Marathon on Sunday January 29, 2023.
For checking the race results, click:
Seeing the event photos, click:
News: Rawiporn Saisaenthong
Photos: Atthapon Hampong, Natthawut Jaruwong and Natthapong Chamnanua
