Big event that impresses runners with Children’s Day activities, with free food and beverages, also celebrating KKU’s 60th anniversary
Saturday January 13, 2024 – Khon Kaen University, Khon Kaen Province and the network organized the 2024 Khon Kaen International Marathon. The event was officially opened by Assoc. Prof. Charnchai Panthongviriyakul, M.D., President of Khon Kaen University; Mr. Yuthaporn Pirunsarn, Khon Kaen Vice Governor; Mr. Sukit Sirinorakul, Chairman of Khon Kaen University Operation Promotion; Mr. Amnat Prommasutr, Advisor of Khon Kaen University Operation Promotion; Mr. Montree Singhapunnapat, Vice Mayor of Khon Kaen Cjity; Assoc. Prof. Issara Kanjuk, Ph.D., Dean of the Faculty of Education and principle supporters including Mr. Kittirote Pongsrisuebsuk, Vice President for Sales & Marketing, Lily Pharma Co. Ltd.; Mr. Wathee Wichiannit, CEO of V-ing Intertrade, Co. Ltd.; Mr. Poonsak Chaloopan, Senior Director for Business Section Region 1, Krungsri Pattanasin (Public Company); together with honorary supporters. The 19th Khon Kaen International Marathon 2024 (KKIM2024) today was the 4.5 km FUN RUN. The event also incorporated many activities on the Children’s Day for children and their families to enjoy, with a lot of learning stations, over 200 booths of food and beverages for runners and their families at the release point, Golden Jubilee Convention Center, Khon Kaen University.
Assoc. Prof. Charnchai Panthongviriyakul, M.D., President of Khon Kaen University (Third from left)
Assoc. Prof. Charnchai Panthongviriyakul, M.D., President of Khon Kaen University welcomed runners and said that Khon Kaen University holds the intention in community and social dedication and sees the importance in promoting development of different potentials of human resource, especially sports, which is the key basis in mental and physical health development. Therefore, the University has continually supported Khon Kaen International Marathon, and this year, the event is organized to celebrate the University’s 60th anniversary, with greater activities.
“The FUN RUN has been organized for 19 times now, and has been well accepted by the public. There are over 8,000 people joining. We also receive support from all sectors. This year is special for it is on the National Children’s Day. Therefore, besides the objective for people of all ages to exercise in the form of walking and running to enhance their healthiness, without any competition aim, the children and their families will also enjoy the activities of the children’s day and join in celebrating KKU’s 60th anniversary.”
Mr. Yuthaporn Pirunsarn, Khon Kaen Vice Governor (Seond from Left)
Mr. Yuthaporn Pirunsarn, Khon Kaen Vice Governor welcomed the runners by saying that KKIM has been arranged for the 19th time. Khon Kaen can be categorized as a sports, education and culture city. All Khon Kaen people are happy to welcome all runners. We hope everyone will enjoy the FUN RUN. The weather is fine this morning and the P.M. shows green color, which is safe for children and the elderly.
The 19th Khon Kaen International Marathon 2024 is organized in 4 categories: Fun Run (5.4 km) on Satruday January 13, 2024, release time at 07.00 a.m.; Sunday January 14, 2024: Marathon (42.195 km), release time at 03.00 a.m.; Half Marathon (21.1 km), release time at 04.00 a,m,; and Mini Marathon (11.35 km), release time at 04.45 a.m.
Khon Kaen University, in addition, organized the following activities for children and their families to enjoy the activities at the following different places around the campus. Children could register to join the activities at the points of interest:
Faculty of Education at the first floor hall, Golden Jubilee Convention Center, Khon Kaen University
Activities: show with music, cosplay contest, learning classes (Japanese language, scientific, computer, mathematics skills, Chinese language, art for children, English language, innovation technology for learning, army’s armament show (big gun by 5 soldiers, abrupt shooting by 25 soldiers, Fancy drill by 30 soldiers, machine gun show by 15 soldiers.
Mrs. Wiyada Jansoda, a staff member of KKU said, “After the fun run, it was good to join the children’s activities. It was fun. The weather was good and the children are happy getting a lot of gifts. I hope this is organized every year.”
The Natural Museum
Activities: scientific shows, question answering competition
Science Museum
Activities: scientific shows, seeing small world from a microscope, seeing the sun from a microscope, star-related tales, accuracy tests, plaster shapes painting, bag painting, making bead strings, and other activities
KKU Library (opposite of Complex Center)
Activities: Metaverse Experience, painting, tales, music show, singing, and cover dance
Sanpet Polnapin (Nong Oh Joh), a 12th grader from Srisangwan School said, “It was a great fun to join the activities at the KKU Library. I tried the metaverse to see the virtual world. I tried singing. The activities opened for special children to enjoy.”
Cheevasilp Voluntary Camp, in front of the Faculty of Fine and Applied Arts
Activities: painting fans, making paper models, making paper dolls, making bead strings, crocheting; photo booths, 4-action photographing, with free goodies and food
Photos of activities are available at: www.facebook.com/khonkaenmarathon
News / Photos: Public Relation Committee, Khon Kaen International Marathon
By Jiraporn Prathomchai