Kipchoge to Join Record-Breaking Amazing Thailand Marathon

Picture courtesy of The Nation

Marathon legend Eliud Kipchoge has confirmed his participation in the Amazing Thailand Marathon 2025, adding global prestige to an event already set to break records with nearly 48,000 runners. The announcement was made during a press conference in Bangkok, where Kipchoge made a surprise video call to reaffirm his attendance.

Kipchoge, who also serves as Thailand’s official Ambassador for Tourism and Sports, is expected to compete in the 21 km half-marathon alongside 30,000 other participants. Organisers are also in discussions to have him join the 10 km race, which includes a further 18,000 runners, though this has not yet been confirmed.

The event, officially titled the “Amazing Thailand Marathon Bangkok Presented by Toyota 8th Edition,” will take place on Sunday, 30 November 2025. Despite the recent national period of mourning for Her Majesty the Queen Mother, organisers have confirmed the race will proceed, with activities adjusted to ensure appropriateness during the mourning period. Before the press conference, all committee members observed a minute of silence to express their condolences.

Atthakorn Sirilatthayakorn, Minister of Tourism and Sports, announced that the marathon has reached 100% readiness, highlighting the government’s commitment to supporting the event for the next three years. The Cabinet has pledged backing until 2027, aiming for the race to be recognised by World Athletics as an Official World Capital City Marathon.

The Sports Authority of Thailand (SAT) and the Tourism Authority of Thailand (TAT) will lead the hosting efforts in partnership with World Athletics and Thailand Tri-League organisers. According to TAT Governor Thapanee Kiatphaibool, the total economic impact of the event is expected to reach 1.701 billion baht, including 1.411 billion bahtfrom tourism-related activities. The figure represents more than ten times the event’s budget and includes value generated from live broadcasts and promotional media featuring Kipchoge.

Thapanee also reported a 30% increase in foreign participants, with 8,432 international runners from 86 countries registered to join. Minister Atthakorn praised the event’s growing international stature, saying it reflects Thailand’s ability to host major sporting events at a world-class level.

Key Takeaways

• Marathon legend Eliud Kipchoge will run in the 2025 Amazing Thailand Marathon, joining 47,913 participants.

• The government has pledged three years of support to make the race an Official World Capital City Marathon.

• The event is projected to generate 1.7 billion baht in total economic value for Thailand.

  Adapted  by  Asean  Now from Nation 2025-10-29