Pictures courtesy of MGR

 

Eliud Kipchoge, the legendary Kenyan marathon runner, has arrived in Thailand to take part in the Amazing Thailand Marathon Bangkok 2025 and support its push to become one of the world’s top ten capital-city marathons. His visit has drawn strong interest from runners and sports tourism stakeholders, with organisers highlighting the significance of his role as Thailand’s ambassador for tourism, sport and culture. Kipchoge praised the warm reception from Thai fans and said he was delighted to return to participate in activities ahead of race day.

 

Kipchoge travelled to Bangkok on Thai Airways flight TG 665, landing at 21:15 on 26 November 2025, where he was welcomed by Thapanee Kiatphaibool, Governor of the Tourism Authority of Thailand (TAT), along with senior executives and race director Kobkiat Saengwanich. The marathon, part of the World Capital Marathon Series, will take place on 30 November 2025 from 02:00 to 10:30, starting at MBK Center on Phaya Thai Road and finishing at Sanam Luang. The event offers a total prize pool of 2,440,500 baht and will also feature Her Majesty the Queen, who will run the 21.1 km half marathon alongside Kipchoge.

 

More than 48,000 runners from around the world have registered for this eighth edition of the race, which awards trophies from His Majesty the King and Her Majesty the Queen. Kipchoge will compete in the half marathon distance and join promotional activities, including Running Zone 10K (RZ10) and a fan meet at Suphachalasai Stadium. On 29 November 2025, he will take part in The Footprint Ceremony with Bangkok Metropolitan Administration at Benjakitti Park at 07:00, followed by a press event and fan meet at Paragon Hall from 12:30 to 14:00.

 

Organisers said Kipchoge’s presence is a major boost to the race’s ambition to rank among the world’s top marathons. TAT Governor Thapanee Kiatphaibool noted that welcoming a global sporting icon elevates Thailand’s reputation in sports tourism and draws greater international attention. Race director Kobkiat Saengwanich added that the event is being developed to World Athletics standards, strengthening Bangkok’s position within the Official World Capital Marathon Series.

 

Kipchoge expressed enthusiasm about running with Thai and international participants, recalling his enjoyable experiences in Bangkok the previous year. He highlighted his admiration for Thai food, attractions and culture, and hoped the event would inspire runners to pursue their goals. The Ministry of Tourism and Sports, the Sports Authority of Thailand, TAT, Bangkok Metropolitan Administration, World Athletics and Thailand Tri-League are jointly organising the marathon, which is expected to generate more than 1.4 billion baht in tourism-related economic activity.

 

Manager Online reported that organisers are continuing preparations to ensure a world-class event and reinforce Bangkok’s status as a sports tourism capital. Further updates and race details are available through the marathon’s official channels and facebook page.

 

 

Key Takeaways

 

• Eliud Kipchoge has arrived in Thailand to join the Amazing Thailand Marathon Bangkok 2025 and support its bid to become a global top-10 event.

• The 30 November 2025 race will feature more than 48,000 runners and participation by Her Majesty the Queen in the half marathon.

• The event aims to elevate Bangkok as a leading sports tourism capital, with expected economic benefits exceeding 1.4 billion baht.

 

 Adapted by Asean Now from MGRonline 2025-11-29

 

 

 

don't forget to bring an oxygen tank that will last 2hrs

Must be hard to run wearing a mask....

Bangkok to be a part of the top 10 capitol city marathons?  What's next?  Hosting the Winter Olympics?