Here are the best runs in Thailand – that I’ve actually entered. 

No.1 = Thailand Temple Run 21k.

Also included a full-marathon and a 10k. I ran the half-marathon in 2005. This was one of Thailand’s most popular marathons until its indefinite postponement last year. Also one of Thailand’s most innovative running events. Check this link for any news of a possible relaunch. I ran the half-marathon there in March 2005 and enjoyed the experience – despite the hot and humid conditions.

Scenery: Quiet winding roads lined with fruit orchards. Great crowd support, and the best musical accompaniment I’ve ever heard at a running event anywhere in Thailand.

Weather: It was held in late March, which is almost the hottest time of year in central Thailand. The start time was late afternoon in 2005, which was a mistake in my opinion. If you’re approaching the end of a half-marathon, or especially a full marathon, the last thing you want is to be running in the dark. You’re more likely to trip over something.

Location: The Temple run started and finished in Samut Songkram province, which is Thailand’s smallest province sandwiched between Ratchaburi, Samut Sakhon, and Phetchaburi.

Organisation: Efficiently organised, with bountiful refreshments. You could even queue for free Bavarian beer at the finish.

No.2 = Pattaya 21k.

In July 2002, I ran the Pattaya half-marathon. It was challenging, due to the hilly route and high humidity. There was also a 10k course, and a full-marathon which involved two laps of the 21k route. It is Thailand’s oldest annual marathon and will be held this year on July 15th. Check out http://www.pattaya-marathon.com/for more details.

Scenery: Hilly and suburban, with occasional views of the sea.
Weather: It’s held in July – which is during Pattaya’s rainy season. The most likely weather conditions are hot, humid and cloudy.
Location: In 2002, started and finished on the seafront in central Pattaya.
Organisation: It was well-organized, as far as I remember.

No.3 = Bangkok marathon 42k.

The only full-marathon I’ve run in Thailand. I ran it in 2002. I reached the 32k point in 3 hours, then my right knee locked up and I couldn’t bend my leg – it took me over 90 minutes to complete the last 10k. There’s also a 10k course, which I ran in 2003. Like Chombung and Tubkeaw, this event is carved in granite in the Thai running calendar, and the next event is scheduled for 25th November 2007. More details here.

Scenery: The course was flat and urban, starting and finishing in Sanam Luang. Part of the route was an eight-lane expressway which had been cleared of traffic, which was an eerie experience. Of course, the route may have changed since 2002.
Weather: It’s held at the end of November, which is the start of Bangkok’s “cool” season. But it was very warm and humid in 2002 – about 29 degrees C by 8.30 a.m. The full-marathon starts extremely early (4 a.m. in 2002).

Location: In 2002, started and finished in Sanam Luang. Which was an ideal starting and finishing venue.

Organisation: Generally well-organised, with plentiful drinks and first aid stations. But I don’t recommend the 10k course, unless they’ve reduced the number of runners since 2003. It was seriously overcrowded.

No.4 = Tubkeaw 21k.

Almost as good as Chombung. I ran it in 2004, 2005 and 2006. Like Chombung it’s a very popular event, so I’d be surprised if it doesn’t happen again this year. There’s also a 10k course. This event is efficiently organised by Silapakorn university, whose campus provides the start and finish area.

Scenery: Flat and mostly rural, winding past farms and villages to the north of Nakhon Pathom.

Weather: It’s held in November, so conditions are more likely to be cool than most months of the year.

Location: The town of Nakhon Pathom – which is 50-60 kilometres from Bangkok. Nakhon Pathom may be the oldest continually inhabited city in Thailand. It used to be the centre of the Dvaravati kingdom before the 11th century.

Organisation: There were adequate drinks stations, and Thai breakfasts at the finish.

No.5 = Chombung 21k.

Chombung is my favorite half-marathon course in Thailand, although I’ve only run it once – in 2005. There is also a full-marathon and 10k route. As far as I know, it will be staged again in January 2008.
Scenery: Hilly with alternating woodland and farmland.
Weather: It’s held in January, so weather conditions are likely to be cool (by Thai standards). In 2005, it was even cooler than normal. Like an early June morning in England.
Location: Chombung is in Ratchaburi province, about two hours drive from Bangkok.
Organisation: There were adequate drinks stations, and superb refreshments at the finish.