A cast of elite athletes toed the starting line at Thanyapura Phuket’s grandstand this week, and Kenyans once again took the top two spots at the Supersports 10-Mile Run on Sunday, with Thai stars rounding out the podium.
In only its second year, the organising team note that the Supersports 10-Mile Run Phuket continues to draw top shelf talent and recreational runners to its ‘serene and scenic course set among the rubber plantations in northern Phuket’. 1,800 runners participated across the 10-mile, 5-mile, 2-mile, and kids’ 500m categories.
The event was supported by title sponsor Supersports and ‘Asia’s leading sports resort’ Thanyapura, alongside other sponsors such as Skechers, Johnson, D&P, 100 Plus, Thai Health Promotion Foundation, FBT, Tanita, Nestlé Pure Life, Meiji Hight Protien, Centara Hotel & Resort, Tourism Authority of Thailand, Sports Authority of Thailand, Anda Focus Advertising Solution, LIVE 89.5FM and 89.75 radio.
David Kibet crossed the finish line in less than an hour, clocking in at 50 minutes, 15 seconds. Compatriot Stephen Kipkosgei Chirchir crossed in second two minutes later. Pamela Chepchumba ruled the women, clocking in just under the hour mark at 59 minutes, 15 seconds. Hannah Wabera Gathingi clinched the silver behind her. ‘Saifon’ Nathaya Thanaronnawat claimed bronze, a touch slower than her second-place finish from last year.
Other notable contenders include British ultramarathoner Harry Jones, who finished in 4th overall, and Michael Raelert, the 2009 and 2010 IRONMAN 70.3 world champion, who placed 7th overall and second in his age group.
“I never did a running race in Thailand before, and honestly compared to Europe it’s absolutely the same. It’s well-organized. I see running is developing in Thailand,” said Michael Raelert, who has been in triathlon training at Thanyapura’s facilities for the past six weeks.
He added, “I’m quite happy to be here getting the important training done and of course some little tests like today. With so many races on we can prove ourselves every weekend.”
Thanyapura is also known for its triathlon training – with programs led by four-time World Champion and the resort’s Executive Chairman Chris ‘Macca’ McCormack.
Thanyapura is set on 23 pristine hectares beside a national park close to Phuket International Airport and the destination’s famed beaches, but ‘cocooned in a serene setting’. It utilises international-standard coaches, sports scientists, medical and health practitioners, physiotherapists and chiropractors.
