ASIA RUNNER – Bangkok Running and Multisports

In a city that is characterised by heat, humidity and a fair amount of pollution so you would have thought that only a fool would run in Bangkok. Sidewalks in Bangkok are neither flat nor empty and the roads are busy at all hours.Keen runners can be found in all the parks around town but remember most people get up early to avoid the heat!

BEST PARKS IN TOWN

Lumpini Park in the heart of downtown Bangkok is the best and most well known place to train. One lap around the park is 2.554km (1.66 miles) and there are markings every 100 metres.
Directions: Skytrain to Saladaeng and short walk.

Benjakiti Park offers a 2km loop around a lake next to the Queen Sirikit Convention Centre between Rama IV and Sukhumvit Road. Directions: Skytrain to Asok then a warm up jog to the park.

Chatuchak Park has a loop measuring 3km. It is also famous for the weekend market.
In the same area is Suan Rod Fai (Train Park). Directions: Skytrain to Mo Chit.

Suan Luang Rama 9
The King Rama 9 Royal Park, is the biggest metropolitan park - one lap around the perimeter is around 4.8km. A little out of the main parts of town near Seacon Square shopping centre, but 20 minute taxi ride from downtown.
Directions: Taxi to Sukhumvit Road 103 (Udomsuk) Nongbon Pravej.

Benjasiri Park
which is also referred to as the Queen’s Park, is located next to the Emporium shopping centre on Sukhumvit Road. Directions: Skytrain to Prompong.

WHO TO RUN WITH
Thai running clubs add a great social dimension to the running scene, however if you cannot speak Thai the opportunities here may be limited. There are a few other opportunities:

The Hash House Harriers have a number of chapters here with both city and bush runs
www.bangkokhhh.com/link2
For multisports, the Bangkok Trinerds organise training sessions for swimming, biking and running - www.bangkoktriclub.com

REGULAR RUNS
There is a running event almost every weekend in and around Bangkok with the courses often running around some of the most famous sights. Most races start at
6am on Sunday mornings. See the events section for a race in the coming weeks.

BANGKOK ANNUALS
Bangkok Marathon - 25th November 2007
Pattaya Marathon - 15th July 2007
Amari Midnight Run - 13th October 2007

RUNNING SUPPLIES
Bangkok does not have any specialist running shops and advice on running styles and the right shoes is hard to come by so you need to know what you are looking for. Department stores stock a reasonable range of running shoes, though not in all widths and sizes. Try the MBK shopping centre for discount sports shoe retailers.

WEATHER
Rain:
A marked rainy season, with the heaviest rainfall between May and end of October.
Uncomfortable months:
April, May, and June
Temperature:
20-34 year round

For more information on Bangkok, please consult our links section

Have you got something to add about the running scene in Bangkok? Drop us an email and we will add the information in the next issue of the magazine and update the website.
steph@asiarunner.com