The Khon Kaen Marathon
Khon Kaen marathon usually take place around the last week of January. This marathon is not that highly subscribed by Singaporeans, maybe because to get to Khon Kaen you need to travel quite far and if you do not speak Thai, it is not that convenient. The marathon is more well liked by the locals and also more professional runners. It is IAPAF certified and seriously speaking, I enjoyed this marathon a lot because firstly, it is not super crowded and I really like Khon Kaen as a simple Thai town. It really brought back my memories of Thailand villages when I visited them when I was young. It even resembled some Taiwan in the 80s.
Logistics
As usual, I go for the cheap way to get to my destinations. This is no exceptions for Khon Kaen. Cheap flights from Singapore to Bangkok is easy for most. From the airport, I went straight to Mo Chit station and took the local overnight bus to Khon Kaen. Just a note, Mo Chit station is not that foreigner friendly, I guess it is because for foreigners, it is relatively cheap to hire a taxi, private car to go anywhere in Thailand. In fact, in the middle of the night you can easily hire a transportation to get you to anywhere in Thailand. The common buses and interstate buses are usually the locals option as it is really cheap. Everything in Mo Chit bus station is written in Thai language. So I was quite lucky to have engaged in a local agency to get my bus ticket to Khon Kaen. In fact, the local bus is not that bad either, the seats are big and in twins, the bus company also provides a travel kit with drinks, small snacks and a wet towel to make sure that your bus trip is well. From Bangkok to Khon Kaen by bus is about 5 hours.
In Khon Kaen itself there are many accommodation choices so you need not worry that if you do not have any reservations. Near the start point there are many good and cheap inns. I stayed at the Loft Khon Kaen. It even provides good breakfast. The hotel is well furnished with good and clean facilities.
The Race
The race can be easily registered online and getting to the race venues is fairly easy as it is in the only University in Khon Kaen, KHON KAEN UNIVERSITY. This university is very big and has all the faculties. The golden dome is the Race expo and also where the start point is. The race expo is simple, and focuses a lot on the health checks, maybe because they have a hospital in the University.
During the months of Dec to Feb, Khon Kaen can be quite chilly especially at night and the early mornings. So do bring along some long sleeves and long pants. The weather during the night and the early mornings hover around 15 to 20 degree Celsius. Being a person who is really afraid of the cold, I brought along my long running tees for this race. But as the day goes on, it can be really warm and sunny especially mid noon.
The route itself is relatively flat and easy to run, given the fact that there are not many marathon runners, it makes it even easier to get a PB with the cool weather. There were points along the route which you were practically running alone. To speak the truth, the roads in Khon Kaen were unlike that of most of South East Asia. They were well paved and also clean. This make minimalists like us easier to run on.
The water and hydration points are very sufficient and timely, kind of regret bringing my own hydration belt for this time as I realise they have hydration points all around and at the times where I needed them most. This was good enough for me. There were also banana and some fruits provided at certain points.
Cold water sponges were also provided after 30 km. But to me the weather was cold enough, I do not need the sponges.
The race pack included one race tee shirt, and the runners get a polo tee for Finisher and a finisher medal.
Other Perks
Khon Kaen city centre itself is a good shopping town, and now that Bangkok is so commercialized, this town is bargain for good deals. You can get some really good apparels here and the food is simply crazy good , Aroy maak! There are also night markets which you can buy some unique souvenirs for your family and friends back home. Last but not least, the pubs and bars as usual will form part of the Thai towns. Although they are not so rowdy and boisterous like Phuket or Bangkok, having a quiet drink to wind down after the race can be really nice here. Of course, the price is super cheap as compared to Singapore.
Compared to the capital city Bangkok, Khon Kaen is rustic and simple. There are no Gogo bars with pole dancing or girls hustling you. The shopping mall is like Singapore shopping malls in the 80’s. I like the laid back and family feel that this place gives. It really brings out another side of Thailand.
The University also arranges a mini tour to the sights in Khon Kaen, they even provide small snacks and free transport. There are two half day tours available, and they bring you to the cobra farms with a cobra show. Visit to a famous local temple to pray for good results for your race. I really enjoyed the race and hope to be back soon. Maybe this time, I will be able to clock a better timing or even a PB!
The Golden Jubilee Hall is the place where the race expo is held. The Field area in front of the hall is where the race starts and end.
The race expo is simple, there were more health services and checks by the university rather than selling of sporting goods
The goodie bag with race information
Race Bib
The town around the university is not touristy . It is just a small rustic simple town. The slow pace is good getaway from the city life.
Spotted another Simple cafe along the town
Tours around Khon Kaen were held for the race participants for free. We visited this Wat ( Temple ) as part of the tour.
Finisher medal image
This is the race singlet