Sunset to Sunrise: Laguna Phuket Marathon 2025 Captivates 7,000 Runners from 71 Countries in Two-Day Running Festival

The 19th Laguna Phuket Marathon, which took place on 14–15 June 2025, drew an impressive 7,000+ runners from over 71 countries, returning stronger than ever as an international running festival. Staged over two days, the “Sunset & Sunrise” race format once again proved a hit, combining family fun and serious competition in one spectacular weekend

🌇 Day 1: Sunset Fun Runs

Saturday evening kicked off with a lively mix of races:

2 km Kids Run
5 km Fun Run
10 km Mini Marathon
Pasta party & beachside night market featuring food vendors, live music, and cultural entertainment.

These early evening activities offered a relaxed yet energetic atmosphere, with the glowing sunset serving as a backdrop for colourful finisher medals and smiling families.

All photos credit: Laguna Phuket Marathon Facebook Page

🌅 Day 2: Sunrise Races & Scenic Courses

Come Sunday pre-dawn, the course came alive with runners tackling:

42.195 km Marathon
Marathon Relay
21.1 km Half Marathon

Elite athletes and amateurs battled it out along a coastal route that passed through emerald rubber and pineapple plantations, cultural villages, serene beaches like Nai Yang and Layan, before looping back through Laguna’s resort areas. The setting earned widespread praise for both its beauty and professionalism, as it once again met IAAF AIMS standards.

All photos credit: Laguna Phuket Marathon Facebook Page

🌍 Global Footprint & Community Spirit

With representation from 71 nations, the marathon demonstrated its continued appeal as a global destination event. On top of that, the introduction of age-group categories for runners aged 70+ in both the half and full marathons underlined the inclusiveness of the event.

Organisers further reinforced their community commitment through partnerships with the Laguna Phuket Foundation and Children First Fund, raising funds to support local education, environmental conservation, and underprivileged children, from race proceeds, on-site donations, and the efforts of volunteer staff runners.

🏆 Memorable Moments & Race Results

In the Marathon category, defending men’s champion Phuketian Apichai Phucit won the race with a time of 2:51:48, while Mayumi Watanabe from Japan won the women’s race with a time of 3:27:05.
In the Half Marathon category, Mungai Kirogoi of Kenya finished as the first male with a time of 1:18:30 and Chiaki Morikawa of Japan finished as the first female with a time of 1:23:46.
The new Marathon Relay format drew teams eager to tackle the full 42.195 km distance, encouraging camaraderie and shared success.

From the festive “Sunset Run” to the adrenaline-pumping “Sunrise Run,” the 19th Laguna Phuket Marathon succeeded in offering something for every runner—elite competitors, age-groupers, families, and recreational joggers alike. Its combination of demanding courses, tropical beauty, community spirit, and authentic Thai hospitality confirms it stands as Southeast Asia’s premier destination marathon.

Already planning for 2026, the organisers promise even more innovation and service enhancements. So stay tuned—because if you missed this year, next June is your chance to run in paradise.