Counterpain Scenic Half Marathon Debuts in Chiang Mai
The inaugural Counterpain Scenic Half Marathon Chiang Mai 2026 took place at Royal Park Rajapruek, promoting sports tourism under the theme "The Flora of Lanna." Ethiopian runner Bili Yimer won the men's 21.1 km race in 1:08:16, while Thailand's Parichat Sonsem claimed the women's title in 1:28:08. The event donated 40,000 baht to local communities and has contributed over 3 million baht to public causes across the Scenic Marathon Series.
Counterpain Scenic Half Marathon Chiang Mai 2026 opens a running experience amid the charm of Lanna, promoting the concept "The Flora of Lanna" that blends sport, nature, and culture to boost sports tourism in Chiang Mai province.
The "Counterpain Scenic Half Marathon Chiang Mai 2026" is the first of its kind in Chiang Mai, held at Royal Park Rajapruek under the concept "Run on Scenic Route — The Flora of Lanna," showcasing the allure of flowers and Lanna culture through a course embraced by nature and Chiang Mai's distinctive architecture. The event aims to promote sports tourism, linking athletic activity with tourism and local identity by conveying the Flora of Lanna concept through four flower species: Golden Shower, Lady's Slipper Orchid, Tiger Orchid, and Rajapruek, alongside highlight sections such as tree tunnels, flower gardens, and the Royal Pavilion.
On competition standards, the course was measured by Mr. Fung Wang Tak, an AIMS Grade A measurer, under World Athletics supervision with a representative from the Athletic Association of Thailand as witness, and medical and competition standards overseen by the Asian Athletics Association (AAA).
In the 21.1 km overall men's category, Ethiopia's Bili Yimer won the inaugural Chiang Mai title in 1:08:16, while Parichat Sonsem claimed the women's title in 1:28:08. In the Thai overall category, Parichat Sonsem also took the women's crown with 1:28:08, and Nattawut Innum won the men's in 1:14:24.
Beyond promoting sport and tourism, the event gave back to the community with donations of 10,000 baht to Mae Hia Municipality and 30,000 baht to Doi Suthep-Pui National Park, reflecting a commitment to growing alongside the community and caring for the environment. Across the Scenic Marathon Series, cumulative donations for public benefit have now exceeded 3 million baht.
The race was supported by Counterpain from Thai Tho Pharmaceutical Co., Ltd. as title sponsor, along with Toyota Move Your World, Prudential, Gatorade, Aquafina, AminoVITAL, Supersports, P.O. Care, Promise, and Drydye, plus government agencies, police, medical teams, volunteers, and local communities. The Counterpain Scenic Half Marathon Chiang Mai 2026 marks another key step for the Scenic Marathon Series in creating courses that connect sport, nature, culture, and community while presenting the charm of Chiang Mai through the scenic route running experience.
Follow news and event details from the Scenic Marathon Series on the Scenic Marathon Facebook fan page or at www.scenicmarathon.com.
