Korat Marathon 2026 Draws Nearly 10,000 Runners
The Korat Marathon 2026, a World Athletics Road Race Label event, attracted nearly 9,300 runners to Nakhon Ratchasima on November 8, 2026. The race featured four distances and a route passing historical landmarks, with proceeds of 120,000 baht donated to Maharat Nakhon Ratchasima Hospital. Provincial officials highlighted the event's role in boosting tourism and the local economy while showcasing the province's capacity to host international sports events.
The grand spectacle kicks off! The impressive marathon event of the Ya Mo city with 'Korat Marathon 2026', a world-standard World Athletics Road Race Label race that has drawn overwhelming interest, with nearly 10,000 runners from across the country participating, along with donating a portion of proceeds totaling 120,000 baht to Maharat Nakhon Ratchasima Hospital.
Nakhon Ratchasima Province, together with the 2nd Army Area, the Sports Authority of Thailand, The Mall Group Co., Ltd., and Race Up Work Co., Ltd., announced the grand organization of the world-standard marathon 'Korat Marathon 2026' under the World Athletics Road Race Label. The event highlights a route passing historical landmarks of Korat city, challenging runners with four race distances: Marathon 42.195 km, Half Marathon 21.1 km, 10 km, and 5 km, under the concept 'The Memorable Marathon'. The race started simultaneously on Sunday, November 8, 2026, from the starting point at the Thao Suranaree Monument (Ya Mo Plaza) heading to the finish line at Nawamin Plaza, Bueng Ta Lua Chaloem Phra Kiat Park, King Rama IX, Nakhon Ratchasima Province.
The event was honored by Mr. Natthaphong Songwisit, Governor of Nakhon Ratchasima Province, as the opening ceremony chair. Mr. Chanonn Bualuan, Director of Nakhon Ratchasima Tourism and Sports, gave a report, accompanied by Ms. Chalanda Chojit, Director of the Professional Sports Administration and Evaluation Division, Office of the Professional Sports Committee, Sports Authority of Thailand; Ms. Duangta Phongwilai, Vice President Marketing, The Mall Shopping Center, The Mall Group Co., Ltd.; Mr. Pricha Lim-ao, General Manager, The Mall Korat, The Mall Group Co., Ltd.; and Mr. Kritsada Kaewcharoenrat, Managing Director, AEON Thana Sinsap (Thailand) Public Company Limited, who joined the opening and rang the bell to start the runners at the Thao Suranaree Monument.
Governor Natthaphong Songwisit, chair of the opening ceremony for 'Korat Marathon 2026', stated: 'The Korat Marathon is more than a race; it is an event for all Korat people. Nakhon Ratchasima Province, all agencies, and our Korat brothers and sisters have prepared fully, from the certified standard route to safety management along the course and welcoming runners visiting from across the country. This year's success reflects the province's potential to host international sports events, helping stimulate the economy and tourism while returning benefits to society through donations to Maharat Nakhon Ratchasima Hospital.'
Mr. Alongkorn Chiammanukul, Managing Director of Race Up Work Co., Ltd. and Race Director, said: 'This year, Race Up Work Co., Ltd. would like to thank more than 9,300 runners who traveled to create memories with us. We thank Nakhon Ratchasima Province, through the Tourism and Sports Office, all agencies, and our Korat brothers and sisters who supported the organization so well. We reaffirm our status as Thailand's Major Marathon under the World Athletics Road Race Label certification. We emphasize every step of race management, from standard-compliant course design to safety management, facilities, and the experience runners receive along the route. This year we adjusted the finish line to two points, separating the 42.195 km and 21.1 km runners to Finish Line 1, and the 10 km and 5 km runners to Finish Line 2, to accommodate the increased number of runners and reduce...
