January 14, 2024, 03:00 a.m. at the Golden Jubilee Convention Center, Khon Kaen University – Assoc. Prof. Charnchai Panthongviriyakul, M.D., President of Khon Kaen University presided over the opening ceremony of the 19th Khon Kaen International Marathon 2024 (KKIM 2024). Joining in releasing runners were Mr. Panthep Saokosol, Khon Kaen Vice Governor, KKU administrators, Khon Kaen Province administrators, Khon Kaen Municipality administrators, and supporters of KKIM 2024.
Runners from 42 countries joined the KKIM this year. With Thai runners from all over the country, the total number was roughly 8,000; 1,600 running the 42.195 km Marathon, 2,600 running the 21.10 km Half Marathon, and 3,800 running the 11.55 km Mini Marathon. Those not joining came to cheer the runners along the race route.
The winners of the 42.195 km Marathon were: Kenneth Kiprop Omulo (Male) from Kenya, doing 2 hours, 17 minutes and 8 seconds; and Tsega Desta (Female) from Ethiopia, doing 2 hours, 40 minutes and .24 second. Each received a trophy from His Majesty King Rama X and a cash amount each of 100,000 baht.
(For last year statistics, winners were: Paul Eyanae (Male) from Kenya, doing 2 hours, 15 minutes and 24 seconds; and Zinashwork Yenew Ambi (Female), also from Ethiopia, doing 2 hours, 49 minutes and .04 second.)
The first Thai runners reaching the finish line of the Marathon Category were: Sanchai Namkhet (Male), doing 2 hours, 34 minutes and 27 seconds; and Linda Jantachit (Female), who also won last year, finishing in 2 hours, 59 minutes and 35 seconds. Linda could not beat her last year statistics at 2 hours, 57 minutes and 31 seconds, though. Each received a trophy and a cash amount of 50,000 baht.
The winners of the 21.10 km Half Marathon were: Alexander Njai Muhia (Male) from Kenya, doing 1 hours, 7 minutes and
1 second; and Misa Yimer (Female) from Ethiopia, also last year winner, this year doing 1 hours, 15 minutes and 54 second. (She could not beat her 1 hour, 13 minutes and 41 seconds statistics last year.) Each received a trophy from Her Majesty the Queen Mother and a cash amount each of 50,000 baht.
The first Thai runners reaching the finish line of the Half Marathon Category were: Natthawut Innum (Male), last year champ who did 1 hour, 10 minutes and 37 seconds this year (Natthawut could not beat his last year statistics of 1 hour, 11 minutes and 7 seconds); and Orn-anong Wongsorn (Female), who finished in 1 hour, 23 minutes and 43 seconds. Each received a trophy and a cash amount of 20,000 baht.
The winners of the 11.55 km Mini Marathon were: Moges Abate (Male) from Ethiopia, doing 35 minutes and 31 seconds; and
Tseganesh Yrdaw (Female) from Ethiopia, doing 42 minutes and 32 seconds. Each received a trophy from Her Royal Highness Princess Maha Chakri Sirindhorn and a cash amount each of 30,000 baht.
The first Thai runners reaching the finish line of the Mini Marathon Category were: Teerayut Kingkham (Male), doing 38 minutes and 35 seconds; and Suwanee Khamchana (Female), also last year champ who finished in 45 minutes and 54 seconds this year, beating her own last year statistics of 46 minutes and 9 seconds. Each received a trophy and a cash amount of 10,000 baht.
Assoc. Prof. Charnchai Panthongviriyakul, M.D., President of Khon Kaen University, said that the 19th Khon Kaen International Marathon 2024 is a pride of Khon Kaen Province and Khon Kaen University people. The KKIM has been organized continuously for 19 years, under the AIMS international safety standard. That is why runners from all over the world and Thai people from all regions decided to join the event to win Royal trophies and cash awards. This year, the event also celebrated Khon Kaen University’s 60th Anniversary. The President was confident that the runners this year would be impressed from the warm welcome by Khon Kaen people, the organization of the event, including food and beverages and other provisions. On behalf of Khon Kaen Province and Khon Kaen University, KKU President then thanked all who had contributed to the organization this year until it came to this big success.
Check the running results at: https://my.raceresult.com/274512
News: Benjamaporn Mamook
Photos: The 19th Khon Kaen International Marathon Public Relation Committee