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There’s something quietly transcendent about running at dawn. The hush before the island stirs, the sky unsure whether to yawn or stretch, the sea whispering secrets to the shore. And then — the rhythmic thud of shoes, the collective breath of strangers-turned-allies, and the promise of a finish line not just earned, but lived.

That’s the spirit of the Laguna Phuket Marathon 2025, returning 14–15 June for its 19th year, though it feels more like a long-running love letter to endurance and paradise. Set in the lush heart of Phuket, Thailand, this isn’t just a marathon. It’s a memory-making machine, where every kilometre is steeped in tropical air, village smiles, and a kind of joy that lingers long after your medal’s been hung.

More than 8,000 runners — from fresh-faced first-timers to the quietly competitive and the utterly bonkers ultrarunners — will descend on Laguna Grove for a weekend that feels more like a celebration than a sporting event. It’s sweaty, sure. But it’s also soulful.

: Mr. Sophon Suwannarat Phuket Governor

: Mr. Paul Wilson, Managing Director Laguna Phuket

The format is clever: “Run Sunset, Run Sunrise.” Saturday evening is for the fun runs — 5km, 10km, a dash for the kids, the tentative, the toe-dippers. Then Sunday morning, the purists rise before the roosters to take on the half and full marathons as the sun spills over the Andaman Sea. It’s not just good timing — it’s theatre. And you’re the star.

The course? It reads like a travel brochure that’s been left in the sun — all soft edges and golden hues. Think: rubber plantations rustling in the breeze, sleepy fishing villages, banana palms swaying, and a coastline so pretty you’ll wonder whether to run or stop for a selfie. (Do both. Life is short.)

But this year’s race isn’t just about feet and finish lines. The organisers have doubled down on what matters: sustainability, inclusivity, and giving back. That means reusable water stations, age categories that now include sprightly 70+ legends, and every bib supporting local causes through the Laguna Phuket Foundation and the Children First Fund. In other words, it’s not just good for you — it’s good for the community, too.

: Mr. Veerapong Pongsawasdi, Deputy Executive Director Event Department, Tourism Authority of Thailand

: Mrs.Wiyada Buranapakorn, Omnichannel Customer Director, CRC Sports Co., Ltd., Operator of Supersports

There’s also a night market with the kind of street food that should come with a warning label (“You’ll crave this for months”), live music that toes the line between local soul and international beats, and resort packages so lush you’ll barely miss your bed back home.

Phuket’s known for many things: its beaches, its sunsets, its cocktails with little umbrellas. But every June, it adds something else to the list — a chance to run not just a race, but a story. A sunrise story. A sweaty, salty, sensational one.

Registrations are now open at phuketmarathon.com, and they do fill up fast — not just because it’s one of Asia’s most scenic marathons, but because it’s one of the most heartfelt.

So go on. Chase the sun. Run toward something incredible.