Forget dreary marathons on grey city streets, Pattaya does things differently. On 1 November 2025, the city’s golden beachfront will once again swap flip-flops for running shoes as the Pattaya International Bikini Beach Race bursts back into life for its ninth outing.
This year’s theme? Sea Sparkle Run: The Coral and Pearl Edition. In other words, expect more glitter than a Mardi Gras float and more selfies than a Taylor Swift concert.
A carnival disguised as a race
Hosted by Central Pattaya, Asia’s largest natural beachfront shopping centre, the event has grown from novelty status into a major fixture on Thailand’s tourism calendar. Last year, more than 5,000 runners, locals, expats, and tourists from as far afield as Europe and the Americas, pounded down the sand in costumes ranging from sequinned bikinis to superhero capes.
Yes, there are medals. Yes, people do actually run. But make no mistake: this is less about shaving seconds off your personal best and more about being seen doing it.
One grinning participant summed it up neatly last year: “It’s the only race where glitter spray is more important than sunscreen.”
Pattaya’s economy gets a boost.
Beneath the sparkle, there’s serious business at play. Each November, the Bikini Run fills hotel beds, packs restaurants, and keeps the tills ringing across Pattaya. For Thailand’s tourism bosses, who are still intent on cementing the country’s bounce-back, it’s another chance to remind the world that Pattaya doesn’t just party for its profits.
At US$32 (฿1,030) a head, registration is hardly steep, but the collective spend of thousands of fun-seekers runs into the millions. For a city that thrives on events, this is marketing gold dust, which comes sprinkled with sequins.
How to join the fun
Registration is open until 29 October 2025 via World’s Marathons. Early sign-up is advised: capacity is capped, and the event sells out quicker than beach cocktails at sunset.
Pattaya at its most Pattaya
Some call it frivolous. Others call it genius. In truth, it’s both. The Bikini Run encapsulates everything that makes Pattaya what it is: cheeky, flamboyant, unashamedly fun, and entirely comfortable with the world watching.
This year’s Coral and Pearl edition promises even more spectacle, a celebration that blurs the line between sport and theatre. And in Pattaya, that line has never been particularly clear.
So lace up, sparkle on, and remember: style and stamina cross the finish line in this race.
By Kanda Limw
BIO:
Kanda Limw is a self-motivated administrative professional with a strong track record of supporting business operations efficiently and precisely. Highly organised and adaptable, she brings a wealth of skills to the table — from multitasking and prioritising competing demands to managing complex filing systems and ensuring smooth office workflows.
Her background spans professional secretarial work, customer relations, and project planning, where her critical thinking and proactive approach have consistently delivered results. Kanda is experienced in managing directors’ schedules, coordinating meetings, and streamlining administrative processes while maintaining the highest standards of professionalism.
With progressive experience in office management, she has developed a reputation for reliability and attention to detail. Colleagues value her calm under pressure, her ability to anticipate needs, and her dedication to keeping operations on track. Kanda continues to build on her diverse skill set, driving efficiency and excellence in every task she undertakes.
