32nd ChomBueng Marathon Full Marathon Experience (2017 Edition)

This is the third time I participated in an international marathon. Chombueng Marathon, we came across this event from a group of avid Thai runners on the trip to River Kwai Int. Half Marathon in 2015. 15 January 2017, I completed my first overseas 42.195km in the Chombueng Marathon happening at Ratchaburi province. It was the coolest event I’ve ever been to, with its chilly temperature at ground surrounded with mountains.

Bib collection at Rajabhat University Chom Bueng

The race itself is a long wait after all. The registration took place four months prior to the event. This year the Full Marathon runners were selected through balloting. It is also the first time all runners had to undergo the process due to overwhelming responses (For more information regarding to the marathon, you can visit to its website here). As much as I wanted to make it to the event, I was struggling with myself since the day I signed up.

The finisher Medal 2017

A small tent fit for two little ones

As the Chombueng Marathon is not a well-known event to overseas runners, it was not an easy feat for us to join the crowd of runners which is populated by locals. After a 3 hour journey from Bangkok Southern Bus Terminal and another 45 minutes away from the city, we finally reached at the Chom Bueng town one day early. It was a sunny afternoon and we left for our staying tent after collected the race kit.

Son Goku, Cinderella and the dance group (Photo credit to Chombueng Marathon Facebook)

The next morning at 3am (Malaysian time), we were transported from our tent site to the race venue. The FM category finally flagged off at 0400 (Thailand time). At first 15km, I was running at a slow pace with my body trying to adopt to the surrounding temperature. 

Scenic view with fellow runners (Photo credit to Chombueng Marathon Facebook)

Sexy runner posing in front of camera (Photo credit to Chombueng Marathon Facebook)

Thanks to the water stations provided at each 2km distance marker, I was able to keep up with the loss of hydration in body. There were various types of food served than I’ve ever seen, banana, pineapple, watermelon, colored biscuits, Meiji energy drinks, power gels and local produces. There were also cheerleading, dancing groups and bands spotted along the route, to cheer up the runners. 

Volunteer and the food offerings..(Photo credit to Chombueng Marathon Facebook)

I managed to complete the course in 5 hr 45 mins. It was another achievement unlocked. After meeting up with SW at finishing line, it’s time to fuel up the empty stomach. The food provided at race camp was simple yet Aroi (yummy). SW was feasting like she had just finished her 42km course. Before we left the race camp, I had a post-race stretching and blister treatment from medical team stationed at medical tent.

Gun Time: 5hr 49mins 47secs

Thanks to organizer. We enjoyed the meal so much

Rilakuma runner, I found you :) 

There were many interesting stories to be shared in this journey, yet what makes them special are the beautiful people we met in each event. First, the Thai lady in our minivan who helped to communicate with driver and pointed us direction to hotel at Ratchaburi, the lovely family who run the homestay at Chombueng, the friendly Filipino mother who enjoyed accompanying her daughter for running events at around Bangkok, the kind-hearted uncle who paid the fare for us while sharing one taxi to BTS station from bus terminal, and more. In the end, I still hope to keep the memories to myself even if I knew our paths would not cross again. Adios.

  

Happy running (Photo credit to Chombueng Marathon Facebook)