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On 10 October 2009, Amari Watergate Bangkok was the hotspot for action, as the starting point late on Saturday night for the 12th Annual Midnight Run for Charity. The proceeds from the event will be donated to some very worthy causes: firstly, the ‘Chalerm Prakiat School’ in the Lampoon Province of Thailand, which supports the education of children, whose parents have very tragically passed away due to HIV infection, and secondly, ‘Baan Gerda’ in the Lopburi Province, a home which supports HIV infected, orphaned children.

The starting pistol was fired at midnight and over 4,000 runners for charity set off. The race was run through the streets of Bangkok, with a choice of two courses: 12km and 6km. Some fun-runners even opted for fancy dress costumes and family teams also rallied together. The gold champions from the Paralympics also joined the race, supported by the Sport Association For the Disabled of Thailand. The excitement in the air was palpable, as the race kicked off. Many spectators came out to cheer on the runners, as they crossed the finish line. The fastest times were as follows:

12km fastest male (Mr. Brian Marotta) – 39.09 mins 12km fastest female (Khun Suwaree Dee-Nak) – 42.00 mins 6km fastest male (Khun Teeradej Maen-Hrum) – 24.00 mins 6km fastest female (Khun Natticha Bao-Thong) - 30.15 mins

Mr. Brian and Khun Suwaree were delighted to be presented their trophies by HRH Princess Sirindhorn. Trophies for all categories and ages groups were also presented (click to see the result), while every runner received a commemorative medal for taking part.

VIPs and sponsors were out in force, as the race gathers increased momentum every year. The General Manager of Amari Watergate Bangkok, Mr Pierre-Andre Pelletier, was accompanied by the President of BMW Group Thailand, Mr. Michael Kordys, and the President of Caring Hearts for AIDS Foundation, Khun Saisom Wongsasuluck, along with other honourable guests. Mr. Pelletier puts on his running shorts every year for this good cause and remarked, “We are delighted at the success of this year’s event and at the money we have collected for charity. We are simply proud to be able to give back to the community and in such a fun manner for everyone involved.”

The Midnight Run was promptly followed by a fantastic party at Amari Watergate , in Henry J. Bean’s Bar & Grill, which went on until the early hours of Sunday morning..
The combined total raised from the 12th Amari Watergate & BMW Thailand Midnight Run for Charity and the 13th Aerobic Marathon on Aids will be announced soon.