(Click to see enlarge picture)
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On the 8th October 2011, Amari Watergate Bangkok was the hotspot for action, as the starting point late on Saturday night for the 14th 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. And thirdly, Baht for a Better Life Project.
The starting pistol was fired at midnight and over 4,400 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 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. Clive Stokes) : 39.56 mins
- 12km fastest female (Khun Suvaree Deenak) : 47.32 mins
- 6km fastest male (Khun Teeradej Menrum) : 23.49 mins
- 6km fastest female (Khun Rattana Chotikakam) : 32.5 mins
Mr. Clive and Khun Suvaree were delighted to be obtained by HRH Princess Sirindhorn’s trophies. Trophies for all categories and ages groups were also presented (click to see the result), while every runners received a commemorative medal for taking part.
VIPs and sponsors were out in force, as the race gathers increased momentum every year. Dr. Suwat Sidthilaw, Permanent Secretary of Ministry of Tourism & Sports presided over the opening ceremony together with the General Manager of Amari Watergate Bangkok, Mr. Pierre-Andre Pelletier, was accompanied by the President of BMW Group Thailand, Mr. Matthias Pfalz, and the President of Caring Hearts for AIDS Foundation, Khun Saisom Wongsasuluck, along with other honorable 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.”
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