Hua Hin Half Marathon - now with photos

[Big Boy]

Objective
Aims to utilize the proceeds from this event to increase green area by transforming the area of 18 Rai around Wat Khao Krai Lart into the last reforested mangrove forest in Hua Hin municipality.

Venue
Hin Lek Fai Hill (behind Hua Hin Train Station) , Hua Hin City.

Start & Finish
All events will start and finish on Hin Lek Fai Hill.

Schedule
Race bib numbers will be distributes at Hin Lek Fai Hill on Saturday, May 16th, between 12.00 p.m.- 07.00 p.m.and

Sunday, May 17th, 4.30 a.m. on ward.
05.30 a.m. Half Marathon start.
06.00 a.m. Quarter Marathon start.
06.15 a.m. Hua Hin Student Run and Walk & Fun Run start.
08.00 a.m. Awards Ceremony
09.00 a.m. Closing Ceremony

More details here: http://amazingfield.net/program_detail-24-EN

[Big Boy]

I've just been up to register for the event, and discovered that there will be no car parking. Essentials such as VIP tents are taking priority over parking. Yes, there are a couple of free buses leaving from Hua Hin Temple at 4:30am, but I'm not prepared to take the chance.

I'm so disappointed - I had psyched myself up for it.

My son and 1 granddaughter will still enter, but they will use a motorcycle - you won't see me on one of those.

[lomuamart]

You can't get out of things that easily. Take a taxi up there and call them when you're ready to be collected.
There you go. You're still able to kill yourself!!

[Big Boy]

Nah, they obviously don't want me. I doubt whether a taxi would get up there either. I had to drive out to where the big observation platform is to turn around. If there was a 2nd car around, at least one of us would have been in trouble, and the grass would have been ploughed.

[Big Boy]

Well despite throwing my toys out of the pram, and lomu's best wishes - I did it. Photos later.

[Big Boy]

Well, this is what we got for our efforts:

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Getting there wasn't as bad as I'd anticipated. We parked in the temple at the bottom of the mountain, and shuttle buses were running about every minute.

We arrive at the event at about 4:45am, while it was still dark. I was amazed at how many runners were already congregated. I had not seen very much publicity. Everything was well organised. The big race started dead on 5:30am - of course, that wasn't us.

6am saw the start of the 10Km run, which was one of our party.

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We were taking part in the Fun Run. This was down Hin Lek Fai and turn right to the college, and then back again. Although the photos don't really show it, the hill is very steep and takes its toll on the back of your legs on the way down.

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We departed the start line with cheer leaders to help us on our way. At 2 other points there were further cheer leader and school bnds.

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We were still going down the hill, when the leaders started passing us on their way back up again. We weren't in it to win it, so we just kept a steady pace.

The hill on the way back up again was murder. I don't think many made it up in one go. I know that I was gasping for breath several times. People gradually made it to the top, where there was a long straight. At the end of the straight medals and cold drinks were waiting.

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Of course, some found it easier going than others. This little chap did the 10Km run and didn't even seem out of breath.

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Our party all finished quite early, so when finished we made our way back down the mountain to where our car was waiting. We passed many competitors still suffering on the hill.

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I must say, it did feel good passing so many still struggling, as we were on our way home.

An excellent event, well organised. We will probably suffer it again next year.

[Brit Jim]

Hi BB

I did the Half Marathon and have to say it was well organised. Like wise parked at the Temple an shuttle bus to start.

Completed in just over 2 hours but the hill at the end was a killer - not a runner in sight.

Highly recommended and will be there next year.

Great Pictures!

Cheers

[pharvey]

Thanks for sharing BB - and fair play to you and all who took part..

[Big Boy]

the hill at the end was a killer - not a runner in sight.

Yes, quite funny actually, as soon as they saw me lift the camera, a few tried to start running .

[STEVE G]

My son and 1 granddaughter will still enter, but they will use a motorcycle.....

How long did it take them to do a half marathon with the motorcycle?

[Big Boy]

My son and 1 granddaughter will still enter, but they will use a motorcycle.....

How long did it take them to do a half marathon with the motorcycle?

If they ache the way I do today, they're probably wishing they did use a motorcycle

[Stargeezer]

Good Pictures and story of the half marathon BB,
If I attended I would be the one at the finish line with
the camera, and maybe would have walked to that spot directly
from the shuttle bus, ha ha.
My round shape prevents me from running any distance, unless it is
to get away from my wife or a bear!
Stargeezer