The 21st annual Pattaya Marathon started with a bang in front of Central Festival Pattaya Beach department store, Beach Road, Nongprue, Banglamoong, Chonburi.

General Lertrat Rattanavanij, honorary vice president of the Athletic Association of Thailand under Mr. Sonthaya Khunpluem, minister of the Ministry of Tourism and Sports, and other honored guests participated early this morning in firing the starting signal of the Pattaya Marathon King’s Cup 2012.

In race results, the national male champion was Mr. Lawrence Kiptoo Saina from Kenya, last year’s champion, but he fell short of trying to break the record. The national female champion was Mrs. Euzaeth Jeruiyoj Chemweno, also Kenyan.

The Thai male champion was Mr. AmnuayTongmit, and the Thai female champion was Miss Natya Thanaronwat.

The half-marathon male champion was Mr. Jaran Jupoh, and the female half-marathon champion was Miss Sonthiya Saiwaeo. For the quarter-marathon, the male champion was NattawutImnoom; and the female quarter-mile champion was Ms. Berhon Bekcle.

For the wheelchair racers, capturing first place was Mr. Prawat Wahoram, also last year champion. Winners received the King’s Cup trophies and cash prizes totaling 2 million baht.(pdn.com)