Ayutthaya, THAILAND – More than 3,150 runners gathered at the Ayutthaya Old City Hall to participate in the Ayutthaya Marathon 2024 on Sunday, a unique event that allowed participants to traverse the historical paths of the ancient capital of Ayutthaya. 

The marathon, co-hosted by China Daily, the Ayutthaya Tourist Business Association, the Ayutthaya Running Club and The RVi Group, is part of China Daily's "Run With History" series, which organizes races at UNESCO heritage sites across Asia to enhance cultural appreciation through sport.

The event featured four race categories – a 42-kilometer marathon, a 21-kilometer half-marathon, a 10-kilometer mini-marathon and a 5-kilometer “fun run”. Participants hailed from a range of countries, including the United Kingdom, the United States, China, Singapore, South Africa, New Zealand, Myanmar, the Philippines, Vietnam, Laos, Cambodia and Thailand. 

Ayutthaya — a historic city founded in 1350 as the second capital of the Siamese Kingdom — was declared a UNESCO World Heritage Site in 1991. The race routes offered participants an opportunity to experience Ayutthaya's historical landmarks, adding cultural significance to the athletic challenge.

In addition to promoting fitness, the Ayutthaya Marathon 2024 served as a networking platform, strengthening connections among organizations from various sectors. A portion of the proceeds from the event will be donated to the Thai Red Cross, supporting ongoing relief efforts for Thailand’s recent flood crisis. This community-focused initiative highlights the event’s commitment to supporting local needs while enhancing tourism.

China Daily’s Edmond Tang took the photos.