Bangkok Marathon

We ran the Bangkok Marathon on November 22, 2009; 10k (6.2 miles) which was the quarter marathon. The weather is currently perfect in Bangkok, 75 °F (23.89 °C) and sunny with a beautiful breeze. The quarter marathon started at 6:45 AM, so we woke up at 5:20 AM to give us plenty of time to hydrate ourselves and get to the starting point destination. The marathon started near the outside entrance of the Grand Palace. It continued to Rhra Pinklao bridge and turned around to come back on the Rama 8 bridge, and through various side streets back to the Grand Palace. The sun was still rising as we began the race as hundreds of participants ran together along the way. Parker and I both finished the race and we were able to run the entire 10k without walking! This was my goal considering it was the first marathon I have ever participated in. This was one of my favorite experiences since living in Bangkok, what a perfect way to remember my first marathon. My favorite part of the marathon was watching monks in their saffron robes walk through the side streets of Bangkok as they collected rice, curries, or fruit in their bowls. They do this every morning, and this rite provides the monks with their only source of food. People donate the food to gain merit to ensure a better incarnation in the next life. There were school children on the sides cheering as we ran by, and locals all stepped out of their homes to smile and wave as we ran by. At the end of the race we were presented with hamburger coupons to get free hamburgers at a stand set up by one of the sponsors. Usually after a intense workout, I am motivated to eat something a little healthier than fast food- however it was such a fun surprise we treated ourselves to free hamburgers! As Parker and I walked home, we were unsure of the direction to pick up a taxi because we were unfamiliar with the area we were in. I asked a Thai man who just finished the race if he knew which direction would be best for picking up a taxi and he offered to drive us back home! He explained he was going to work at his office and would be passing our direction. It was such a nice gesture and a perfect way to end a perfect morning.