After a twelve-year hiatus, I returned to Bangkok and its Marathon to find it prospering and reaching new levels of sophistication.  New highways and a high-speed railway system have eased horrendous traffic conditions considerably and have also helped make the marathon an easier course to control.

A look out my hotel window spotted numerous religious centers among modern skyscrapers, some of the world's finest hotels and shopping centers that rival Troy's Somerset Collection. At street level it was completely different.  I walked out of my hotel surrounded by Chinatown with every unimaginable kind of sidewalk stall. It was a feast for the senses to look at block after block of various household goods, jewelry, toys and smell food that I had never seen before.

Less than a mile away, the grandeur of the Grand Palace, former residence of the King and now home to the Emerald Buddha was calling me to visit it again.   I ran the Bangkok Marathon the first five years beginning in 1987, finishing second the first two years and winning it the next three.  Each year, I've taken the time to visit the Palace and witness its spellbinding beauty.

The Bangkok Marathon continues to start and finish in front of the Grand Palace. While the marathon is the marquee race, the participation in the 5km and 10km (over 15,000) overshadows it in numbers but not in degree of accomplishment.

Strobe lights brightened the staging area as runners prepare for a 3:30 am send off. Steamy temperatures (80 + F) cramped some runner's abilities once the sun came up at 6:30 am. The lead runners began and finished the race in the dark. Street lighting and the red strobe swords of the Police ensured that the runners had little problems finding their way.

A new super highway, named after King Bhumibol Abulyadej's mother, provided a long out and backstretch that was easy to control. At approximately 22 km a larger than life, ornately framed painting, honoring the King and his mother marked the turnaround on the highway. It was interesting watching all the runners on the other side of the divider; turn their heads to watch the leaders as my driver and interpreter gave me their insights.

After exiting the highway, runners headed toward the lights of Bangkok's newest bridge across the Chao Phya River, the Rama VIII. In addition to improving traffic, Rama VIII has also been designed with a motorcycle lane and pedestrian walkway. Its the fifth longest asymmetrical cable-stayed bridge in the world and it was imperative that the waterway not be obstructed by supporting pillars, since this section of the river is on the route of the Royal Barge Procession. It a beautiful bridge to look at during the day or night. The top of the observation tower is shaped like a lotus bud.

Runners circled the Grand Palace to finish along tall sponsor banners and a meticulously painted finish line structure that gave additional significance to their accomplishment. Beautiful and heavy, gold painted medals that represented one of Thailand's royal crests were hung around every finisher's neck.  Adjacent to the Grand Palace, Saranrom Park was the staging area for post race feeding that included traditional Thai soup, rice dishes and omelets.

Few awards ceremonies I've attended were more elaborate. Traditional Thai music accompanied by dance performers dressed in ornate, brightly colored costumes gave award winners and presenting dignitaries at taste of Thailand's glorious culture. A painting of Thailand's King was part of the stage and Thai runners bowed in reverence to the King as they accepted their award. The Thai king heads a 2,500 year-old monarchy and is a symbol of unity and continuity to the country's 62-million citizens.

Bangkok race director, Songkram Kraisonthi and his Amazing Field Company along with the National Joggers Association of Thailand organizes many events.  There are more than thirty clubs in Bangkok alone and Amazing Field promotes running throughout Thailand.  Many of the teams wore bright matching outfits during the race. It was visually impressive and in a way symbolized the unity, warmth and sense of fun that I encountered on my runs while in Bangkok.