BANGSAEN42

Country:  Vietnam
Website:  https://www.bangsaen42.com/en
2025 Marathon Date:  11/9/2025
2026 Marathon Date:  TBC
Winning Time 2025:  2:17:53
% Sub-3s:  1-2%
# Sub-3s:  50-99
Total Runners: 3-10k

The Bangsaen42 Marathon has rapidly established itself as one of Southeast Asia’s standout road races, offering a world-class marathon experience along the coastal roads of Bang Saen in Thailand’s Chonburi Province. Recognised with the prestigious World Athletics Elite Label, the event is known for its striking seaside setting, exceptional organisation and a course designed for fast, confident running. Unlike many large events, Bangsaen42 is uniquely dedicated to a single distance – the classic 42.195 km marathon – creating a focused atmosphere and a unified sense of purpose among participants from the very first step.

The race begins near the Bangsaen Heritage Hotel, with the Gulf of Thailand providing a scenic backdrop as dawn breaks across the shoreline. Early kilometres unfold along Bangsaen Beach, introducing runners to the characteristic flat profile that defines the course. The route follows coastal roads and passes a series of local landmarks that contribute to the event’s distinctive character, including Ang Sila Market and the Shrine for Nezha’s Tai Tzu-Naklua. A bridge section offers elevated ocean views, adding visual variety without imposing significant climbing, and the generally flat terrain supports smooth, even pacing for athletes targeting personal bests.

Bangsaen42 is celebrated not only for its scenery but also for its meticulous planning. The event features extensive hydration support, medical assistance, real-time runner tracking and a highly engaged volunteer network that lines the course. The smooth asphalt surfaces, combined with a refreshing sea breeze, further enhance the running experience. A generous seven-hour cut-off time ensures accessibility, supporting both elite competitors and recreational runners alike.

The marathon’s history is relatively recent but remarkably impactful. First held in 2017, it was conceived as a pioneering effort to create a standalone, world-class marathon in Southeast Asia. From an initial field of around 6,000 runners, it has grown to more than 12,500 participants in recent editions. Organised by MICE & Communication Co., Ltd. under Race Director Rut Jiroajvanichakorn, the event has earned multiple awards, including Thailand’s Best Full Marathon Event for two consecutive years and a Runners’ Choice Award. As part of the wider Bangsaen Marathon series – which includes the globally recognised Bangsaen21 Half Marathon – Bangsaen42 continues to set new standards for coastal marathon running in the region.