Khon Kaen International Marathon

The Khon Kaen International Marathon, held every late January, is one of Thailand’s most celebrated distance races, and the only one with a dinosaur in the brand. Founded in 2004 and organized by Khon Kaen University, the event draws a big field of runners, with 40,000 participants reported in 2018. From elite athletes out of Kenya, Ethiopia, Laos, and Taiwan, to Thai recreational runners and first-timers, the race is a showcase of international talent and local energy. The course winds through central Khon Kaen on smooth roads with gentle terrain and on-course support. The organizers are putting a lot of effort in nicely designed T-shirts and medals. But what truly sets this marathon apart is its prehistoric twist: the dinosaur-themed branding, inspired by the nearby Phu Wiang fossil beds, adds a playful, distinctly local flavor. Expect a well-organized, high-energy race in the land where dinosaurs once roamed.