Muang Thai Chiang Mai Marathon

With its stunning natural landscapes, rich Lanna culture, and vibrant modern charm, Chiang Mai attracts millions of Thai and international tourists each year. Marathon running is one of the most effective tourism activities embraced by many major cities worldwide—such as the Boston Marathon, L.A. Marathon, London Marathon, Sydney Marathon, New York Marathon, Tokyo Marathon, Beijing Marathon, Hong Kong Marathon, and Singapore Marathon—as a tool to attract global participants and boost tourism. In Thailand, more provinces are organizing marathons to promote tourism. Chiang Mai Marathon, or Muang Thai Chiang Mai Marathon, is an event under the project “Ta Ton Yon Marathon: Soft Power for Tourism” (No Elite, No Label). It has become the most internationally participated marathon in Thailand, with runners traveling from across the globe. Held annually on the Sunday before the last Sunday of December, the event has grown over its 19-year journey from a small local race into an international tourism magnet. The marathon's unique appeal lies in Chiang Mai’s strengths—an abundance of tourist attractions, convenient transportation, ample accommodations, and the famous warmth and hospitality of its people, as expressed in the local saying: “Welcome, honored guests. Feel at home, as if this were your own.” The result: a continuous increase in foreign participants. In the 11th edition of the race, over 10,000 runners from 53 countries joined, including 2,973 international runners—making it the marathon with the highest number of foreign participants in Thailand, according to the Tourism Authority of Thailand (TAT). The 12th edition in 2017 continued this trend, with 10,500 runners from 55 countries, including 2,846 international runners. For the upcoming Muang Thai Chiang Mai Marathon 2025 (20th edition), more than 2,000 international runners and tourists are expected to fly in and take part.