Gazette sports reporter comes up a champ

PHUKET TOWN: The Gazette’s own sports reporter, Elke Cheong, yesterday beat off all-comers to win the women’s prize in the 1st Phuket Mini-Marathon, run on the streets of Phuket Town. Elke covered the 10-kilometer course in a time of 44:07 minutes, beating Kanlaya Odoom and Jamruensuk Kao-ien to take the overall women’s title. Overall winner of the race was Pawin Saengkaew, who covered the course in exactly 34:00 minutes. The 18-year-old student beat runner-up Tisope Majay by just three seconds, with Pittaya Changlek coming in third in 35:53 min. Other winners were: Boys under-17: Ekapol Prateep Na Thalang (36:40), followed by Preecha Reungchinda and Kathawut Chilao. Girls under-17: Umporn Palawong (51:00 min), followed by Suntriya Timkam and Chidchanokn Chanapairin. Men 30-39: Sawai Thongthae (34:28 min), followed by Taweesak Suesak and Suchin Reungpetch. Women 30-39: Anong Piriyapruek (48:57 min), followed by Saingam Pral and Passaya Pasaman. Men 40-49, Sukdee Wanthong (39:08 min), Suriya Na Banchang and Wanlue Yumui. Women over 40, Pornsuk Poungbutr (51:02 min), Prapis Sangiam and Yupa Kaenhin. Men over 50, Chalt Champa (40:34 min), Richard Cracknell and Kanit Yongsakul. All winners received trophies, medals, Wai-wai instant noodles and Ar-ngun cooking oil. The event was staged as part of the celebrations to mark HM The King’s 6th Cycle, and to promote the upcoming Phuket Vegetarian Festival. More than 150 runners participated.