Cross-Mekong Marathon Draws Runners to Thai-Lao Border for 'One River, Two Lands' Event

09/11/2026 12:05

Email Print 83

KPL - Asean 2024 Hundreds of runners gathered along the Mekong River on Sunday to participate in the "Nakhon Phanom-Khammouane Cross-Mekong Run 2026," a joint sporting event designed to boost tourism and strengthen ties between Thailand and Laos.

(KPL) Held under the theme "One River, Two Lands," the event was led by Nakhon Phanom Governor Acting Sub-Lt. Adisak Noisuwan and Khammouane Provincial Vice Chairman Detsakda Manikham, alongside local officials and private-sector leaders from both nations.

The race featured a scenic route traversing the 3rd Thai-Lao Friendship Bridge, offering participants views of the river border separating the two countries. The competition included three distance options:

Half Marathon: 21.1 km

Mini Marathon: 10 km

Fun Run: 5 km

Both the start and finish lines were established at the Thai-Lao Border Checkpoint truck yard in Nakhon Phanom.

Local officials noted that the event provided a direct economic boost to border communities, driving tourist traffic to hotels, restaurants, coffee shops, and local vendors across the region.