The 25th edition of the Standard Chartered Bangkok Marathon will be held on November 19. Here, Khun Lyn Kok, President and Chief Executive Officer of Standard Chartered Bank, explains more about the run and why everyone should ‘Run for a Reason’
 |  |
Since this is the 25th marathon organized by the bank, it is clearly a special occasion, right?
Yes, it has always been a very special occasion as it is a traditional and premier running event in Bangkok and the Asia-Pacific region. And Standard Chartered marathon is run in nine markets spanning four continents. In Thailand, this is the 25th Bangkok Marathon while the 7th consecutive marathon sponsorship for Standard Chartered.
Internally, our bank staff raise funds all through the year for the ‘Seeing is Believing’ project, a global initiative to help tackle avoidable blindness. It’s been our commitment since 2003 to raise USD 100 million by 2020. Every dollar raised is matched by our Group which doubles the impact. Since 2003, Standard Chartered staff have raised USD 43 million and this money has helped 2.8 million cataract sufferers see again, protected 3.9 million people from Vitamin A and river blindness and trained over 68,000 health workers. So, let me reconfirm that this year is a very special event as the marathon is not only about running, but it’s more of aspiration.
Yes, it has always been a very special occasion as it is a traditional and premier running event in Bangkok and the Asia-Pacific region. And Standard Chartered marathon is run in nine markets spanning four continents. In Thailand, this is the 25th Bangkok Marathon while the 7th consecutive marathon sponsorship for Standard Chartered.
Internally, our bank staff raise funds all through the year for the ‘Seeing is Believing’ project, a global initiative to help tackle avoidable blindness. It’s been our commitment since 2003 to raise USD 100 million by 2020. Every dollar raised is matched by our Group which doubles the impact. Since 2003, Standard Chartered staff have raised USD 43 million and this money has helped 2.8 million cataract sufferers see again, protected 3.9 million people from Vitamin A and river blindness and trained over 68,000 health workers. So, let me reconfirm that this year is a very special event as the marathon is not only about running, but it’s more of aspiration.
| Is it a full or half marathon, and what is the route? It is comprised of a full marathon, half marathon, minimarathon, micromarathon, and a fun run. For the routing, the Bangkok Marathon is renowned for having one of the most beautiful routes in this region. The scenic passage goes from The Grand Palace to Rachadumnoen Road where the runners can see The Democracy Monument. For the longer-distance runners, they will take the scenic Rama 8 Bridge that spans across the famous Chao Phraya River. Apart from Standard Chartered, who are the other sponsors? We partner with our long-term alliances. They are The National Jogging Association of Thailand (NJAT), Bangkok Metropolitan Administration, The Ministry of Tourism and Sports, and other private sponsors. |   |
Please explain the title of this year’s event – ‘Run for a Reason’
The marathon gives thousands of ordinary people a reason to feel extraordinary. In continuation of the theme “Run for a Reason,” our marathon characterizes the values and attitude that Standard Chartered believes in, and lives by every day. Our event represents a ‘can-do’ attitude, a priority on strength of trust, and willpower. That’s why this year we encourage the runners to express their reason for running through their costumes.
How many people do you expect to take part in the run?
Every year the event draws more than 50,000 runners from Thailand and other countries, so this year we hope that many people will join the marathon and together mark it as the event of the year again.
Plus many more either helping out or cheering on the runners, right?
Correct, there will be both the runners themselves and the marathon crew giving the event a festive atmosphere and making it even more fun and special.
How can runners register to take part?
They can apply at every branch of Standard Chartered Bank and McDonald’s, and also online (see below).
Will you, Khun Lyn, be running?
Definitely, I will do the 2.5-km fun run as it reflects my personality and it is the most participated category of this running event.
For more info: www.bkkmarathon.com
The marathon gives thousands of ordinary people a reason to feel extraordinary. In continuation of the theme “Run for a Reason,” our marathon characterizes the values and attitude that Standard Chartered believes in, and lives by every day. Our event represents a ‘can-do’ attitude, a priority on strength of trust, and willpower. That’s why this year we encourage the runners to express their reason for running through their costumes.
How many people do you expect to take part in the run?
Every year the event draws more than 50,000 runners from Thailand and other countries, so this year we hope that many people will join the marathon and together mark it as the event of the year again.
Plus many more either helping out or cheering on the runners, right?
Correct, there will be both the runners themselves and the marathon crew giving the event a festive atmosphere and making it even more fun and special.
How can runners register to take part?
They can apply at every branch of Standard Chartered Bank and McDonald’s, and also online (see below).
Will you, Khun Lyn, be running?
Definitely, I will do the 2.5-km fun run as it reflects my personality and it is the most participated category of this running event.
For more info: www.bkkmarathon.com
RSS Feed
