On the 20th June 2021 I took on the 68km route from the very south cape of Phuket to the northernmost point, ending on the bridge that connects the island to the Thai mainland. The route follows the western coastline passing amazing view after amazing view. The route is mostly road, with some sections where you are forced to run on the beach, and some sandy dirt tracks along the edge of the beach. The main challenges are hills, sand and heat!
I created the route and took on the challenge to raise funds for the charity Scholars of Sustenance, who are using what would become food waste to feed families in need on Phuket. Due to covid-19 there are many people in need here, since the island economy was mostly based upon international tourism. My hope in setting the route as an FKT is that it will encourage people to take the route on when they come to visit Phuket!
I ran supported, with different friends joining for anything from 1km to 30km of the route. I also had a support van courtesy of the Pavillions resort, supporting the fundraising effort. This made the route easier as being fully self-sufficient in this heat, without passing any clean water supplies, would be a big ask.
My effort was plant-based and single-use plastic free, which was an advantage of having the support vehicle since it gave me the ability to prepare food and bring it. Over the 68km I had 8 stops - most of which were very short water and snack breaks. I ran all the flats, downhills and (nearly) all the beaches. However, due to stopping for filming fundraising updates and to speak with supporters who came out, the time could definitely be improved upon.
There is a more detailed 'race report' in my blog, and also a video was made of the day. This was a really enjoyable day out!