BY For years, I’d watched friends disappear for ‘run-cations’, only to return beaming, a shiny medal in hand, a new location logged on Strava, stunning photos in their feeds, and stories of overseas adventure. With my recently broken-in ASICS Superblast 2s, it was finally my turn to tick this off my bucket list—just my second-ever 21km race, at the Bangkok Airways Samui Half Marathon on 22 June 2025.
Sun-kissed Koh Samui, the series opener for the airline’s Boutique Series, was the perfect setting for this milestone. This trio of races also spans Trat and Sukhothai, but Samui’s unique charm was irresistible. Racers looking to tackle these races can look forward to complementary race entry with purchase of a Bangkok Airways flight.
Beyond the physical challenge of a half marathon, I was after a side of sun, sea and a celebratory spa session. If there’s anything a hard-earned finish deserves, it’s a little luxury, and I was determined to savour every moment of my first overseas running adventure.
Koh Samui - Where Running Shoes Meet Flip-Flops
Touching down in Koh Samui, the humid air clung to my skin like a warm embrace. The airport felt more like a tropical garden than a transport hub, with open-air pavilions and palm trees swaying gently in the background.
Within moments, I swapped city shoes for slides and settled into the comforts of the Thai Fight Hotel, a boutique, Muay Thai-themed beachfront retreat that set the bar high for sport-inspired accommodation. Beyond the awe of having a boxing ring and sandbags in the gym (as well as in each guest room) and onsens in the spa for recovery after a workout, it offers a blend of charm, modern comfort, and a peaceful seafront view that captured the sunrise each morning, Thai Fight Hotel was the perfect base prepare for a race and relax after.
Anyone who’s ever signed up for a race in an unfamiliar place knows the cocktail of excitement and nerves it brings. At the race expo, the air buzzed with a laid-back, welcoming vibe. While you might not get the high-octane race village hype found in Singapore, you’ll discover a genuine sense of community, with warm smiles and helpful volunteers making every runner feel at home.
Tropical Carb-Loading and Pre-Race Jitters
Racing in Thailand has a particular perk: the pre-race meal. Led by our hosts from the Tourism Authority of Thailand, our little band of six runners indulged in the best of local cuisine – fragrant jasmine rice, seafood dishes with tantalising sauces, and perhaps a touch too much coconut milk and spice. It was fuel, Thai style, and the perfect excuse for seconds.
That night, sleep proved elusive. Racing in a new place amplifies the nerves: would I oversleep and miss the 3am shuttle? Where would I leave my bag? Would the route suit my gels and fuelling plan? In the end, I decided to lay out my kit, pack my gels and trust the process. The best part of these adventures, after all, is the stories you bring home, whatever happens on the course.
Sunrise, Sweat and the Beauty of Racing Abroad
Koh Samui at 4.30am is a world transformed: peaceful and secretive, as the nightlife fades and the race village stirs to life. Jogging to the start line, I joined rows of fellow runners, all clutching water bottles, adjusting GPS watches and psyching themselves up in the pre-dawn stillness.
The countdown began and, with the starter’s horn, we were off. A blur of pounding feet and colourful kits streaming through the dark, narrow city streets. The route began at Central Samui, just as the island’s party scene was winding down. A tight start through the entertainment district soon gave way to a series of rolling hills that tested every runner’s legs over the first 10 kilometres. With over 400 metres of elevation, it was a tough course but rewarded us with glimpses of the island’s best: Fisherman’s Village, the most famous street on Samui, the Laem Chengmon beach district, the serene Wat Ban Laem temple, and Bangrak Pier, where the salty sea breeze offered welcome relief.The final stretch merged with the 10km route at BIG C Samui, where the homestretch was lined with local support as the island awoke. With water stations every two kilometres, generous fuelling at the 10km and 20km marks, and numerous aid stations stocked with analgesic sprays, runners were well looked after throughout.
For a novice long-distance runner, a half marathon is no mean feat. The morning’s cool air helped, but every incline seemed just a bit steeper than expected. Yet, what the race demanded in grit, it repaid in unfiltered joy. There were moments along the quiet roads where I simply felt privileged to be present and experiencing one of my favourite pursuits in such a picturesque setting.
Crossing the Line: A Medal and Phad Thai
By the final bend, cramp set in and my thighs protested every stride, but the sight of the finish arch, fluttering flags and promise of a cold drink was all I needed. I crossed the line, limping with calves tight, shirt drenched but beaming with pride.
After the obligatory medal photo (immediately dispatched to the group chat, naturally), I was treated to the best of Thai hospitality at the race village. My aching legs rejoiced as I tucked into local Phad Thai, omelette with rice, fresh coconut water, and, once the food had disappeared, a well-deserved massage.
Spa Bliss: Recovery, Thai Style
Thailand is famous for its spa culture and post-race recovery is almost a sport in itself. During my stay, I indulged in a sublime 90-minute traditional Thai massage at the exclusive Rai Ra Cave Spa, which stretched out every aching muscle. That was followed by several foot massages at a local parlour just minutes from my hotel, with thoughtful therapists working expertly on tired legs.These moments of recovery were pure bliss, transforming me from bedraggled runner to pampered traveller. The therapists seemed to intuitively locate every tight knot and sore spot. If recovery could always be this enjoyable, I’d be tempted to race every weekend.
Island Wandering and Culinary Celebrations
No trip to Koh Samui is complete without a little exploring—and plenty of eating. Post-race, I made time for the island’s highlights: the famed Big Buddha temple, the vibrant Fisherman’s Village with its weekend markets, and a memorable visit to the Elephant Kingdom Sanctuary. There, I learned about elephant conservation, fed the elephants from a stunning sky walk, and experienced genuine connection with these gentle giants.
Each outing brought new culinary delights, from Michelin Guide-recommended restaurants serving authentic Thai classics to local mookata BBQs. But the best meals were shared with fellow runners –
people I’d only just met, yet who felt like old friends. We traded stories about shoes, running routes, and the universal quest for the finish line. As the sun set behind the palm trees, we clinked glasses over plates of mango sticky rice at Hug Samui, a charming beachfront restaurant and bar, grateful for the journey and the camaraderie.
Why Every Runner Should Try a Run-cation
Looking back, my first overseas race was much more than a medal for the collection. It was an excuse to explore, to meet new people, and to experience a beautiful place at my own running pace. Racing abroad is not just about personal bests or chasing the clock; it’s about the joy of movement, the thrill of discovery, and the satisfaction of a finish well earned. Koh Samui delivered all that and more. If you’ve ever considered a run-cation, take my advice: sign up for the race, book the flight and bring your appetite. There’s a whole world out there to run towards.In Thailand’s Koh Samui, it tastes just a little sweeter; with sand between your toes, a medal round your neck and a young coconut in hand.
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