Readme before you journey
"Wherever there's a race, we're there to explore." Because we are runners who love to travel.
This is our first review, and we use the pronoun "we" because we are confident that you will always be a part of our journey.
Our decision to review the concept of "traveling by running" stems from the belief that many individuals share a passion for both travel and running. We aim to represent those who appreciate both activities.
This event marks the first running competition held in this province, and despite its novelty, we are confident that its potential will ensure a successful event.
And here we are in Buriram province for the 1st Buriram Marathon.
1 day before running
Before our trip, we researched interesting places to visit, explore, and eat in Sa Kaeo, Buriram (of course, we are avid runners). Information from the "Sabai Dee Buriram" page and the page's admin, Nong Oi, was very helpful. We would like to express our gratitude here.
The journey from Bangkok took approximately 6 hours (traffic was heavy due to the long weekend) to reach the Chang International Circuit, where we were to collect our race bibs.
Arrived at Chang International Circuit.
The event was well-organized with numerous staff members present. We explored the venue and took pictures at each starting point, where we would return the following morning. After receiving our race bibs, we were given coupons to exchange for football tickets, which we could use to watch a game after completing the race in the evening.
A spectacular starting point.
Of course, when you come to Buriram, you have to watch a football match at I-Mobile Stadium. And what you can't miss is... when you come here, you have to go shopping for Buriram shirts at the Buriram United team's megastore.
The shirt is very beautiful.
Shopping spree, got a lot!
After a satisfying shopping and photo session, it was time to check in to the accommodation that had been booked since December 2016 through the Agoda website. Upon arrival, the hotel staff informed us that our name was not on the guest list. This was not the first time we had encountered this issue when booking hotels through Agoda (we had previously experienced similar situations in Sukhothai and Chanthaburi). Fortunately, a room had been canceled, allowing us to secure accommodation for the night. Upon inquiry, it was discovered that an employee had likely omitted our name from the list, resulting in the oversight. Nevertheless, we were relieved to have a place to stay for the night and were ready to find something to eat before our run the next day.
Photo Credit: Facebook fan page "Krua Baan Lil"
Today, we will take you to a restaurant called "Krua Baan Lil". The reason we chose this restaurant is because I have been here before when I brought the media to cover the news at Chang International Circuit. There are not many restaurants that can accommodate a large number of people, and Krua Baan Lil is one of them. The local media who are from Buriram also said that this restaurant is okay if you don't care much about the atmosphere. Most of them would choose to eat here. Oh... I forgot to mention the location. This restaurant is located in a Shell gas station, about 5 kilometers from the city center. As for the taste, it's a matter of personal preference, but I personally think it's delicious. Especially the desserts, there are many to choose from. Anyway, next year (2018), if anyone has the chance to come to Buriram Marathon 2018 or pass by, please try it out.
Let's Run: Time to go for a run.
Having read the guide beforehand, I was aware of the numerous road closures, prompting us to leave early to avoid getting lost and stuck in traffic. (The guide was excellent, and the organization was top-notch, with notifications sent via SMS, email, and social media. No one can claim ignorance as the organizers informed everyone in advance through all channels.) The management of vehicles entering the event was also quite impressive.
We have arrived at our starting point.
The event was bustling with activity, with runners divided into starting blocks based on their estimated finish times, which were determined by a pre-registration questionnaire. The starting line was, of course, spectacular, as befits the most modern and grand racing circuit in Thailand. It was truly an honor to run at this venue, even though the 21 km race I was participating in was a mere fraction of the circuit's length.
Another group that added color to this event was the group of fancy runners.
The weather was cold, with temperatures around 18-19 degrees Celsius and strong winds. However, this was advantageous as it increased the chances of achieving a good running time. The course was excellent, clean, and scenic. Reportedly, officials even washed the road the night before the race, which was impressive.
The pleasant weather and smooth roads were complemented by the enthusiastic cheers of supporters lining the route. At every turn, we were met with cries of "Go Thailand!" and "Keep fighting!" Their encouragement was so overwhelming that we couldn't even consider stopping. It was truly a run for our lives, fueled by the unwavering support of the crowd.
Upon reaching the finish line, I was surrounded by cheering fans who continued to cheer me on enthusiastically. After crossing the finish line, I was greeted by young people dressed in ancient Khmer costumes who presented me with medals. This moment was truly memorable for me.
I am relieved to have crossed the finish line.
After the race, runners will be hungry. Don't worry, there will be plenty of food and drinks available. The organizers have invited local vendors to offer a variety of delicious dishes, ensuring that runners can satisfy their hunger and enjoy a satisfying meal.
A delectable Pad Thai accompanied by sticky rice with sun-dried pork, complete with a boiled egg in a bag.
This restaurant is a must-try. The meatballs and sausages are incredibly delicious, and the dipping sauce is phenomenal.
This is just a sample, as I saw many more, but the staff said that each person could only get one item, so I only took this much. (I happened to be resting near the meatball shop, and the auntie told me to try it, so I tried two sticks, haha)
After the race, participants were transported back to the starting point by free shuttle buses. However, there were some minor issues with the transportation. Due to the lack of organization, participants who arrived first were not guaranteed a seat on the bus. It is recommended that organizers implement a queuing system for next year's event to ensure a smoother transportation process. Overall, the event was a success and received positive feedback from runners.
Let's Go: It's time to go out and have fun!
After finishing our run, we waited for the evening football match between Buriram United and Chonburi FC. The match was scheduled for 6 pm, so we had some time to kill. We decided to visit Khao Kradong Forest Park, which is located near the city center. It takes about 10-15 minutes to get there from the city center, and about 8 minutes from i-Mobile Stadium (3.5 km away). Upon arrival, we had the option to park at the bottom and walk up, or drive to the top. We opted for the latter.
On the way up the mountain, many people were seen stopping to take pictures. Later, it was discovered that this spot was the crater of a volcano. Moreover, a legend of love in Buriram province has led tourists to come and lock padlocks to make wishes about love.
This scenic spot is located on a bridge, which is often crowded. We spent a short time taking photos and enjoying the atmosphere before leaving and heading to the next destination, the revered Phra Suphatthabat Bophit statue atop the mountain.
Using clever positioning and finding camera angles devoid of people, I managed to capture this image.
A light-hearted post with a collection from Buriram United Club. (Uncle Ne is interested in being a presenter, just let me know, haha)
According to the "Sabai Dee Buriram" Facebook page, Phra Suphattra Pibit is said to have a relic of the Buddha within his head.
After descending from Khao Kradong, our next destination was the Huai Chorakhe Reservoir. This is the running route for the 21 km and 42 km runners who just ran this morning. However, returning here at 1 pm was a stark contrast to the morning atmosphere, as it was extremely hot. But... with the scenic view of the river and trees, even though the sun was hot, the view in front of us was so beautiful that we couldn't help but take pictures.
Hot but beautiful.
The younger sister has been waiting for her older brother at Crocodile Creek for a long time now. It's hot. Hurry up and take the picture so we can go somewhere shady.
Complaining too much, so I kicked him to the curb. 55
After taking photos for a while, our stomachs started to growl, signaling it was time for lunch. Initially, we planned to find something to eat in town. However, as we drove past a noodle shop, we noticed a large number of cars parked alongside it, filled with people enjoying their meals. We couldn't resist the temptation to try it ourselves. The name of this establishment is "Kway Teow Rim Khlong - Takro Rai."
After waiting for an hour, I finally got my hands on the noodles. Understandably, the restaurant was packed with both takeaway and dine-in customers, including families. Initially, I was fuming with hunger and mild to moderate irritation. However, upon arrival of the noodles, all was forgiven. The pork was incredibly tender and delicious. 55
Photo Credit : Facebook Fanpage "Kuaitiao Rim Khlong - Takro"
I was full, the weather was hot, and I was sleepy, so I took the opportunity to check in to another hotel. The name of this hotel is "Srianunt Boutique Hotel". I want to say that this hotel is a rare item. It is very good. The rooms are beautiful, clean, and look good. Plus, it is very close to Chang International Circuit, only 2.5 km away. The staff is also very good. The owner also took good care of me and gave me good advice all the time. It was so good that I will come back next year for the Buriram Marathon and have already booked a room here. I really appreciate it. I am really impressed.
Photo Credit: Facebook Fanpage of Srianunt Boutique Hotel
After a short rest, shower, and playtime, it was time to grab some snacks before cheering on the team at I-Mobile Stadium. This match was special not only because the home team was facing the big club Chonburi, but also because it was the opening match of the 2017 Thai League season. As a result, the crowd was exceptionally large. We arrived at 4 pm (the match started at 6 pm), and parking was already scarce.
We chose to relax at The Library Cafe' Buriram before the game. The cafe is located in the Castle zone of the I-Mobile Stadium.
This place is perfect for photography enthusiasts and bookworms alike. With its diverse photogenic corners and extensive book collection, one could easily spend an entire day here. Although our visit coincided with an event, resulting in a crowded atmosphere, it offered a unique experience. (P.S. The staff is friendly and charming, a little secret for single gentlemen.)
Alright! It's time to watch the football game. We used the tickets we got from the running event. They grouped all the runners together in Zone S, which is the zone behind the goal. Although the view wasn't that great, the weather and the game that day were amazing. This was the first time I brought her to a football stadium. She doesn't usually like watching football, but I was happy to see her having fun and getting so involved in the game. And... she has a new favorite handsome football player now. Haha~
S zone ticket behind the goal
Stadium atmosphere
The match ended in a thrilling 2-2 draw. The final program of the day was a visit to the walking street near the Buriram Police Station (as recommended by the owner of the Sri Anant Hotel). The walking street here is very diverse, with a wide variety of food, clothing, and other goods. We mainly focused on the food, which was delicious and plentiful.
We have arrived at the walking street.
In my opinion, the highlight is the brown rice baked with taro. It's affordable at 40 baht per box and packed with various grains. Health-conscious individuals would likely enjoy it. (Personally, I'm not that health-conscious, so I bought it to try with beer, and it was delicious!)
Steamed sticky rice with taro
Another highlight is the buckwheat dumplings, which are truly exceptional.
And the rice mixed with chili paste, which has a variety of side dishes and fresh vegetables to choose from, just like choosing toppings. This is also amazing.
After a satisfying meal, it was time to return to the hotel for a relaxing evening. A can of beer before bed capped off the day, and the journey back to Bangkok continued the following morning.
Before leaving the hotel, the owner of the Sri Anan Hotel suggested that we drive back via Lam Plai Mat, as it would be more convenient and faster than returning via Nang Rong, which would have more traffic coming from Ubon Ratchathani. I followed his advice and took the Lam Plai Mat route, and it was indeed true. The road was good, and we arrived very quickly. I can say that my trip to Buriram this time was filled with many good experiences. I got to run on new routes that I had never been on before, met friendly people, saw an old friend whom I hadn't seen in a long time (she now works in Buriram), and ate delicious food. I promise I will never forget this lovely city, the city of Srerakraw, Buriram.
I apologize for any errors. If there are any mistakes, please feel free to point them out. I also apologize for the quality of some of the images, as I used a mobile phone to take them.
The cameras used to capture the images in this review are:
- Canon 60D with fixed lenses 50mm f/1.8 and 18-135mm f/3.5
- HUAWEI P9 Plus
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