The City Runs Before Sunrise

When most of the city is still dreaming, Bangkok’s streets awaken to the sound of running shoes and cheering crowds. The Bangkok Marathon 2025 starts at 00:30 am on Sunday, 16 November, right beside the Grand Palace on Sanam Chai Road — transforming the royal heart of Rattanakosin into Thailand’s biggest athletic stage.

With more than 30,000 runners from Thailand and around the world, it’s a race that blends sport, spectacle, and sightseeing. Imagine passing Wat Pho under moonlight, crossing bridges before sunrise, and finishing as the first light glows over the Chao Phraya River. For one magical morning, Bangkok feels calm, united, and full of motion.

The Races & Start Times

CategoryDistanceStart TimeFull Marathon42.195 km00:30 amHalf Marathon21.1 km03:00 amMini Marathon10 km04:30 amMicro Marathon5 km05:00 amAward Ceremony–~07:00 am

All routes begin and end on Sanam Chai Road, looping through Old Bangkok past landmarks and temples that most locals only see from taxis or tuk-tuks.

For Runners

Even at night, expect tropical warmth — 25°C to 30°C — so hydration and light gear are essential. Water and electrolyte stations appear every 2–3 km, and first aid points are well marked.

The Marathon Expo and Bib Collection take place at Bravo BKK (Rama 9 Road) on 14–15 November, 10:00–16:00 — worth visiting even for non-runners, as local brands showcase running apparel and sports tech.

For Spectators

Not joining the race? You can still be part of the atmosphere. Bangkok’s crowd is famously supportive — families, students, and night-shift workers line the route with whistles, drums, and Thai flags.

Best viewing spots:

Sanam Chai Road: Watch the start under palace lights.
Phan Fa Bridge: Catch the middle stretch as the runners surge through Old Town.
Democracy Monument: Sunrise, finish line, and celebration zone in one.

The Democracy Monument area turns into a mini festival after dawn, with food stalls reopening, live announcements, and a citywide sense of accomplishment.

Tips

Getting There: Arrive before 11 pm on Saturday night; streets close early and Grab drop-offs stop near Sanam Luang.
Stay Hydrated: Street vendors open again by 4 am with iced coffee, bottled water, and Thai breakfast snacks. Bring cash.

Event Info

Date: Sunday, 16 November 2025
Start / Finish: Sanam Chai Road, Phra Nakhon (Grand Palace area)
Organizer: National Jogging Association of Thailand
Official Website: bkkmarathon.com
Follow on Facebook: Bangkok Marathon Official

Why It’s Worth Waking Up For

Beyond the medals and records, the Bangkok Marathon offers a rare perspective — the capital before sunrise, silent but alive, its temples glowing and river breezes cutting through the heat. Whether you’re running, cheering, or just watching the sunrise at the finish line, it’s one of those uniquely Bangkok experiences that every local — and every expat — should witness at least once.

Bangkok Marathon 2025