Sweat, smiles and sustainability at Bangkok’s Nordic Run 2024

Nordic: Siltanews – News Desk
The Nordic embassies in Thailand have joined forces once again, drawing 500 runners to Benchakitti Park for the second year in a row. At 7:00 AM this Saturday morning, Governor of Bangkok Chadchart Sittipunt sounds the horn, starting the Nordic Run 2024. 500 participants from around the world got up early to run or walk distances of either five or ten kilometers. As the sun rose, the participants registered themselves, gathered for pictures and did warmups.

The event, which debuted last year, is organized by the four Nordic embassies in Bangkok – Denmark, Finland, Norway, and Sweden – coming together to promote a healthy lifestyle. Last year, the event was a huge success with over 500 people, and the second year is no exception, with the public registration filling up immediately.

The initiative came from the Nordic countries’ strong tradition for being in nature and the embassies wanted to bring a piece of that to Thailand. “We Nordics love nature and are always surrounded by it. Walking, running and skiing in our forests, fields and mountains and sailing in our lakes and oceans is a way of life for us. Hence, we wanted to bring a piece of that to the most beautiful park in Thailand and invite people out to move and take care of their health,” says ambassador of Finland, H.E. Kristiina Kuvaja.

Among the participants are Tom Trommestad from Norway, his husband, Ratchapon Prasitphan, and his cousin, Panisa Thiendam, both from Thailand. Today, they’re all running the 5km distance. Tom Trommestad has lived in Thailand for 38 years and feels that it’s important to support the embassies’ event. “I’m here to take part in the fun and support the spirit of running in Bangkok and the embassies,” Trommestad says.

“Last year, I felt like the occasion was very active and welcoming to everyone. I like that it’s bringing people together. For example, my cousin and I haven’t seen each other for quite some time, and now we’re here,” Ratchapon Prasitphan adds. In organizing the event, the embassies aim to bring attention to topics such as sustainability and healthy living.

“We want to promote a holistic approach to city development and healthcare for the well-being of its citizens and reduce environmental impacts by encouraging active transportation and adaptable urban planning. It’s important to build cities that encourage people to walk, run and enjoy the outdoors,” ambassador of Denmark, H.E. Danny Annan says.

And Tom Trommestad and his husband Ratchapon Prasitphan agree that a focus on healthy living is a good thing. “It’s good to keep a focus on a healthy lifestyle and it’s nice that the governor of Bangkok is here to support it among with a lot of colorful people,” Tom Trommestad says. “This isn’t about the race, but coming together, doing this together and being healthy. It’s not about crossing the finish line but about the journey along the way. And the free food!” Ratchapon Prasitphan adds, laughing.

This year the event showcases Nordic companies offering solutions for a balanced, green and happy life, as well as a newexhibition on Sustainable Nordic Cities and the innovation lessons they have to offer. The Nordic countries have the world’s most ambitious carbon emission reduction targets and have placed combatting climate change in the heart of their foreign policies.