Scenic Marathon Nakhon Phanom 2026

Scenic Marathon Nakhon Phanom 2026 brings the final stop of Thailand's Scenic Marathon Series to the Mekong riverfront, with views across the water to Laos. The World Athletics-labelled race is based at Saeng Sing Kaew Square in Nakhon Phanom and celebrates the series' tenth year. The full-marathon, half-marathon and shorter runs make this a two-day festival rather than a single Sunday race.

Race weekend, 12–13 December 2026

Saturday 12 December (ICT, UTC+7): the 5K begins at 16:45 (90-minute cut-off) and the 3K at 17:00 (one-hour cut-off). Organiser-linked race information lists race-pack collection at Saeng Sing Kaew Square between 10:00 and 18:00; confirm the collection timetable in the final runner guide.

Sunday 13 December: the 42.195K marathon begins at 03:30, the 21.1K half marathon at 05:00, and the 10K at 05:30. Standard marathon and half-marathon limits are 6 hours 30 minutes and 3 hours 30 minutes, respectively. The event also advertises Slow Marathon (8 hours 30 minutes) and Slow Half Marathon (5 hours), designed to provide longer completion windows for runners alternating running and walking. The latest organiser-linked schedule places the end of the extended marathon window around 12:00 Sunday.

The published programme also includes an Overall Championship half-marathon category with qualification standards. Runners should check the organiser's registration regulations before selecting that category.

Course and experience

The event follows Nakhon Phanom's relatively flat Mekong-side roads and the Soul of Mekong River theme, with a riverfront start and finish. The Naga Way setting combines a road-running challenge with a destination race in Thailand's northeastern Isan region. Plan for early-morning race transport, road closures and cool-season temperatures, and check the final course map and aid-station details.

Entries and important checks

The current-edition organiser-linked listing advertises a 31 October 2026 registration deadline and five standard distance options. Normal listed fees are provided in the race-category cards; late or charity entries may carry different prices or availability. The official organiser website continues to promote entry, so follow the race-specific Checkrace registration page for current availability rather than assuming a place is guaranteed. Normal entry packages include a race bib, race shirt and medal, with timing-chip and finisher-shirt inclusions varying by distance.

The 2026 published race details are here. Check the final participant guide for race-pack requirements, confirmation of Saturday pickup hours, eligibility, and any late timetable or route changes.