The Ayutthaya Marathon 2025, co-hosted by The RVi Group and China Daily, was held on Sunday, 23 November 2025, in the UNESCO World Heritage city of Ayutthaya. The event celebrated fifty years of diplomatic relations between Thailand and China under the theme “Celebrating Thailand and China Friendship Through Sports and Culture.” Attracting more than 3,500 runners from over twenty countries, the marathon offered a unique blend of competitive sport and cultural immersion in one of Thailand’s most historic cities.
The marathon opened with a grand ceremony honouring the Golden Jubilee of Thai and Chinese relations and reaffirming Ayutthaya’s global cultural significance. Jointly organised by The RVi Group and China Daily Asia Pacific in collaboration with the Ayutthaya Government, the Ayutthaya Tourist Business Association and the Ayutthaya Running Club, with additional support from RUS Hotels and Convention and the Federation of Thai Industries, the event demonstrated strong public and private sector cooperation.
Mr Chuanin Wongsatitjirakan, Governor of Phra Nakhon Si Ayutthaya Province, presided over the opening ceremony and welcomed distinguished guests, including Mr Riantongbat Meepan, President of the Ayutthaya Tourist Business Association; Mr Zhou Li, Deputy Editor in Chief of China Daily Group and Publisher and Editor in Chief of China Daily Hong Kong; and Mr Argus Ang, CEO of The RVi Group. The governor expressed his pleasure in hosting the marathon for the second consecutive year, noting that the impressive turnout reflects growing confidence in Ayutthaya’s capacity to host major international events. He added that the marathon strengthens the city’s reputation as both a heritage destination and a vibrant cultural centre and extended his gratitude to all partners while encouraging continued collaboration in the years ahead.
Runners from Thailand and twenty other countries, including Japan, the United Kingdom, China, the Netherlands, India, the United States, the Philippines, Brazil, Hong Kong, Austria, France, the Republic of Korea, Argentina, Norway, Switzerland, Indonesia, New Zealand, Canada and Singapore, took part in the event, highlighting its expanding international recognition.
The two-day celebration began on 22 November with a Thai and Chinese cultural showcase, followed by the main race on Sunday morning. To commemorate the milestone of fifty years of diplomatic relations, the event mascots, a Thai elephant and a Chinese panda, symbolised unity, friendship and deepening cooperation between the two nations.
Since the press conference leading up to the marathon, Mr Argus Ang, CEO of The RVi Group, has underscored the event’s “5 plus 1 C” vision which shaped its purpose and design. The vision represents compassion in honour of the late Her Majesty Queen Sirikit, the Queen Mother, celebrates culture through Ayutthaya’s rich heritage, strengthens connection between Thailand and China, promotes care through fundraising for the Red Cross Society of Thailand, advances cooperation through China Daily’s Run for History global marathon network and fosters community as the unifying force for all participants.
With participants from twenty countries, the Ayutthaya Marathon 2025 further demonstrated The RVi Group’s capability in delivering high profile international events and its commitment to promoting education, culture and sport on a global scale. Beyond the Ayutthaya Marathon, the Group has successfully organised other notable international events such as the Luang Prabang Run for Children, the Bagan Run and several regional cultural and sporting initiatives, reinforcing its growing reputation as a leader in impactful global engagements.
The marathon featured four race categories, the full marathon, half marathon, mini marathon and fun run, with routes passing Ayutthaya’s most iconic landmarks including Wat Phra Si Sanphet, Wat Mahathat, Wat Ratchaburana and Viharn Phra Mongkol Bophit. Both the start and finish lines were located at the Old Ayutthaya Provincial Hall, offering runners an immersive experience through the city’s storied past.
The Ayutthaya Marathon 2025 not only celebrated fifty years of Thai and Chinese friendship but also showcased the unifying power of sport and culture in bringing communities together on an international stage.