Vertical Marathon 2009

Banyan Tree Bangkok continues to support its local community through the successful annual Vertical Marathon. The proceeds from the 11th Vertical Marathon were contributed towards the HIV Formula Feeding Fund which provides babies of HIV-positive mothers with a special milk formula. This charity is a Thai Red Cross initiative under the patronage of Her Royal Highness Princess Soamsawali.

Held on Sunday, 20 September from 6am to 12pm, participants will raced the vertical course which comprised 1,093 steps starting from the main entrance of Banyan Tree Bangkok to the finishing point at the former helicopter pad on the 61st floor, now converted to the award-winning Vertigo Grill and Moon Bar. Conducted every year since 1999, this highly anticipated event has gained popularity on an international scale and drew enthusiastic response from fitness enthusiasts, charity supporters and members of the public from all corners of the world.

In Aid of HIV
This will be the ninth year that Banyan Tree Bangkok will be donating the proceeds collected from the Vertical Marathon to the HIV Formula Feeding Fund. Mr. Bernold O. Schroeder, Senior Vice President and Managing Director of Banyan Tree Hotels & Resorts, said, “We are pleased to have contributed over THB3million (US$88,000) to date for the HIV Formula Feeding Fund. We hope that this amount will go a long way in achieving its aims, and I encourage everyone to sign up for the challenging run and join us in supporting this worthy cause.”

Timely Record
In 2008, seven-time winner Mr. Boonchoo Jandacha defended his title in 6 minutes and 19 seconds. Previous participants include the Chairman of Caring Hearts for Aids Foundation, Ms. Saisom Wongsasulak; and Thai celebrities, Mr. Mario Maurer and Ms. Saipan-Apinya Sakuljarernsoog.