Running for a Good Cause in the UNESCO Heritage Town Luang Prabang, Laos, on Sunday 18 Octoboer 2015

July 28, 2015 - PRLog -- A new tradition meets with a timeless ceremony at the annual Luang Prabang Half Marathon, Laos, where runners take over the town’s streets as the monks and novices return from their daily alms ceremony, performed for hundreds of years.

The 3^rd annual event is to be held on Sunday 18 October 2015. Registration for the event is now open. Runners can register for the 21km,14km and 7km races.  New this year is the relay race, where 3 runners run 7km each over the 21km track. Organizers are aiming for a record of at least 600 runners.

Set in the UNESCO World Heritage Site of Luang Prabang, Laos, the race passes many of the town’s most famous and significant historical landmarks. From the former Royal Palace, to Wat Mai Monastery, one of the largest, most picturesque and most photographed wats, then Wat That Luang, an important ritual site for Buddhist, folk and royal ceremonials, to Wat Wisunalat, the oldest operating temple in town.

Aside from the culturally enriched environment, the uniqueness of this half marathon is its cause. 100% of the proceeds donated by the runners (at the minimum registration fee of USD$150) or sponsors will support local charities. The past two years has seen US$200,000 raised, supporting Friends International open their training restaurant, Khai Paen, in Luang Prabang, and the building of the pharmacy at the Lao Friends Hospital for Children. This year, the hospital and two other charities, the Lao Girls’ Health Empowerment Project and Big Brother Mouse will also benefit.

Last year, at the start of the race runners and monks shared the roads in places - the runners giving way to the monks where necessary, in respect of their ancient custom. "It certainly made for a unique sight that could only happen in Luang Prabang" said organizer Michael Gilmore.

While the monks are all from local towns and villages, more than half of the 377 runners had travelled from 40 countries across the world. Winners have been from Laos, and countries as far away as Japan and Brazil. “The local population embraces the event, running and cheering from the sidelines and the size of the town makes this truly a community event. We are blessed with clean air and mild weather”, adds organizing committee member, Emi Weir.

To further benefit the community and raise more funds for local charities, there is also a supporting indiegogo campaign, selling T-shirts and wallets featuring the Buddhist verse “Nothing whatsoever should be clung to”, as well as a shirt for all non-runners, saying “I’m too old and I didn’t bring the right shoes!”. Please visit website igg.me project LPHM2015 to support.

For registration and more information about the race

Go to www.luangprabanghalfmarathon.com and also like the facebook page /LuangPrabangHalf Marathon for updates. Accommodation can be booked at the same time, by booking the sponsoring hotels runners are further supporting the charities and Lao youth

About the People’s Democratic Republic of Laos

Laos is a country as yet untouched by the modern demands, stress and peace of life. Its beauty lies in the Lao people, century-old traditions, heritage,
and its lush, pristine landscape.

The Peoples’ Democratic Republic of Laos is located in the center of Indochina, sharing borders with 5 different nations; China to the North, Myanmar to the Northwest, Thailand to the West, Cambodia to the South and Vietnam to the East.

With a total area of 236,800 square kilometers, around 70% of Laos' terrain is mountainous. The Mekong River is the main geographical feature in the west and, forms a natural border with Thailand in some areas. The Mekong flows through nearly 1,900 kilometers of Lao territory and shapes much of the lifestyle of the people of Laos.

Buddhism first appeared in Laos during the eighth century A.D. After the foundation of the unified Kingdom of Lane Xang, King Fa Ngum (14th Century) declared Buddhism as the state. His policy meant to develop the Lao culture based on a common faith: Theravada Buddhism.

Today, Theravada Buddhism is the professed religion of about 90% of Lao people. Buddhism is an inherent feature of daily life and casts a strong influence on Lao society. Lao woman can be seen each morning giving alms to monks, earning merit to lessen the number of their rebirths. It is expected that every Lao man will become a monk for at least a short time in his life.

About Luang Prabang – the World Heritage Town

Situated in the centre of northern Laos, Luang Prabang is classified as a UNESCO World Heritage Site for its outstanding cultural, historic and architectural values and its harmonious relationship between the natural and built environment since 1995.

In the 14th century, the King Fa Ngum founded the first Lao Kingdom, Lane Xang, here in Luang Prabang. Luang Prabang remained the capital of Lane Xang until 1565 when the capital was moved to Vientiane. It remained to serve as the country’s spiritual and religious centre. Visitors to Luang Prabang are often attracted and charmed by the friendly atmosphere of this small town. The town itself offers several unique insights into the history of the region, through excellently preserved Buddhist temples, museum and a variety of Lao, Tai-Lue, Burmese, Chinese and Taui architecture Night Market.

In 2015, Luang Prabang received the recognition of ‘Top City’ in Wanderlust Travel Awards 2015.