BANGKOK — Keep those New Year’s resolutions a little while longer with several fun runs coming up that anyone can join.

Cartoons and cosplay and even more cute characters will make for more fun with your run at several events.

Here’s a list of unusual running events coming in the first half of 2017.

1

Many children grew up watching Chao Khun Tong, an early morning educational cartoon since 1991. After 25 years, the show has arranged 2.5K and 5K races at 5:55am and 6:15am respectively on Jan. 29 at Wachirabenchathat Park in the capital’s Chatuchak district. Runners will receive unique character T-shirts in black or yellow, along with a Chao Khun Tong  medal awarded to those who make it across the finish line.

Registration is 500 baht and proceeds will go to support activities for a charity that provides self-sufficiency workshops for developmentally disabled Thais and their families in Nakhon Ratchasima.

2

Dino Run – Feb. 19

Dino Run offers a small race of 2.6K so families with children can run together at 6:30am or 8am on Feb. 19 in Queen Sirikit Park, also in Chatuchak. There’s no competition in this race, and children in baby carriages are allowed to join. There will also be many activities beginning at 7am such as painting neckerchiefs, dressing parents as dinos and a dino show at 8:10am and 9am.

Registration ranges from 750 baht to 2,600 baht. Part of the proceeds will support Books For Children Foundation, a four-decade old chapter of the Swiss International Board on Books for Young People.

3
Hello Kitty Run 2016 posted on Jan. 31, 2016. Photo: Hello Kitty Run 2017 / Facebook.

Hello Kitty fanatics, prepare to run with the beloved Japanese cat who will meet and greet her Thai fans at a 5K run beginning at 6:30am on Feb. 26 at Airport Rail Link Makkasan. Expect the route to be in dazzling pink color. Don’t expect to feel healthier afterward: Sweets, cupcakes, ice cream and more will be on hand for the “Sweet Wonderland” themed event. Apart from the run, participants will get a T-shirt, bag, sticker and bib. Registration is 950 baht to 1,050 baht.

4

Rider Run – May 28

For the first time, Masked Rider fans get a run in the theme of their favorite characters to celebrate the 45th anniversary of the Japanese manga series which later spawned a television series. Runners will choose sides for a running battle. The races are 2.5K, 5K and 10K on May 28 in Lumphini Park. Registration begins online Jan. 23 and ranges from 650 baht to 2,200 baht. Participants will receive a Masked Rider T-shirt, medal and race bib.