PATTAYA, THAILAND – The Pattaya Marathon 2026 will proceed but at a later date due to a failed procurement process.
The much-anticipated Pattaya Marathon in 2026 will not be cancelled but has been rescheduled from its usual mid-July slot to late September. This shift is not due to city politics but an unsuccessful tender process. The sole qualified company failed to submit its technical presentation, halting the bidding.
Only One Company in the Race – And They Didn’t Show Up
The initial bidding round concluded swiftly. One company submitted an offer and successfully qualified. However, they were due to present their technical plan to the evaluation committee on May 21. This presentation never materialized.
Without this crucial presentation, the procurement process could not legally continue. Kiattisak Sriwongchai, the acting mayor, confirmed after a meeting with senior officials that the round was automatically cancelled.
New Rules, More Applicants
To rectify the situation, Pattaya has revised the tender requirements, removing a previous obstacle. Organizers were previously required to announce the running event at least 30 days in advance, a rule that has now been dropped.
This change has already yielded results, with two to three companies expressing interest. The revised conditions are open for public comment until June 17.
September Instead of July – At the Tourism Committee’s Request
Originally, the marathon was scheduled for mid-July. When city officials explained the procurement issue to the Tourism Committee of the House of Representatives, a proposal was made to reschedule. The committee suggested moving the event to September.
A December date would have fallen right in the middle of the peak tourist season, which is already heavily booked with events. September offers more flexibility for organizers and runners without clashing with the busiest tourist period.
Timeline: Now It Gets Serious
The official tender announcement will be released on June 18. Companies will have until July 3 to submit their bids. The winner is expected to be announced on July 16.
If everything proceeds smoothly, the city will sign the contract on August 6. The marathon would then be definitively scheduled for September 26 and 27, 2026.
No Cut-Price Version, No Mini-Event
Rumors circulating on social media suggested the race would be scaled down or would accept fewer participants. Kiattisak Sriwongchai firmly refuted these claims.
The new specifications align with previous years’ standards. Only minor adjustments are planned to enhance quality. The scope and significance of the marathon will remain unchanged.
Objections as the Final Stumbling Block
Officials anticipate a smooth process for the rescheduled marathon. However, if any unsuccessful bidder lodges an objection, the procedure could be extended by up to 60 days. Such a delay could jeopardize the September dates.
The officials emphasized their commitment to successfully bringing back the 2026 marathon for both Thai and international runners.