KOP RUN BANGKOK 2026, PRESENTED BY KRUNGTHAI-AXA LIFE, READY FOR LONG-AWAITED RETURN TO THAILAND

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BANGKOK, THAILAND – The seven-year wait is almost over as Liverpool FC’s KOP RUN Bangkok, presented by Krungthai-AXA Life, prepares to return to the Thai capital on Sunday September 13 at Plaza Court, Rajamangala National Stadium in Hua Mak, Bangkok.

Following successful editions in 2015 and 2019, the event will once again bring together Reds supporters and runners from across Thailand and the wider Asia-Pacific region for a celebration of football, fitness and fandom.

Liverpool FC, together with presenting partner Krungthai-AXA Life and event organiser RunRio, will welcome up to 10,000 participants across 10km and 5km race categories.

Alongside the races, supporters will be able to experience a dedicated fan festival area inspired by the atmosphere of Anfield, featuring interactive activities and photo opportunities designed to bring the Liverpool FC matchday spirit to Bangkok.

Participants will also receive a special KOP RUN Bangkok 2026 Race Pack, featuring an official LFC-licensed race shirt and finisher medal, providing a lasting memento of the event’s long-awaited return to Thailand.

Presented by Krungthai-AXA Life, KOP RUN Bangkok will also be supported by Japan Airlines, alongside club partners Standard Chartered, EA SPORTS, UPS, EC Markets and Haier, helping deliver a range of fan activities and experiences.

FINAL PREPARATIONS UNDER WAY FOR KOP RUN BANGKOK 2026

A press conference marking the final preparations for KOP RUN Bangkok 2026 was held on September 11 at Plaza Court, Rajamangala National Stadium.

The event was attended by Natasha ‘Tash’ Dowie, Liverpool FC Women ambassador and former player; Sami Hyypiä, Liverpool FC legend and former captain; Saraswadee Kupatapong, Chief People Officer (CPO) of Krungthai-AXA Life Insurance Public Company Limited; Boonperm Intanapasat, Race Director of KOP RUN Bangkok 2026 and CEO of RunRio Thailand; and Suthita ‘Nina’ Ruangroonghiranya, sports presenter and Liverpool FC supporter.

Together, they discussed the continued growth of Thailand’s running industry and the final preparations for KOP RUN Bangkok 2026, as well as the shared commitment to bringing football, fitness, wellbeing and the Liverpool FC supporter community together.

Miss Saraswadee Kupatapong, Chief People Officer of Krungthai-AXA Life Insurance Public Company Limited, said: “Krungthai-AXA Life is proud to be a Global Partner of Liverpool Football Club and the Presenting Partner of KOP RUN Bangkok 2026, presented by Krungthai-AXA Life. This much-anticipated running festival brings Reds supporters together once again after a seven-year wait, giving them the opportunity to run side by side, share the joy of the occasion and embrace a healthier lifestyle.

“The event reflects our ‘Know You Can’ philosophy and the spirit of ‘You’ll Never Walk Alone’. Whether on the running course or through life’s journey, Krungthai-AXA Life is committed to being by our customers’ side – supporting, caring for and moving forward together towards a stronger and more sustainable future.”

One of the highlights was the appearance of Sami Hyypiä, the former Finland international defender and Liverpool FC captain who spent a decade at Anfield between 1999 and 2009.

Hyypiä made 464 appearances and scored 35 goals for the Reds during his Liverpool career, winning a host of major honours and playing a key role in the club’s unforgettable UEFA Champions League triumph in Istanbul in 2005.

Also joining the event was Natasha ‘Tash’ Dowie, Liverpool FC Women ambassador and former player. Dowie is LFC Women’s record goalscorer, having scored 47 goals across two spells with the club, and was part of the Reds side that won back-to-back Women’s Super League titles in 2013 and 2014.

Following her retirement from professional football in 2023, Dowie became Liverpool FC’s first official women’s ambassador. In 2025, she also made history at Anfield by becoming the first woman to feature in Liverpool FC’s annual Legends game.

BRINGING THE SPIRIT OF ANFIELD TO BANGKOK

Beyond the race course, KOP RUN Bangkok 2026 will give supporters the opportunity to experience the atmosphere of Anfield and community of Liverpool FC through a dedicated fan festival area.

Located around Rajamangala National Stadium, the area will feature interactive activities and photo opportunities, providing a meeting point for Reds to run, cheer and celebrate together. The event will combine the excitement of race day with the passion, camaraderie and sense of community that supporters associate with Liverpool FC and Anfield.

UP TO 10,000 PARTICIPANTS ACROSS 10KM AND 5KM

KOP RUN Bangkok 2026 will welcome up to 10,000 participants, with 7,000 places available in the 10km category at THB 1,200 and 3,000 places in the 5km category at THB 900.

Both races will start and finish in the Rajamangala National Stadium area, offering runners of different abilities the chance to take part – from those looking to challenge themselves over 10km to supporters, friends and families wanting to enjoy the 5km experience together.

A special highlight for Reds supporters will be the KOP RUN Bangkok 2026 Race Pack, featuring an official LFC-licensed race shirt and finisher medal.

For supporters and collectors alike, the exclusive items will serve as lasting mementos of KOP RUN Bangkok’s return to Thailand after seven years.

The 10km race will start at 4.40am, with a two-hour cut-off time and participants required to finish by 6.40am.

The 5km race will start at 5am, with a one-hour cut-off time and participants required to finish by 6am.

Ahead of race day, participants can collect their Race Entry Packs and visit the event Expo on September 11 and 12, from 10.30am to 7.30pm, at Plaza Court, Rajamangala National Stadium.

THE KOP ACROSS ASIA-PACIFIC

The return of KOP RUN Bangkok reflects Liverpool FC’s continued growth across the Asia-Pacific region, which is home to 256 million supporters – the club’s largest global fan region.

During the 2024-25 season, LFC recorded a cumulative TV audience of 127.3 million across Asia-Pacific and now has 53 million social followers across the region, underlining the scale and passion of the club’s supporter base.

For Reds in Thailand, the return of KOP RUN Bangkok provides another opportunity to turn their passion for Liverpool FC into a shared experience – this time on the running course.

After seven years, the wait is almost over.

Whether taking on the 5km for fun or challenging themselves over 10km, Reds supporters and runners of all abilities are invited to pull on their race shirts, lace up their running shoes and come together for the long-awaited return of KOP RUN Bangkok.

This September 13, Reds across Thailand are invited to lace up their running shoes and come together at Rajamangala National Stadium for the long-awaited return of KOP RUN Bangkok. You’ll Never Walk Alone.

Footage: แถลงข่าว KOP RUN Bangkok 2026

https://youtu.be/zsRI-JlReVw?si=f6Z4pa_o_pe2mJ2_

https://youtu.be/4YSp9Ev0lqc?si=qbOc9U-4QQXPZbNp