The event was established following the tsunami disaster in 2004. The organisers set out to create an event that celebrated how the people, businesses and landscape of Thailand had recovered.

The marathon has developed its own fun and friendly personality - it is truly an event for the whole island that can be enjoyed by everyone.

In addition to Nishi, Andy Penders and Charlie Webster from ESPN Star Sports will also participate in the 5-km walk and 21-km half marathon.

Providing a global platform for the beautiful Thai region, the date of the event was specifically chosen to maximise the benefits of the event for the island.

This year runners were encouraged to raise money for HOPE Worldwide (Thailand), which is dedicated to helping needy children and under-privileged girls in the Kingdom. The organisers hope to emulate the success of the London Marathon.

"This will be a fantastic year for the marathon. More people are taking part in it Now we'll set to work to make sure that 2008 is an even bigger success." said Raimund Wellenhofer, the race director.

More than 3,868 runners are expected to take part in today's race, which is organised by Go Adventure Asia.

Jones missing Marion Jones, conspicuously absent from athletics since her February marriage, apparently will not compete in the 2007 season.

"I'm almost sure she isn't," coach Steve Riddick said in a brief telephone interview with The Associated Press on Friday in New York. He said if she was going to run, he would have known by now. He did say the two had spoken, but wouldn't elaborate.

Jones is the defending US 100-metre champion but has not declared her entry into that or any other event at next week's US championships in Indianapolis.

Jones married Barbados-born sprinter Obadele Thompson in an extremely private, small ceremony in a small town near Raleigh, North Carolina on February 27. Jones' representatives never acknowledged the wedding. The minister who performed the ceremony eventually confirmed it.