The Biggest Loser Team Take On Weighty Running Challenge at Phuket Laguna Marathon 2011

Peachy (Before and After)

A six-strong team of The Biggest Loser Asia (TBLA) TV reality show contestants with a combined weight loss of 314kg – equivalent to the weight of a baby elephant – will put their new fitness lifestyles to the test when they take on the Laguna Phuket International Marathon (LPIM) on 12 June.

Winner - Raj (Before and After)

The line-up reunites the top three Season 2 contestants: winner Raj Devaraj of Singapore who shed 67kg; runner-up Atikom Laksanapanai (Nai) from Bangkok who lost 63 kg; and third-placed Genghis Enrique of the Philippines who lost 57kg, in a new battle for top honours.

Nai - (Before and After)

Also on the team from Series 2 are Indonesian-based American Scott Hanna who lost 56kg and Picharatch Phuntawornawin (Peachy) of Bangkok who lost 26kg.

Runwitme says: No rep from Malaysia, though. :(

They’ve been brought together by Phuket-based TBLA Season 1 contestant Garry Holden, who transformed his life on the show with a 45kg weight loss and went on to successfully complete the half marathon of the 2010 LPIM, as well as the Laguna Phuket Triathlon in November 2010 and Ironman 70.3 Asia-Pacific Championship in December 2010.

Scott (Before and After)

Garry will attempt the full 42km marathon in this year’s LPIM and lead the team on their individual challenges. All but Genghis, who has opted for the half marathon, will take on the full distance with Garry.

Genghis (Before and After)

“Each one is an inspiration and this event will be a fantastic experience for them as they develop their new fitness lifestyles,” said Garry.

Peachy, who includes gym training as part of the preparations for her first-ever marathon attempt, said: “This is an exciting challenge for me and I’m thrilled to be taking my new lifestyle to another stage at such a fantastic event.”

LPIM – dubbed “Run Paradise” – is a fun event that sees runners of all ages compete over a mainly flat course through rubber and pineapple plantations, beach vistas, local villages and the tropical lagoons of Laguna Phuket.

As well as the full and half marathons there’s a 10.5km run, 5km family walk and 2km children’s race.

Online registration is available until 4 June. Hotel specials at all Laguna Phuket hotels are available for instant booking on the event website. For further information or to register, visit: www.phuketmarathon.com.

Runwitme says: We did the 1/2 Marathon in Phuket Laguna Marathon in 2007. Read about our nipple bleed and wet experience HERE.