MAE SAI: Some of the 12 young Thai footballers rescued from a flooded cave have marked the anniversary of their ordeal with a commemorative marathon in northern Thailand.

Around 4,000 took part in the marathon and biking event on Sunday morning, organized by local authorities to raise funds to improve conditions at the now famous Tham Luang cave complex.

British cave expert Vernon Unsworth was also among the participants.

The youngsters went in to explore before rain-fed floodwaters pushed them deep inside the dark complex. Their rescue was hailed as nothing short of a miracle.
Nine of the boys and their coach ran the marathon, donning the event’s orange T-shirts and looking notably taller and older. The Wild Boars teammates were at the center of attention as they smiled and posed for photos.
Local souvenir shopkeepers said that the boys’ ordeal has increased their fortunes.

“Since the kids have been rescued, the economy around here keeps getting better,” said Lek Yodnum, a shop owner who sells T-shirts and memorabilia of the cave rescue.

“Before the kids became trapped, there wasn’t a single shop around here. It was all just farm and field,” he said. “Now, Thum Luang has officially become the financial hub of Mae Sai district.”

The 12 kids and their coach are scheduled to attend a Buddhist merit-making ceremony at Tham Luang on Monday morning. (Agencies)