6 Keys Marathon

This past December, AIHM took on a heartfelt challenge to support Thailand’s stray cats through the 6 Keys Marathon. Aiming to raise 42,200 THB—one for each kilometer run—this initiative brought together students, faculty, and hotel teams across Bangkok to raise awareness and funds for shelters like PAWS Bangkok and Rawai Animal Lovers. By turning every step into a symbol of hope, care, and love, we not only supported a worthy cause but also inspired others to join in, whether through donations, volunteering, or simply spreading the word. Now, with the marathon behind us, the mission continues—your support can help us make a lasting impact for these deserving animals.

42 Kilometres of Care: Help Us Finish the Mission

This past December, AIHM embarked on a journey to combine our commitment to community, education and compassion with a meaningful challenge: the 6 Keys Marathon. Together, we raised awareness and money to support Thailand’s stray cats.

As the organizer and runner, I was proud to collaborate with our incredible students, faculty and six Minor Hotels properties across Bangkok. Together, we turned this vision into reality—one step at a time.

Why This Challenge?

For years, I participated in charity events while working at Guy’s and St. Thomas’ Hospital in the UK. These events brought immense joy and purpose to my life. Since moving to Thailand, I’ve sought ways to rekindle that spirit and contribute to causes close to my heart. Enter the 6 Keys Marathon.

Here in Thailand, stray animals face countless challenges. Many are left to fend for themselves, and shelters like PAWS Bangkok and Rawai Animal Lovers play a vital role in providing care and hope. My goal was to raise 42,200 THB—1,000 THB for every kilometer run—to support their incredible work. Along the way, I also hoped to inspire others to get involved, whether by donating, volunteering, or simply spreading the word.

The Route and the Keys

The marathon’s route was designed to connect six Minor Hotels properties in Bangkok:

• Anantara Siam Bangkok Hotel
• Anantara Riverside Bangkok Resort
• Avani Sukhumvit Bangkok Hotel
• Avani Atrium Bangkok Hotel
• NH Bangkok Sukhumvit Boulevard
• Avani+ Riverside Bangkok Hotel

At the end of each stage, I collected a symbolic key. These keys represented the building blocks of a brighter future for Thailand’s stray cats: rescue, care, shelter, love, hope, and forever homes. With every kilometre, the physical challenge mirrored the long and often difficult journey that stray animals endure to find safety and comfort.

A Community Effort

This marathon wasn’t a solo endeavour. AIHM students and staff played an integral role in making it a success. Students volunteered along the route, cheered me on and livestreamed from the hotels. Their enthusiasm was infectious, and their commitment reflected AIHM’s values of leadership, creativity and community engagement.

Even as my legs and knees began to protest, the support from students, hotel teams and online donors kept me moving. Seeing the Anantara, Avani, and NH signs in the distance became a beacon of hope, reminding me why we were doing this. Together, we’ve shown that hospitality is about more than service—it’s about making a difference.

Making Stray Cats’ Christmas Wishes Come True

Through this initiative, we’ve raised awareness about the importance of sterilization, education and responsible pet ownership. Dumping animals is not the solution; it’s through community efforts like this that we can create sustainable change.

To everyone who supported me, donated or cheered me on: thank you from the bottom of my heart. Together, we’ve not only taken steps toward our fundraising goal but also created a foundation for future initiatives at AIHM and beyond.

Step by Step, We’re Saving Lives.

As we reflect on the success of the 6 Keys Marathon, it's clear that the journey doesn't end here. Thanks to the generosity and dedication of everyone involved, we've taken significant strides toward improving the lives of Thailand's stray cats. But the mission is ongoing, and every donation continues to make a tangible difference in providing care, shelter, and hope for these animals in need. Together, we’ve proven that by coming together as a community, we can create lasting change. Thank you for your support—let’s keep pushing forward, one step at a time.

Together, AIHM and Minor Hotels raised awareness and funds for stray cats in need. The marathon is over, but our mission continues. Give Thailand’s cats the care and love they deserve. 🐾