IHG Hotels & Resorts is gearing up for its fourth annual IHG Run for Good charity event, scheduled for 20 September 2026 at Vachirabenjatas Park in Bangkok. The initiative aims to raise funds for AI smart glasses developed under the EyerisVision: EmpowerSight Project, which will assist Thailand's visually impaired community.
Participants can choose from a 2 km walk and run, a 4 km fun run, or a 9 km run. The event is organized in partnership with the Foundation for the Blind in Thailand under the Royal Patronage of H.M. The Queen. Last year's edition raised over $28,000 (THB 1 million) for educational tools for visually impaired students.
Patrick Both, Director of Operations, Luxury & Lifestyle at IHG Hotels & Resorts Thailand, emphasized the project's significance: "These Thai-developed AI Smart Glasses help users read Thai text, understand their surroundings, and move through their day with greater independence and safety."
Event Details and Registration
Registration fees are set at $15 (THB 550) for the 2 km and 4 km events, and $18 (THB 650) for the 9 km run. Each participant receives a running shirt, bag, medal, and bib. Age-group awards and hotel vouchers will be awarded for the 9 km category. Sister runs will also take place in Phuket and Koh Samui, expanding the event's reach across Thailand.
IHG's commitment to community support is part of its "Journey to Tomorrow" plan, which aims to improve the lives of 30 million people globally over the next decade. This aligns with broader industry trends where hospitality players are integrating technology for social impact, as seen in initiatives like Salto Systems Highlights Smart Access Tech at HoSkar Night Bangkok 2026.
The AI smart glasses project is a collaboration with local tech developers, showcasing how travel and hospitality companies can leverage innovation for community benefit. For travel professionals, this underscores the growing role of technology in enhancing accessibility and guest experiences, a theme also explored in Tata Technologies Makes Farnborough Debut with AI and Smart Glasses for Aviation.
Thailand's tourism sector has been increasingly focused on inclusive travel, and IHG's initiative complements efforts by organizations like the Tourism Authority of Thailand (TAT) to boost traveler confidence, as seen in TAT and Dida Partner to Boost Chinese Traveler Confidence with Trusted Thailand Initiative. The Run for Good not only raises funds but also raises awareness about accessibility challenges in the region.
IHG operates several properties in Thailand, including InterContinental, Crowne Plaza, and Holiday Inn brands. The event is open to hotel guests, local residents, and travel industry professionals, offering a networking opportunity alongside the charitable cause. For MICE planners and corporate travel organizers, such events can serve as team-building activities with a social impact angle.
Registration is now open, and early sign-ups are encouraged as the event has sold out in previous years. For more information, visit the official IHG Run for Good website or contact the IHG Thailand corporate social responsibility team.
