Thousands of beachgoers showed off their toned bodies as they raced alongside the sea for the first time since pandemic restrictions were lifted.

Fitness fanatics took part in the 5km long 'Bikini Beach Race' in Pattaya, eastern Thailand, amid sweltering tropical heat reaching more than 32 degrees celsius on Saturday afternoon October 29.

Many of the females wore skimpy bikinis while men wore speedos - with one brave participant flaunting his crotch in a tiny
'mankini'. Others wore fancy dress costumes including outfits depicting native Americans, Roman warriors and Halloween ghouls.

Professional Russian runner Vladislav Demianov, 40, won the race. He said: 'I've been victorious for the last four years. The hardest part is avoiding knocking people over as there are so many runners and large crowds watching.'

The annual event has taken place since 2015 with a brief break due to the recent flu pandemic. This year is the first time the bikini race has taken place with all the restrictions lifted - with locals finally able to run without harmful face masks.

Organiser Nattakit Tangpoonsinthana said from the Central Pattana shopping mall said more than 3,000 runners took part this year.

Pattaya Mayor Poramet Ngampichet said the event helps to boost a more diverse form of tourism in the city, which is best known for its debauched round-the-clock adult nightlife.