The ninth edition of the Angkor Empire Marathon was held on Sunday, August 4, at the popular Angkor Wat site in Siem Reap, Cambodia. This international marathon is usually held annually, featuring different categories including a 3km, 10km race, 21km (half marathon), and 42km (full marathon).
Last year, around 3000 runners from 45 countries took part in the 8th Angkor Empire Marathon on August 6th, 2023. The National Olympic Committee of Cambodia (NOCC) aimed to encourage professional and amateur runners from all over the world to engage in sporting events as a way to boost tourism in the Angkor region, especially during the rainy season and after the pandemic.
This year’s marathon was intended to extend kind support to poor children and disabled people in Cambodia by raising funds for Kantha Bopha Hospital and also attract tourists to see the ancient archaeological sites in Siem Reap.
Even though NOCC expected more than 4000 participants, over 3000 runners from 51 countries participated in this year’s marathon, getting a unique opportunity to experience natural scenic views as they ran through almost 40 ancient temples, traditional villages, and rice fields along the race road.
“Among the participants, 815 are international runners from 51 countries and regions, with the majority coming from Japan, China, Vietnam, the United Kingdom, and Thailand,” the NOCC president, Senior Minister Thong Khon, said before the race started.
All the races began and ended in front of the Angkor Wat Temple. The 42km race began at 4.30 am, the 21km race at 5.30 am, 10km at 5.45 am, and 3km at 6 am. While both 21km and 42km races were open to males and females aged 16 years and above, the 10km race was open to those aged 13 years and above, and all ages were welcome to participate in the 3km fun run.
Caitriona Jennings of Ireland won the women’s full marathon, finishing in 3:05:43, while Van Pheara of Cambodia won the men’s full marathon title, clocking in at 2:45:51.
The winner of the men’s half marathon was Lai Terence of Cambodia, and the women’s was Vernagoh Shilei of Singapore.
The 10km men’s race title was claimed by Sorn Pisey and the women’s race by Kan Sreyroth from Cambodia. Ko Lemelette of Belgium won the 3 km men’s competition, while Leona Limelette of Belgium took first place in the women’s division.
The Angkor Archaeological Site, a Unesco World Heritage Site since 1992, is located in Siem Reap Province, which is the most visited region in Cambodia.
By Lena Ndolo, reporting from Siem Reap
