28 years of the Angkor Wat International Half Marathon

 This historical marathon event to Cambodian people was planned to start in 1995, but it could  realize from 1996 with the main purpose of raising fund to support and encourage the landmine victims  who  survived after a long civil war to take normal lives as others. The Angkor Wat International Half Marathon was also set up for the purpose of consolidating the nation  and intimate friendship with all the people around the world. That’s why we choose the running course in the center of ancient capital of the Khmer Empire – The Angkor Wat  and Angkor Thom  temples complex ( dating from 12^th -16^th Centuries ). The Angkor Wat temple was built by the Khmer King Suryavarman II in the early 12^th century and greatly extended the temples complex of Angkor Thom by the King Jayavarman VII, recognized as one of the most powerful king  in the Angkor Empire era.

First event of Angkor Wat International Half Marathon just few hundred runners participated and until 28^th year  event  on 03 December 2023, it got 10,154 runners  from 78countries participated.

For the last 27 years, group wheel chaired and disabled runners of 21k and 10k always start in advance, recognized as a great concern from organizer and all participants of the event. The running Ambassador of this event is Ms. Yuko Arimori, Olympic medalist and president of Hearts of Gold NGO in Cambodia.

Runners who participated in the race have enjoyed a unique experience ancient atmosphere on a running road  through 13 ancient temples along the beautiful forested course in the cool weather of an early morning in December. Starting and finishing line in front of the Angkor Wat with categories of 21K, 10K, 5K and family fun run 3k, all runners have an opportunity to get their beautiful photos of event with Angkor Wat temple (a national symbol, appearing on the Cambodian flag) as special back ground.

The course of 21k first head south and turn along the moat surrounding the Angkok Wat and turn right to make a U-turn near check point of entrance at a distance of 3.4km, then forward east to the small circuit of temples complex by passing Kravan temple of 10^th century and turn left at the distance of 11km at the ancient pool of Sras Srang and Banteay Kdey temple. Then forward west to the Victory Gate of Angkor Thom at a distance of 16km by passing  group temples of Takeo, Taprohm, Taney, Thaomanon, Chausey Tevada. Angkor Thom cover s an area of nine square kilometers. At its centre is King Jayavarman VII’s state temple, the Bayon, but just before reaching it, runners should pass by the 350m long Terrace of Elephants. This was used as an platform for the King Jayavarman VII to ride his Elephants to the battle fields as well as to view his victorious returning army or viewing the army parade in some ceremonies of his time. Runners exit Angkor Thom South Gate with about 1.5km left to run until they reach the finish line  in front of the Angkor Wat.

All runners were really happy and appreciated the preparing  facilities along the course from organizer. Every 2Km , we have water station with water ,energy drink and bananas. biker- staffs have escorted runners on the entire course. Yes, the race is getting better than ever since the last 28 years. Number of runners are increasing from 35% to 40% year by year. As the organizer, we are looking for the figure of runners up to more than ten thousand  by the near future. In the  29^th and 30^th events, we have raised fund 30,000 USD after covid for charity to disabled people and poor children in the hospitals.

On behalf of the Organizing  Committee, we would like to express our deepest  gratitude and sincere thanks  to all runners and supporters and donors to the Angkor Wat International Half marathon in the last 28 years. We are waiting to welcome the runners to our coming event on Sunday 01 December 2024.

Best wishes,

Sem Phalla

General Manager

Marathon Committee