December 24, 2024
PHNOM PENH – The Indochina Angkor Wat International Marathon, held on the morning of December 22, surpassed expectations, and was declared a “resounding success by organisers.
Despite being arranged on short notice, the event drew far more participants than anticipated.
Sem Phalla, the technical director of the marathon, and representative of the National Olympic Committee of Cambodia (NOCC), had initially predicted that the marathon would not attract more than 4,000 runners due to the limited preparation time of less than three weeks.
However, the race ended up with 5,327 participants from 14 countries, including professional athletes from Vietnam, Japan and Laos.
NOCC president Thong Khon offered a warm welcome to the runners at the world-renowned Angkor Wat, a UNESCO World Heritage site, which played host to the marathon.
He expressed his belief that the event not only promoted tourism in Cambodia but also contributed to the development of athletes’ skills.
“The Indochina Angkor Wat International Marathon 2024 is a competitive series held in three countries: Cambodia, Laos, and Vietnam. It provides an opportunity for marathon runners from around the world to improve their techniques and achieve excellence,” he said.
Vath Chamroeun, NOCC secretary-general, highlighted the fact that most of the participants were professional athletes. Cambodian national team members also participated to gain new experience and enhance their technical skills in preparation for future international competitions, particularly the upcoming SEA Games 33 in Thailand at the end of 2025.
“This is a competitive event aimed at seeking technical excellence, with evaluation and assessments from the Asian Athletics Federation. The athletes have used this opportunity to refine their techniques and prepare for other international competitions,” he explained.
Officials from the athletics federations of Vietnam, Laos, and the Asian Athletics Federation praised the Cambodian hosts for the excellent organisation of the marathon, which contributed to a joyful and safe experience for all participants. The beautiful surroundings of Angkor Wat added to the allure, leaving visitors eager to return.
“All of the guests and athletes from different countries rated the event highly, noting that everything went smoothly, with a high level of safety and organization. The stunning environment around Angkor Wat made it an attractive location, enhancing the overall experience and leaving participants delighted,” Chamroeun noted.