AKP Phnom Penh, December 02, 2025 --

Cambodia's premier international road race, the Angkor Wat International Half Marathon, is set to mark its 30th anniversary this year with a record-breaking field of 16,000 runners from 86 countries.

The landmark edition, scheduled for the Sunday morning, Dec. 7, 2025, within the UNESCO World Heritage-listed Angkor Archaeological Park, represents the highest participant turnout since the event's inception in 1996.

The National Olympic Committee of Cambodia (NOCC) confirmed the new milestone, highlighting the race's growing global stature. 

H.E. Vath Chamroeun, Secretary-General of the NOCC, stated the half marathon, which features multiple race categories, including the signature 21.1-kilometre distance, has become a key driver for sports tourism.

“This international race is a source of national pride and a clear reflection of Cambodia’s peace, stability and development,” said H.E. Vath Chamroeun in an interview on Monday evening. “It generates significant benefits for tourism and related businesses, particularly for local communities and tourism operators in Siem Reap, as thousands of domestic and international runners require accommodation, food, transportation and other services.”

The Secretary-General underscored the event's dual mission of promoting sports and supporting humanitarian causes. Organised as a charity race, with key support from Japan’s Heart of Gold organisation and major sponsorship from Manulife, the event is a consistent fundraiser. In 2024 alone, it contributed over US$100,000 to partner humanitarian organisations.

Organisers anticipate more than 3,000 international runners among the total 16,000 participants.

Widely recognised as one of Southeast Asia’s most scenic and impactful races, the Angkor Wat International Half Marathon continues to successfully blend sports competition, cultural tourism, and charity work.

29th Angkor Wat International Half Marathon in 2024

Article in Khmer by Heng Nalin
Article in English by K. Rithy Reak