The National Olympic Committee of Cambodia is awaiting formal Royal Government approval to organise the Kingdom’s first full marathon in September next year around the world famous Angkor Wat temple complex in Siem Reap.
PHNOM PENH- It is probably what is still missing around Siem Reap and Angkor Wat: a full marathon of 42 km along the ruins of the majestic temples of Angkor Wat. Cambodia’s most famous architectural and cultural icon already is home to an international half marathon which will take place on December 1st. But if every runs as planned, the site will by next September see its first full marathon.
The National Olympic Committee of Cambodia started to work on an itinerary as well as on logistics last January. Proposed routes are due to be announced and should take the participants through some most spectacular landscapes of the antique city. The enthusiasm of future participants is already palpable. As soon as the news went around announcing the future full marathon, some 100 overseas runners already confirmed their participation.
According to NOCC secretary general Vath Chamroeun to the local newspaper Phnom Penh Post, the NOCC is already ready with the organization’s plan. “We are in the process of finalising the sponsors. The route has already been worked out. For years, national and international runners have been craving for a full marathon. We have sent the proposal and the blueprint to the Royal Government and we expect formal approval soon. The annual Angkor Wat International Half Marathon will continue and now we offer another exciting option and open another big window of opportunity to help charitable causes,” Chamroeun explained to the newspaper.
Luc Citrinot a French national is a freelance journalist and consultant in tourism and air transport with over 20 years experience. Based in Paris and Bangkok, he works for various travel and air transport trade publications in Europe and Asia.
