Thirty Years of Excellence: Historic Record for the Angkor Half-Marathon with 16,000 Runners

Under a Siem Reap sky painted with the soft colors of dawn on December 7, 2025, the Angkor Wat International Half-Marathon reached a historic milestone for its 30th anniversary. Nearly 16,000 runners — among them more than 3,000 from 86 nations — converged on the ancient temples, transforming the sacred cobblestones into a red carpet for an extraordinary sporting celebration.

From Mine-Awareness to Global Call

The story of the Angkor Half-Marathon is a hymn to rebirth. Initially launched to alert the world to the dangers of landmines — a legacy of conflict — and to support victims with funds for prosthetics and rehabilitation, the event soon outgrew its philanthropic roots. From around 300 pioneers in 1996 to 12,000 runners in 2019, the event withstood the pandemic to bounce back at 14,000 participants in 2024, culminating this year in an all-time high.

“After 30 years, the Angkor International Half Marathon has broken its record with 16,000 participants,” declared Vath Chamroeun, Secretary General of the NOCC, on the eve of the race.

With varied distances — elite 21 km, 10 km, 5 km and a 3 km family run — the marathon welcomed everyone, from seasoned competitors to casual joggers. Participants traversed bustling villages and mystical ruins at the foot of Angkor Wat, a UNESCO-listed jewel.

A Booster for Siem Reap

More than just a competition, this “Run for Longevity”-themed edition (sponsored by Manulife) acted as an economic catalyst. Each Cambodian runner contributed roughly 400,000 riels (about 100 USD) in accommodations, meals and transport, while foreign participants spent around 600,000 riels (approx. 150 USD). The ripple effect extended via families and friends staying up to a week.

“This is a moment to promote tourism, Angkor culture and Cambodia as a whole. We draw many direct and indirect benefits from the event,” affirmed Vath Chamroeun.

The influx benefited hotels, artisans and restaurants across Siem Reap — a province celebrated for tourism — while projecting an image of a dynamic and welcoming Cambodia on the global stage.

A Beacon of Peace and Prosperity

This 30th edition — applauded in past years by figures such as Hun Manet — reaffirms the half-marathon as a pillar of Khmer sport. Runners — shifting silhouettes against iconic towers — embody a bridge between a tumultuous past and a radiant future, where effort goes hand in hand with solidarity.

Supported by partners including Angkor Hospital for Children, the event continues its humanitarian commitment while aiming for unprecedented heights. On the horizon, the 31st edition promises even more fervor — inviting the world to quite literally “run history”.l'histoire, littéralement.​