Sports & In Pictures: 9th Angkor Empire Marathon attracts over 3,000 athletes

3,021 athletes from 51 countries took part in the 9th Angkor Empire Marathon held in front of Angkor Wat in the early hours of 4 August 2024.

The Apsara Authority stated that the Angkor Empire Marathon Day is held annually in Siem Reap and this year's event aims to raise funds for Kantha Bopha Hospital as well as attract tourists to visit Cambodian tourist sites, especially Siem Reap.

Senior Minister Thong Khon, President of the National Olympic Committee of Cambodia (NOCC), stressed that the annual event aims to promote sport and boost tourism to Angkor during the rainy season.

"Among the participants are 815 international runners from 51 countries and regions, with the majority coming from Japan, China, Vietnam, the United Kingdom and Thailand," he announced at the start of the race.

The marathon featured four race categories: a full marathon (42km), a half marathon (21km), a 10km race and a 3km fun run. Participants ran around Angkor Wat, a key ancient temple in the Angkor Archaeological Park, surrounded by stunning architectural beauty and scenic views.

According to the NOCC results, the men's full marathon title was won by Cambodian Van Pheara, who finished in two hours, forty minutes and fifty-one seconds. The women's full marathon was won by Irish runner Caitriona Jennings with a time of 3:05:43.

Photographies AKP