AKP Phnom Penh, August 2, 2026 -- The 11th Angkor Empire Marathon attracted 6,500 runners from Cambodia and abroad on Sunday morning at Angkor Wat Temple in Siem Reap province, marking a 25 percent increase compared to last year.

Speaking at the opening ceremony, H.E. Dr. Thong Khon, Senior Minister and President of the National Olympic Committee of Cambodia (NOCC), warmly welcomed participants to the annual event held at the UNESCO World Heritage site.

He said this year's marathon brought together 5,450 Cambodian runners and 1,050 international participants from 51 countries. The largest overseas contingents came from China, Japan and the United Kingdom.

Competitors took part in four race categories: the 42-kilometre full marathon, 21-kilometre half marathon, 10-kilometre run, and 3-kilometre fun run.

The event was jointly organised by the NOCC in cooperation with the Mekong-Lancang Cooperation mechanism and the Dali Marathon, with support from the Chinese Embassy in Cambodia. The opening ceremony was attended by Chinese Ambassador H.E. Wang Wenbin, Minister of Tourism H.E. Huot Hak, and Siem Reap Provincial Governor H.E. Prak Sophorn.

The significant increase in participation reflects growing international confidence in Cambodia's peace, stability and security, while highlighting the country's ability to host international sporting events that promote tourism and contribute to national economic growth.

By C. Nika