Angkor Empire Marathon Sees 25% Increase in Participants, Reaching Record 6500

Siem Reap Province – The 11th Angkor Empire Marathon officially took place on the morning of August 2, 2026, in front of Angkor Wat temple in Siem Reap Province. A total of 6500 national and international athletes participated, marking a 25% increase compared to last year. According to HE Dr. Thong Khon, Deputy Prime Minister and President of the National Olympic Committee of Cambodia (NOCC), who delivered welcoming remarks before the start of the 42-kilometer race, he warmly welcomed all national and international athletes to the marathon event on the land of Angkor, a World Heritage site. HE Dr. Thong Khon stated that this year, the organizing committee received a total of 6500 participants, an increase of 25% compared to 2025. Among them, 5450 were Cambodian athletes and 1050 were international athletes from 51 countries. The countries with the highest participation included China, Japan, and the United Kingdom. Athletes competed in four categories: 42 kilometers, 21 kilometers, 10 kilometers, and 3 kilometers. HE Vath Chamroeun, Secretary General of NOCC, stated that the growth in participants for this year's Angkor Empire Marathon was achieved through cooperation between NOCC, the Lancang-Mekong Cooperation, and the Tali Marathon event, with support from the Chinese Embassy in Cambodia. Wang Wenbin, the Chinese Ambassador to Cambodia, was also invited to witness the event, along with HE Hor Hong Hak, Minister of Tourism, and HE Prak Sokhon, Governor of Siem Reap Province. This increase in participation demonstrates the strong confidence of national and international athletes in Cambodia's stability and peace, ensuring a welcoming environment for foreign guests from all directions. Specifically, organizing sports events contributes to promoting and attracting tourists, thereby enhancing the national economy. It is estimated that Cambodia earned approximately half a million US dollars during the Angkor Empire Marathon event.