The ancient temples of Angkor serve as the backdrop for two annual running events: the Angkor Wat Half-Marathon and the Angkor Empire Marathon. Among these events, Angkor Wat half-marathon (21 km) stands out as Cambodia’s most popular sporting event, drawing thousands of participants from both within the country and around the world to the iconic archaeological site.
🏃🏃♀️ ANGKOR WAT HALF-MARATHON 2024
Angkor Wat International Half Marathon was first started in 1996 by Yuko Arimori, a Japanese Olympian marathon runner who was on the women podium on the Olympics games of Barcelona of 1992 and Atlanta in 1996. For its first edition, the Angkor wat half marathon managed to draw a respectable crowd of 654 runners. This half-marathon is organized by National Olympic Committee of Cambodia and it is recognized by the Association of International Marathons and Distance Races (AIMS) and the World Athletics (IAAF). This event raises funds for the victims of antipersonnel mines in Cambodia and is supported by numerous sponsors.
The popularity of this annual sporting event continued to grow, reaching a peak in December 2019 when over 12,000 participants signed up. Notably, 60% of the registrants (approximately 7,000) were from other countries. That year, slightly more than 3,000 runners enrolled in the half-marathon, while the remaining contestants opted for the shorter distances of 10 km, 5 km, and 3 km races.
The COVID-19 pandemic disrupted the event’s long-standing tradition in 2020, forcing it to be held virtually for the first time since 1996. In 2021, strict health protocols limited participation to just 2,500 runners. The 2023 event saw a significant recovery, with 10,154 participants, nearly matching pre-pandemic levels. However, international participation dropped sharply, with foreign runners making up only 35% (3,654) of the total – almost half the proportion seen in 2019. This decline mirrors the decreased sales of Angkor Wat tickets since 2019.
Angkor Wat temple reflecting on the moat near the start and finish line
Angkor Wat half marathon route
The Angkor Wat Half Marathon takes place within Angkor Wat archeological park, a UNESCO World Heritage Site. The race starts and finishes in front of Angkor Wat Temple, before Angkor Wat Sunrise and features a mostly flat course that is approximately 21 kilometers long. The route is paved or smooth red dirt roads and takes runners through several iconic spots, including Ta Keo, two gates of Angkor Thom (Victory gate and North gate) and Angkor Wat, offering a unique and breathtaking running experience. The event takes place in December, which is the dry season in Cambodia, however, temperatures can reach 30°C (86°F): hydration is crucial, and runners are advised to take special care to stay hydrated throughout the race.
The beautiful Victory gate of Angkor Thom, one of the scenic course of the race
📄 Angkor Wat half marathon 2024 registration dates and fees
| Race | Foreigner | Cambodian |
|---|---|---|
| 21km | USD 70 (USD 60 early bird price till August 21st) | USD 36 (USD 32 early bird price till August 21st) |
| 10km | USD 55 (USD 45 early bird price till August 21st) | USD 25 (USD 20 early bird price till August 21st) |
| 5km Run | USD 45 (USD 35 early bird price till August 21st) | USD 20 (USD 15 early bird price till August 21st) |
| 3km Fun Run | USD 35 (USD 25 early bird price till August 21st) | USD 12 (USD 10 early bird price till August 21st) |
Angkor Wat half-marathon 2024 map
🥇Angkor Wat half-marathon results
Participants to Angkor Wat half-marathon are drawn to the experience of running amidst ancient temples, not to set personal bests. The event has not attracted elite runners, most likely because the prize purse isn’t competitive enough to entice top-tier athletes. For comparison, the Bangsaen21 Bangkok half marathon, offering a $10,000 first-place prize, attracted Kenyan athlete Josphat Kemei, who set a impressive time of 1:01:56 in 2022. This demonstrates how high-caliber athletes can significantly lower race records when properly incentivized. Within Southeast Asia, the Kuala Lumpur marathon offers an even higher top prize of $15,000. The Hong Kong marathon stands out with the region’s largest purse, awarding $65,000 each male and female winner ! Due to weather conditions (heat ad humidity) it will be very challenging even for top elite runner to run a sub 1h half marathon in Angkor.
That being said, the race record held by Zhan Donglin in 1:05:18 during the first edition in 1996, is quite impressive. Saeki Makino had a very good performance in 2019 with 1:07:34. The last three years, finishing times have been much slower above the 1h15 min mark.
📙Angkor Wat half-marathon reviews
The half marathon route is flat on asphalt roads, only around 1 to 2km on dirt roads. The route crosses the outstanding temples of the Angkor Wat Historical Park, making it one of a kind.
The route inside the historical site was amazing. Crowds were so friendly and cheerful. It was so much fun high-fiving the children along the run. Definitely a must-go experience.
It was a great route and amazing location. The area is fairly flat, so not many up hills and down hills. We expected a lot of sun, but actually the race was routed through streets with enough shade, and many water points. It was the perfect half marathon for me as it was my first 🙂 as this event raises awareness and funds for the war victims, it is also nice to know that your money is well spent.
It was my first half marathon. The route was well planned. No hills and lots of shade, enough water points.
🏃🏃♀️ ANGKOR WAT MARATHON (August 2025)
Angkor Wat Marathon known also as Angkor Empire Marathon or Khmer Empire Marathon is a full marathon (42,195 km or 26,1 miles) held for the first time in 2014. Because of the pandemic both 2020 and 2021 editions were cancelled. Angkor Wat marathon is taking within the Angkor Wat archeological park that starts and finishes in front of Angkor Wat Temple. Like the half-marathon of December, it is also a flat course on mostly paved roads with scenic routes across many temples. Due to the higher distance to cover, the route is going further east of the archeological park pass, runners passing nearby the imposing structure of Pre Rup temple. If the marathon is too much for you, there is also a half-marathon, as well as a 10K and a 3K run.
📄Angkor Wat marathon 2024 registration and prices
| Registration Fees | ||
|---|---|---|
| Race | Foreigners | Cambodian |
| 42Km (Marathon) | USD 75 | USD 40 |
| 21Km (Half Marathon) | USD 65 | USD 36 |
| 10Km | USD 50 | USD 25 |
| 3Km Fun Run | USD 25 | USD 12 |
💡 Angkor Wat marathon: last minutes tips
Get plenty of rest the day before the race and get a light breakfast at least 2 hours before the race. Before the race warm up gently and do some dynamic stretching, but avoid intense stretching of cold muscles. It is a good idea to take energy gels during the race especially if you run the full marathon. These are very difficult to find in Cambodia. During the race stay hydrated, many water stations stands are available along the way with water and electrolytes.
Should I run in August of December?
If you want to run a marathon, you do not have the choice but need to take part of the race in August. On the other hand if you opt for the half-marathon, you have the flexibility to choose between running in either August or December. It’s worth noting that the weather in Siem Reap during these two months differs significantly. August falls within the rainy season, resulting in higher humidity levels and slightly warmer temperatures compared to December.
The main distinction between August and December lies in the visual experience. In August, you will enjoy the great visual of what we call Angkor Green when the temples begin to be adorned with moss, and the surrounding rice fields display vibrant shades of green. If you have a keen interest in photography, this time of year offers a unique opportunity to capture stunning shots and truly appreciate the lush beauty of the landscape.
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