Logo of Phnom Penh Post newspaper Phnom Penh Post - Angkor Ultra Trail race proves nation SEA Games ready: Khon

Angkor Ultra Trail race proves nation SEA Games ready: Khon

Content image - Phnom Penh Post
Participants from 43 countries join the the Angkor Ultra Trail 100km race in Siem Reap on February 4. CAMBODIA 2023

Angkor Ultra Trail race proves nation SEA Games ready: Khon

Minister of Tourism Thong Khon, president of the National Olympic Committee of Cambodia (NOCC) and permanent vice-president of the Cambodian SEA Games Organising Committee (CAMSOC), lauded the success of the 6th Angkor Ultra Trail 2023.

He said the event – which took place in the Angkor Archeological Park – demonstrated Cambodia’s ability to host the upcoming 32nd SEA Games and 12th ASEAN Para Games.

“Cambodia is one of the most peaceful countries in the region, and through this peace, has developed rapidly in all areas, including sports. The success of this event shows we are ready to play host to the upcoming games, which be held under the theme ’Sports: Live in Peace’,” he said, as he presided over the February 4 closing ceremony of the event.

He also thanked the government for giving the Ministry of Tourism and NOCC the opportunity to work with Edouard George, president of Phoenix Voyages, to organise the races, after two years of Covid-19 related cancellations.

“Thanks to the government’s effective response to the challenges of the pandemic, we are able to once again enjoy this spectacular event. More than 1,000 athletes from 43 countries were able to take part in the competition, right here, surrounded by the beauty of Angkor,” he said.

There were six categories, ranging from ultra-marathons to middle distance runs. Athletes ran through a variety of temples, trails and rice fields.

There were 83 entrants to the 100km race, 107 in the 64km, 450 in the 42km – a standard marathon – 160 in the 32km, 278 in the 16km and 121 in the 8km race.

Khon praised the organising committee of the event, the APSARA National Authority, the security forces, the health and safety team, and the various officials from the Siem Reap authorities who had made it possible, as well as the athletes who sacrificed their time and energy to make the event a success.

“The Kingdom of Cambodia is a clean and green tourist destination. We are set to welcome the SEA Games and the ASEAN Para Games, from May of this year. I am also looking forward to seeing the return of many more international and domestic visitors for next year’s Angkor Ultra Trail,” he said.

George, president of Phoenix Voyages, which co-organised the event, was delighted with the return of the competition, which attracted many domestic and international entrants.

“What I found remarkable – and encouraging – this year, was the number of Cambodians who finished the long distance events, including the 100km. I expect to see even more in the coming years,” he said.

MOST VIEWED

  • Ministry orders all schools, public and private, to close for SEA Games

    From April 20 to May 18, all public and private educational institutions will be closed to maintain order and support Cambodia's hosting of the 32nd SEA Games and 12th ASEAN Para Games, said a directive from the Ministry of Education, Youth and Sport. Cambodia will host the

  • Almost 9K tourists see equinox sunrise at Angkor Wat

    Nearly 9,000 visitors – including 2,226 international tourists – gathered at Angkor Wat on March 21 to view the spring equinox sunrise, according to a senior official of the Siem Reap provinical tourism department. Ngov Seng Kak, director of the department, said a total of 8,726 people visited Angkor Wat to

  • Angkor Beer strengthens national pride with golden new look and fresher taste

    Angkor Beer – the "Gold of Angkor" – has a new look, one that is more stylish and carries a premium appeal, as well as a fresher taste and smoother flavour, making it the perfect choice for any gathering. Angkor Beer recently launched its new design, one

  • Water supply authority assures public shortages over early ‘24

    The Phnom Penh Water Supply Authority (PPWSA) asked for understanding from Phnom Penh residents in some communes where water pressure is weak. They assured residents that all supply issues will be resolved by early 2024, but have suggested that residents use water sparingly in the meantime.

  • PM urges end to ‘baseless’ international Ream base accusations

    Prime Minister Hun Sen urges an end to “baseless” foreign accusations surrounding the development of the Kingdom’s Ream Naval Base, as the US has consistently suggested that the base is being expanded to accommodate a Chinese military presence. Hun Sen renewed his calls while

  • Khmer ballet documentary debuts April 1

    A new documentary, The Perfect Motion, or Tep Hattha in Khmer, will premiere to the public on April 1. The documentary film follows two intertwined storylines: the creation of a show called Metamorphosis by the late Princess Norodom Buppha Devi (her very last production) and the