Siem Reap is bracing itself for a massive influx of fitness freaks and athletics enthusiasts over the weekend as the picturesque Angkor temple complex hosts a double-header of sports events for charitable causes.

The seventh annual Angkor Wat Bike Race & Ride, organised by NGO Village Focus International, will get under way from 6am on Saturday morning with over 1,000 expected participants.

The 17th Angkor Wat International Half Marathon then follows on Sunday, with a slated start time of 6:30am.

With 6,241 registered runners so far, it is biggest edition of the annual run now firmly established on the regional athletics calendar.

Both events are of a charitable nature, with the money raised supporting various NGOs across the Kingdom.

To contact the reporter on this story: Chris Derbuc at [email protected]