In the build up to hosting the  Phnom Penh International Half Marathon (PPIHM) in the capital on June 17, the National Olympic Committee of Cambodia held a meeting at their head-quarters yesterday with the co-organiser, local publication Adweekly, to help plan for the event.

Items on the agenda included working out ways to improve the number of participants in this year’s race, as well as making the competition more inviting for tourists.

“In 2012, a total of 3,500 runners took part in the event. We expect an increase on that figure.

To ensure this, the organisers decided to open registration for a longer period of time, which means it will start on February 9 and will be open until a few days before the race,” Adweekly managing director Kao Vannarin told reporters during the meeting.

Runners will be able to sign up for the event at locations including the NOCC’s head-quarters (No 1, Street 276), the Adweekly office (No 37, Street 2011), the Sunway Hotel and the Plaza hotel in Siem Reap.

Entrance fees for the various distances to be competed over vary between $10 and $45 for foreigners and $4 and $5 for locals.

NOCC general secretary Vath Chamroeun said: “The three main objectives of this year’s half-marathon are to celebrate the 119th Olympic Day as well as the Queen’s birthday, and to give awareness about our effort for a cleaner environment in Phnom Penh.”