Efforts are underway in Cambodia to boost the Khmer Empire International Marathon Day, in a bid to attract tourists to Siem Reap province.

With its slow recovery from the Covid-19 pandemic, Cambodia aims to improve the appeal of this sporting event through quality preparations.

Vath Chamroeun, secretary-general of the National Olympic Committee of Cambodia (NOCC), stressed the importance of Angkor Wat as a heritage site and unique tourist destination.

He believes sports tourism events like marathons can revitalise the tourist industry, creating jobs and income for local businesses.

“Many people and businesses providing accommodation, food and other tourism services benefit from the organisation of sports events,” said Chamroeun.

The Khmer Empire International Marathon was suspended in 2020 and 2021 due to the pandemic. When it returned in 2022, the event attracted around 1,000 participants. For the upcoming marathon on August 6, Cambodia anticipates even better participation.

“Until now, we have received more than 2,000 registered participants,” stated Chamroeun, noting a rise in both domestic and foreign participants, including from Japan, China and Vietnam.

“All the benefits from organising this event transfer to helping society, not for profit. NOCC is a social sports organisation set by law as a non-profit organisation,” Chamroeun added.

Sem Phalla, the general manager of the marathon, said the event includes full and half marathons, a 10 km run and a 3 km family run.

“We always pay attention to strengthening the quality to compete with our neighbouring countries in the region that host such events,” he said.