Keen Reapers have already started training for this year’s Angkor Wat International Half Marathon, but for those of a less athletic bent, the one kilometre Reapers’ Run of Shame tomorrow promises a more achievable goal.

The run, with its tagline, “run, walk or stagger,” was devised last year by Australian expat and ABCs and Rice strategic planner Monica Butler. It was a huge success, with over a hundred people taking part and some describing it as the best day they’d had in Siem Reap.

“Obviously expats and locals in Siem Reap want something more to do than just quizzes,” Butler says. “For fundraisers we’re so over-quizzed. I just wanted to do something completely different. Last year we raised $2000 for ABCs and Rice in Siem Reap and we just had so much good feedback.

“We had people saying afterwards that the whole town smiled because there were these idiot barangs in costume running around for no apparent reason.”

A huge hit at last year’s run, the Hash House Harriers led by Victoria Angkor Resort and Spa general manager Hanno Stamm, will again take part.

Shame Run organiser Monica Butler strikes a speedy pose. MIRANDA GLASSER

“There were lots of fake boobies,” remembers Butler. “It was brilliant. So much so that we’ve now got a prize this year for the most tragic fake boobies. It was hilarious, all these blokes running in with these halter tops on, readjusting.

“The theme is ‘dress like you haven’t been to bed yet’ because it’s a run of shame. But it’s purely wear whatever you want to and go as crazy as you want.”

Butler says there are a few people this year planning to do the run on alternate means of transport, including a tuk tuk decked out as a chariot. There will also be a flag-bearer carrying a large ABCs and Rice flag.

The run starts at 3pm at Genevieve’s on Sok San Road, taking in Sivutha Boulevard and then going down Pub St, finishing at the Warehouse with a raffle and prize giving.

As well as the grand prizes, the person finishing last will get a booby prize ‘recovery pack’ of Royal D, some beers (naturally) and Panadol.

Butler says there seems to be a really good vibe about the run this year, with more and more people planning to take part.

Registration for the run costs $12 including a free t-shirt.