The peleton of cyclists scale the heights of the 1,079m tall Bokor Mountains, during a previous contest. PHOTO SUPPLIED
The 8th Bokor Cycling Tour and Half Marathon 2023 is set to take place in Kampot province on October 28-29, with the aim of raising funds for Kantha Bopha Children’s Hospital.
The annual sporting event, located on the renowned Bokor Mountains within the Preah Monivong Bokor National Park, was initiated in 2013 by Sok Kong, president of SOKIMEX, the parent company of Sokha Hotels & Resorts.
Kong collaborated with officials from the Khmer Amateur Athletics Federation (KAAF), the Cambodian Cycling Federation (CCF), the National Olympic Committee of Cambodia (NOCC) and various other sponsors to bring the event to life.
The organising committee announced that a 32km cycling race will take place on the morning of October 28, with half marathons of varying distances – 21km, 10km, 5km and a 3km fun run – scheduled for the morning of October 29.
The deadline for registration is October 25.
Yoeun Phyuth, a former professional road racing cyclist and technical coordinator for the biking event, explained that the race on Bokor would cater to both road and mountain bike enthusiasts, with six categories to choose from, each carrying a different registration fee.
For the Elite-Road Bike category, open to participants aged 16 to 38, the registration cost is $35 for foreigners and $20 for Cambodians.
Master-Road Bike is tailored for those aged 39 to 45, and the Open-Road Bike category is accessible for those aged 16 and above.
The VIP-Road Bike event is for those aged 46 and above, and Novice-Mountain Bike is open for those starting from the age of 14, with a registration fee of $30 for foreigners and $20 for Cambodians.
Women of 14 years and above can register for the Women-Any Bike category at $25 for foreigners and $15 for Cambodians.
“Currently, nearly 100 participants have registered, 30 of them foreigners. By the closing date, I anticipate a turnout of 150 participants or more. Many are attracted to this humanitarian event, hoping to contribute to [the hospital],” he said.
Sokha sales manager Keo Sith said registration fees for the 21km running race are $30 for foreigners and $20 for Cambodians.
The 10km run is priced at $25 for foreigners and $15 for Cambodians, the 5km at $20 for foreigners and $10 for Cambodians, and the 3km fun run at $10 and $5 for foreigners and Cambodians respectively.
“Every participant will receive a T-shirt and a running label,” he added.
He noted that approximately 600 people have already registered across the four categories. The majority are Cambodians, but there’s also a significant international presence, including participants from Japan, China, France, Australia, Switzerland, India and Malaysia.
He expects this year’s participant number to surpass 700, an increase from last year, when concerns about Covid-19 may have deterred some.
“It’s designed to inspire Cambodians to band together in support of the hospital. All proceeds from the registration will directly benefit [Kontha Bopha]. Plus, Bokor Mountains’ year-round cool climate is conducive to good health, making it an ideal venue,” he added.
He noted that various entertainment options will be available on the night of October 28, including concerts and food and beverage stalls outside the staging area.
