The presence of Prime Minister Hun Manet at the 29th International Angkor Half-Marathon in Siem Reap province this December is expected to elevate the event to international standards, according to officials from the National Olympic Committee of Cambodia (NOCC) and the marathon organising committee.

Vath Chamroeun, Secretary-general of the NOCC, expressed his belief that Manet’s participation in the 5-kilometre race would be a significant honour for the event and would help push the event to greater heights in its 29th year.

He also shared his hope that next year, as the event celebrates its 30th anniversary, the prime minister would again join the race, further enhancing the event’s stature.

Chamroeun suggested that Manet's involvement will encourage more participants, potentially increasing the number of runners to over 10,000. 

The organising committee will ensure the event runs smoothly, with a strong focus on the safety and well-being of all participants, and adherence to all sporting regulations.

He emphasised that there would be no separation between leaders and the general public during the race, allowing for an inclusive atmosphere.

“Safety is paramount,” he explained. “The safety of the prime minister is the safety of the nation as a whole. We know that in sports, we must follow the rules, and Manet has expressed his intention to run alongside the people in the 5km race.”

“While there will be hundreds of participants running the 5km together, the prime minister will be accompanied by others, and we’ve already seen a strong response from government officials and ministers signing up for the race. There is no reason for concern over any restrictions, as Manet will be protected, and he understands that with over 10,000 participants, some congestion is to be expected,” he added.

Sem Phalla, executive director of the event’s organising committee, also welcomed the prime minister’s involvement, noting that it would greatly boost the participation of citizens and international athletes. He believed Manet’s presence will be instrumental in making the event more internationally recognised.

“The government’s support is a driving force for the marathon,” he said.

“This is something that the organisers have long wished for, and the prime minister’s participation will help us reach international standards, improving the overall quality of the event,” he added.

He acknowledged, however, the challenge of managing road closures and traffic issues, which remain a concern in achieving the international standard for the marathon.

“Internationally, to ensure quality and safety, we must close roads so that participants can run without interference from vehicles or other distractions," he explained.

“If vehicles or any other distractions disturb the runners, it would harm the event's reputation and could prevent us from gaining support and recognition from the World Marathon Organising Committee,” he added.

Phalla also highlighted that major marathons worldwide have similar measures in place, including road closures, to guarantee the safety and smooth operation of the event. 

“We are thrilled that the prime minister will be participating because this sends a strong message of encouragement, not only to our partners but also to all the institutions involved. It will make our preparations better and help us reach the international standards we aspire to,” he continued.

He further emphasised the importance of organizing the event with precision, making sure runners are fully aware of the rules and ensuring they understand how to run without causing disruptions to others.

As part of this year’s marathon preparations, Manulife, the main sponsor of the event, has pledged to raise $100,000 from its global staff to support the Angkor Children's Hospital and the Kantha Bopha Children’s Hospital. Since 2014, Manulife’s involvement has helped raise over $650,000 for charitable causes through the marathon.

With the continued support of the government and partners like Manulife, the Angkor Half-Marathon is set to become a stronger international sporting event, contributing to both health and charitable causes.