National and international athletes set off at the 7th Angkor Ultra Trail 2024. Post Staff
Thong Khon, president of the National Olympic Committee of Cambodia (NOCC), has highlighted how the 8th Angkor Ultra Trail 2025 – set to take place in Siem Reap province’s Angkor Archaeological Park on January 18 – will help promote Cambodia on the international stage, thanks to the participation of many international athletes.
During a January 6 press conference, Khon noted that the event has been held annually since 2016, with the Cambodian government granting approval to NOCC and Phoenix Voyages to host the event.
The first event attracted 232 participants from 26 countries. Participation has steadily increased, with the 7th Angkor Ultra Trail in 2024 welcoming 1,500 participants from 51 countries, a 25 per cent increase from 2023.
As of January 5, 1,368 participants from 44 countries were registered for the race, with most entrants coming from France, Cambodia, Vietnam, Thailand and the US. The organising committee expected the total number of participants to reach 1,700 by race day, reflecting a 20 per cent growth over last year.
“The Ultra Trail is a global sporting event. What we are doing in Angkor is part of the international Ultra Trail series, which will promote Angkor and Cambodia to the world. Participants don’t come here just for health and fitness – they come to experience our culture and, in turn, will share their impressions of Cambodia with others,” explained Khon.
The event will see competitors test themselves against the awe-inspiring backdrop of the Kingdom’s ancient temples. Post Staff
The former Minister of Tourism expressed his excitement at the large number of new participants in event, noting that they will effectively serve as ambassadors, each of them helping to spread awareness about Cambodia globally.
He added that only 12 per cent of participants have previously joined the event, with the remaining 78 per cent all newcomers, something he described as a vital factor in enhancing the Kingdom’s international visibility.
“This will event significantly contribute to promoting Cambodia, especially the Angkor region, as a tourism destination. It also supports national sports development, humanitarian projects and the global recognition of the Angkor World Heritage Site, while indirectly aiding economic growth,” he continued.
Khon also praised the Kingdom’s long-distance runners, with 25 per cent of the 121 provisional registrants for the 100-kilometre race being Cambodian athletes, including five women. The day will feature various race distances, including 64km, 42km, 32km, 18km and 8km, with most of the endurance runners coming from Europe.
Thong Khon (centre), president of the National Olympic Committee of Cambodia (NOCC), addresses a January 6 press conference, which he used to highlight the benefits the 8th Angkor Ultra Trail 2025 will deliver. Post Staff
Edouard George, chairman of Phoenix Voyages and an organiser of the event, highlighted that the event is internationally recognised by the Ultra Trail Federation.
He explained that both the federation and NOCC have worked tirelessly to make the Angkor Ultra Trail a globally renowned sporting event that promotes Cambodia’s tourism, culture and traditions worldwide.
“The strong participation of international athletes in this event is a crucial factor in showcasing the real beauty of the Angkor tourist area. Additionally, we integrate Khmer cultural performances, such as blessing dances and traditional martial arts, to entertain and educate international runners about Khmer heritage, ensuring they enjoy the race and learn about Cambodian culture and hospitality,” added George.
