Active Pinas Conquers Angkor Wat International Half Marathon

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Groupie shot near the starting line before the assembly time.

“This is my fourth time to joined the Angkor Wat International Half Marathon and it’s the best running event I’ve joined so far here in Asia. I hope there’s something like this in Manila”,  an American-French lady based in Manila remarked when we asked her how’s the run in Angkor Wat. “I’m pretty sure you will enjoy it” she quipped.

And this was exactly what we’ve experienced when we joined the 20th edition of Angkor Wat International Half Marathon.

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Just two of the several temples you would see along the scenic route.
Just two of the several temples you would see along the scenic route.

The route takes runners through a tour of the breath-taking sights of the  majestic temples around Angkor temple complex – a World Heritage site and the largest religious monument in the world –  located in the  stunning town of Siem Reap in Cambodia. Siem Reap is just a short 2 hours and 45 minutes direct flight away from the Philippines.

Checking the finish line a day before the scheduled run.
Checking the finish line a day before the scheduled run.

Two days  before the scheduled run, we collected our race kits from the small race expo located in Ansapar Resort Hotel and Conference. The timing chip (called championchip) was registered and the information were verified. We also visited Angkor Wat the day before the run to witness the sunrise and visit some temples. This alone makes our trip and the run worth every single cent. The sights are refreshing and breath-taking.
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Well organized race kit claiming at Apsara Angkor Resort & Conference

We stayed at the Central Boutique Angkor Hotel which is perfectly located, just a few minutes walk away from the famous Old Night Market and Pub Street, and only 15 minutes Tuk Tuk away from the starting line of the race.

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View of Angkor Wat at the starting line

For this year, the 20th Angkor Wat International Half Marathon attracted 8,493 runners  the biggest ever field. For the 21K category, we have seen more foreigners who joined than locals. The 21K has also the biggest numbers of runners – 3,208 runners in all.  No other than  Deputy Prime Minister Men Sam An pulled the trigger of a shot gun to signal the start of the half marathon.

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At the starting line before the gun start. More expats that locals!

The route was one of the most beautiful we have ever run on. It was mainly  flat, with gently sloping downhill course. The scenery was  simply stunning  and took us though several of the temples lined with trees which meant runners enjoyed the shade most of the time.

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Water was served every 2 kilometers and several kilometers before the finish line, energy drinks were also given. The yellowish energy drink, which we though was beer, was refreshing and it tastes good too!

Everything was extremely well-organised. We were surprise to see a clean, well-lighted temporary portalet with bidet!

Yes, you can feed monkeys too!
Yes, you can feed monkeys too!

Our experience is simply amazing. Not only did we complete and enjoy the race, but we got to run among some of the most amazing temple ruins in the world. We highly recommend this race  to anybody. The American-French lady expat we’ve met earlier was 100% right.  We don’t think there can be another half marathon route as beautiful as this one, at least in South East Asia.

On our way back to our hotel riding a Tuk-tuk, we can say that we accomplished the race with a smile!
On our way back to our hotel riding a Tuk-tuk, we can say that we accomplished the race with a smile!

Please visit some action photos we’ve taken on https://www.facebook.com/activepinas

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