🏃♂️ MARK YOUR CALENDAR FOR YOUR 2026 ANGKOR MARATHON 🏃♀️
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The ancient temples of Angkor serve as the backdrop for two annual running events: the Angkor Wat Half-Marathon and the Angkor Wat Marathon (Angkor Empire Marathon). Among these events, Angkor Wat half-marathon (21 km) stands out as Cambodia’s most popular sporting event, drawing thousands of participants from both within the country and around the world to the iconic archaeological site.
🏃🏃♀️ ANGKOR WAT MARATHON (2nd August 2026)
🏆 Angkor Wat Marathon Facts
Course Records
- Men: Koki Kawauchi (Japan) — 2:36:58 (2015)
- Women: Sakie Ishibashi (Japan) — 2:59:12 (2015)
Record participation: 6,500 runners from 51 countries (2026)
🏅 3-time winner: Vann Pheara (Cambodia)
Angkor Wat Marathon known also as Angkor Empire Marathon or Khmer Empire Marathon is a full marathon (42,195 km or 26,1 miles) held for the first time in 2014 (both 2020 and 2021 editions were cancelled due to the pandemic). Angkor Wat marathon is taking within the Angkor Wat archeological park that starts and finishes in front of Angkor Wat Temple. Like the half-marathon of December, it is also a flat course on mostly paved roads with scenic routes across many temples. Due to the higher distance to cover, the route is going further east of the archeological park pass, runners passing nearby the imposing structure of Pre Rup temple. If the marathon is too much for you, there is also a half-marathon, as well as a 10K and a 3K run.
🥇 Khmer Empire Marathon Results
2024 Edition
3,021 athletes participated at the 9th Khmer Empire marathon that took place in August 4th 2024. The four races saw the participation of 2,206 Cambodians and 815 international runners from 51 countries (27% share). Vann Pheara of Cambodia won the 42km men’s race in 2h 40 min 52 sec, while Caitriona Jennings of Ireland won the women’s race in 3h 05 min 43 sec.
2025 Edition
The 2025 edition, saw Cambodian athletes dominate both men’s and women’s categories. Participation surged by nearly 40% compared to the previous year, with 4,224 runners at the starting line. However, international participation declined significantly, with foreign competitors (including expatriates and tourists) representing only 18% of the runners. Vann Pheara won the men race in 2 h 47 min 29 sec.
2026 Edition
The 2026 edition set a new participation record with 6,500 runners, while maintaining its consistent demographic of about 18% international participants, matching previous years.
In the men’s side, Vann Pheara secured his third consecutive victory, crossing the finish line in 2 h 41 min 9 sec—just a few seconds shy of his personal best. Meanwhile, in the women’s division, Kan Sreyroth successfully defended her 2025 title, taking first place with a respectable time of 3 h 10 min 58 sec.
📄 Angkor Wat Marathon 2026 Registration and Prices
The deadline for Angkor Wat Marathon registration is June 25th, 2026.
| Registration Fees | ||
|---|---|---|
| Race | Foreigners | Cambodian |
| 42Km (Marathon) | USD 75 | USD 40 |
| 21Km (Half Marathon) | USD 65 | USD 36 |
| 10Km | USD 50 | USD 25 |
| 3Km Fun Run | USD 25 | USD 12 |
Races Starting Times ⏰
- Half-Marathon:5:30 AM
- 10K:5:45 AM
- 5K:6:00 AM
- 3K Fun Run:6:10 AM
🏃🏃♀️ ANGKOR WAT HALF-MARATHON (6th December 2026)
Angkor Wat International Half Marathon was started in 1996 by Yuko Arimori, a Japanese Olympian female marathon runner. This half-marathon is organized by National Olympic Committee of Cambodia and it is recognized by AIMS and World Athletics. This event raises funds for the victims of antipersonnel mines in Cambodia.
The popularity of this annual sporting event continued to grow, reaching a peak in December 2019 when over 12,000 participants signed up. In 2025, the event attracted 16,000 participants, the highest participation to date.
Angkor Wat Half Marathon Route
The Angkor Wat Half Marathon takes place within Angkor Wat archeological park, a UNESCO World Heritage Site. The race starts and finishes in front of Angkor Wat Temple, and features a mostly flat course that is approximately 21 kilometers long.
🥇 Angkor Wat Half-Marathon Results
2024 Angkor Half Marathon Results
Cambodian runner Ouk Rohit claimed victory in the men’s half-marathon with an respectable time of 1:14:24. On the women’s side, Japan’s Koisho Rieko dominated the half-marathon, completing the course in 1:21:01.
2025 Angkor Half Marathon Results
Ouk Rohit improved his time from 2024 but finished second to Japanese runner Saeki Makino, who won in 1:10:25. Cambodian runner Sorn Pisey claimed victory in the men’s 10K with a time of 34:13.
💡 Angkor Wat Marathon: Last-Minute Tips
Get plenty of rest the day before the race and get a light breakfast at least 2 hours before the race. Before the race warm up gently and do some dynamic stretching. During the race stay hydrated, many water stations stands are available along the way with water and electrolytes.
📙 Angkor Wat Half-Marathon Reviews
💡 Angkor Wat Marathon: Last-Minute Tips (Extended)
Get plenty of rest the day before the race and get a light breakfast at least 2 hours before the race. Before the race warm up gently and do some dynamic stretching, but avoid intense stretching of cold muscles. It is a good idea to take energy gels during the race especially if you run the full marathon. These are very difficult to find in Cambodia. During the race stay hydrated, many water stations stands are available along the way with water and electrolytes.
Should I Run in August or December?
If you want to run a marathon, you do not have the choice but need to take part of the race in August. On the other hand if you opt for the half-marathon, you have the flexibility to choose between running in either August or December. It’s worth noting that the weather in Siem Reap during these two months differs significantly. August falls within the rainy season, resulting in higher humidity levels and slightly warmer temperatures compared to December.
The main distinction between August and December lies in the visual experience. In August, you will enjoy the great visual of what we call Angkor Green when the temples begin to be adorned with moss, and the surrounding rice fields display vibrant shades of green. If you have a keen interest in photography, this time of year offers a unique opportunity to capture stunning shots and truly appreciate the lush beauty of the landscape.
