Preah Sihanouk province is set to resume its international half marathon event on April 2, with the event starting out from Ochheuteal Beach. Organisers are expecting a healthy crowd of tourists to attend as spectators and they will use the event to promote the upcoming SEA Games in May as well.

Cambodia’s 8th International Half Marathon Day was the subject of a March 25 press conference at the headquarters of the National Olympic Committee of Cambodia (NOCC).

Vath Chamroeun, secretary-general of NOCC, said that one of the primary goals of the NOCC is to support and promote tourism, and also a green environment and the beauty of the coastal areas of the province. He also noted that the event raises funds for donation to charity.

“We organise this beautiful beach run because we have a clear goal to attract more international tourists to Cambodia in addition to domestic tourists,” he said. “This is the continuation of the sustainability to promote the development of sports through this mass race for charity, which will be routed through our beautiful green environment and will promote the value of hosting the 2023 SEA Games and ASEAN Para Games.”

Chamroeun said that in May, when the SEA Games finally begin, Preah Sihanouk province will also host three events: Boat sailing, jet skiing and beach volleyball.

He said that so far about 1,000 people have registered to participate in the International Half Marathon in Preah Sihanouk in coming Sunday.

Sem Phalla, general manager of the Phnom Penh International Half Marathon, said that the day of the marathon would actually have four events: The 21km half marathon, the 10km run, the 5km run and the 3km run.

“The state of the provincial roads along the coast is good and it’s very beautiful and attractive. Those who are doing the 21km run will race along 8km of coastal roads, and they will feel twice as refreshed and happy,” he said.

He added that among the 1,000 registered applicants are more than 100 international runners from 24 countries, with China entering the most runners, followed by Thailand and Malaysia.