Angkor Wat International Half Marathon
Angkor Wat International Half Marathon
Every December since 1996, runners from around the world have lined up before dawn in front of Angkor Wat — one of the most iconic start lines in the world. The Angkor Wat International Half Marathon is not just a race. It is a charity event with thirty years of purpose behind it, raising funds for landmine victims in Cambodia and supporting children’s hospitals across the country.
The 2026 edition is the 31st running of the marathon. It takes place inside the Angkor Archaeological Park, a UNESCO World Heritage Site stretching over 400 square kilometres, containing the magnificent ruins of the Khmer Empire from the 9th to the 15th century.
The Cause
Cambodia is one of the most heavily mined countries in the world. The marathon was founded specifically to raise money for landmine victims — providing prosthetic limbs, social reintegration programs, and support for Cambodian children at Angkor Children Hospital and Kantha Bopha Children Hospital. Landmine victims participate alongside international runners every year. The race is as much about them as it is about the finish line.
Race Distances
- Half Marathon — 21.1 km
- Road Race — 10 km
- Fun Run — 5 km
- Fun Run — 3 km
The course is flat with a single loop and a mixed surface, starting and finishing in front of Angkor Wat Temple. Water stations are placed every 2 km along the course. The race is sanctioned by AIMS (Association of International Marathon and Road Races).
Running Angkor Wat at Dawn
The race starts at 5:00 AM — before sunrise. Runners cross the Angkor Wat causeway as the sky lightens behind the temple spires. The flat course winds through the archaeological park, past ruins that most visitors see only from a tuk-tuk window. There is no other race experience like it in Southeast Asia.
Race Week — December 2026
- Dec 3–5: Race pack collection, 9:00 AM – 6:00 PM (Dec 5 until 8:00 PM) — Conference Hall, Courtyard by Marriott Siem Reap Resort
- Dec 6: Race day — start 5:00 AM in front of Angkor Wat
Registration deadline: October 24, 2026. Early bird pricing is available until June 2026. Entry is non-refundable and non-transferable.
How to Register
International runners can register online through World’s Marathons. Local runners and expatriates based in Cambodia can register through the Cambodia Events Organizer (official organiser). Finisher medal, goodie bag, event T-shirt, timing chip, and finisher certificate are included with entry.
Organised by the National Olympic Committee of Cambodia, the Association of Athletics Federation of Cambodia, and Cambodian Events Organizer Co., Ltd. Supported by the Royal Government of Cambodia, the Ministry of Tourism, and the Apsara Authority.
