Southeast Asia Information Port (www.dnyxxg.com) – On January 24th, the 9th Angkor Wat Ultra Trail Race, attracting global attention from trail running enthusiasts, officially kicked off in Siem Reap Province, Cambodia. This year's event reached a new record in scale, attracting over 1,300 sports enthusiasts from 54 countries and regions to gather at the foot of the Angkor monuments. Participants experienced the profound fusion of nature and culture through competition, embarking on a journey of exploration that combined challenge and artistry.
According to statistics from the organizing committee, the number of participants and national representation in this year's event both steadily increased, demonstrating a positive trend of universal participation and global resonance. Cambodian runners performed exceptionally well, leading the pack with 625 participants, fully showcasing the deep roots and vibrant development of sports in the region. Among overseas runners, French runners led the pack with 437 participants, becoming the core force of the international participant group. Notably, this year's event attracted 502 female runners, directly demonstrating the growing influence of trail running among women and conveying the sporting ideals of trail running for all and gender equality.
To balance the professionalism of the competition with the inclusivity of public participation, this year's Angkor Wat Ultra Trail Race has implemented precise measures, meticulously setting up seven levels of race events to comprehensively cover the needs of different participants. The Elite Extreme Group includes 100km, 64km, and 42km (marathon level) events, focusing on professional athletes and aiming to push their physical and mental limits. The Challenge Advanced Group offers 32km and 18km events, suitable for experienced trail runners, helping them break through their personal limits and advance their skills. The Popular Fun Group includes 8km and 3km (including a family group), focusing on fitness for all and emphasizing a relaxed and enjoyable experience, catering to family interaction and the general public's demand for exercise, allowing more people to experience the charm of trail running.
As a highly influential international sports IP in Cambodia, the Angkor Wat Ultra Trail Race has long transcended the realm of simple competitive sports, becoming an important window for promoting the Angkor Wat World Heritage Site and boosting local ecotourism development. The racecourse cleverly blends natural and cultural landscapes, allowing participants to traverse the magnificent Angkor temple complex, lush primeval jungles, and charming traditional villages while giving their all. Immersed in the rich heritage of Khmer civilization and the pristine beauty of the tropical rainforest, participants not only experience the thrill of the race but also gain a unique "World Heritage Journey."
This innovative "sports + culture + tourism" model not only provides participants with a one-of-a-kind experience but also refocuses global attention on Cambodia, effectively enhancing the international profile of Angkor Wat and further strengthening Cambodia's appeal and reputation as an international sports tourism destination, thus injecting lasting momentum into the high-quality development of the local cultural and tourism industry.
