This race has been recommended by Moire O’Sullivan, who after years of running around Ireland’s mountains is now running the roads of Vietnam and South East Asia.

What?
The Angkor Wat Internatioanl Half Marathon is a stunning set of 21k, 10k, 5k, and 3k races, tracing through the temples of Angkor Wat

Where?
The race takes place in the town of Siem Reap in north Cambodia, a 5-6 hour bus drive from the capital, Phonm Penh. Frequent flights are available from Phonm Penh as well as direct routes from all regional hubs including Bangkok, Ho Chi Minh, Kuala Lumpur, Singapore and Seoul.

When?
The first weekend of December. In 2011 the race takes place on Sunday 4th December, with a 6.30 am start! Remember to get your tuck-tuck taxi there early before the road closes or it’s a long walk to the starting line.

Why?
Because there’s no quicker way to see this world famous UNESCO heritage site. The race starts right outside the largest temple, Angkor Wat, with the sun rising over the moat and the temple’s towers. It then leads you along cool, tree lined streets, past the beautiful edifices of Ta Prohm, through the Victory Gate and Angkor Thom towards the eventual finish.
Many of the local Cambodians who live around the temple area turn out for the event. Their support is in fact overwhelming. The small kids love especially cheering the runners on and collecting their empty water bottles!
It’s also a wonderfully small and diverse race, the 2009 race hosting 3490 runners from 46 countries. Also, with only trophies and no prize money on offer, the race attracts a more fun-run loving bunch, allowing you to come away with an above average ranking. And if those reasons aren’t good enough, proceeds go towards helping local victims of landmines.
If you’re up for a full weekend of fitness, there’s an accompanying cycle race the day before with 40k and 80k options.
Siem Reap itself is a wonderfully chill place to hang out. Buddhist monks silently pass by as you indulge in a wonderfully relaxing Swedish massage or a Kymer massage that knocks all your body parts back into place.
There are a glut of restaurants, the Blue Pumpkin being especially good for post-race coffee and breakfast. And for an evening’s entertainment, anywhere along Pub Street is worth a try or try the Dead Fish Tower restaurant with its Thai Khmer menu and unique multi-layered design and low sitting tables.

Contacts
www.angkormarathon.org