Angkor Empire Marathon

The Angkor Wat Marathon, also recognized as the Angkor Empire Marathon or Khmer Empire Marathon, is a prestigious full marathon event covering the standard distance of 42.195 kilometers (26.2 miles). This remarkable race made its debut in 2014 and has since become one of Southeast Asia's most sought-after marathon experiences, though both the 2020 and 2021 editions were unfortunately cancelled due to the global pandemic.Set within the breathtaking Angkor Archaeological Park, this extraordinary marathon begins and concludes directly in front of the iconic Angkor Wat Temple, providing runners with an unparalleled starting and finishing backdrop. The course design mirrors the popular December half-marathon in many ways, featuring a predominantly flat terrain that winds along well-maintained paved roads throughout the ancient temple complex.What sets the full marathon apart is its extended route that ventures deeper into the eastern sections of the archaeological park. This longer distance allows participants to experience a more comprehensive tour of the ancient Khmer empire's architectural wonders. Runners traverse scenic pathways that weave between numerous temples and historical sites, with one of the most striking highlights being the passage near the magnificent Pre Rup temple, whose imposing brick structure and intricate design serve as a powerful reminder of the region's rich cultural heritage.For those who find the full marathon distance too challenging, the event offers multiple participation options to accommodate runners of all fitness levels. Participants can choose from a half-marathon (21.1 kilometers), a 10K race, or a more accessible 3K fun run, ensuring that everyone can experience the magic of running through one of the world's most spectacular archaeological sites while challenging themselves at their preferred distance.