Humans of Cambodia is thrilled to share the fantastic news about the recently concluded Angkor Ultra Trail 2024, the seventh edition of this extraordinary race. This year, the event brought together an incredible 1,500 runners from 51 countries worldwide, marking a remarkable 25% increase in participants compared to the previous year.

Organized in collaboration between the National Olympic Committee of Cambodia (NOCC) and Phoenix Voyages, the race took place in the beautiful city of Siem Reap. This event, featuring various long-distance classes ranging from 8 to 100 kilometers, showcased the spirit of unity and athleticism.

The President of the NOCC shared excitement, noting that the inaugural Angkor Ultra Trail in 2016 had only 232 participants, including 20 Cambodian athletes. The growth over the years highlights the increasing global interest in this unique event.

Chinese athletes shone brightly at the Angkor Ultra Trail 2024, with Ni Yueheng winning the men's 100km race in an impressive time of nine hours, 14 minutes, and 17 seconds. Wei Xinshuang claimed victory in the women's 100km event, completing the race in eleven hours, 51 minutes, and 13 seconds.

Beyond being a competitive race, the Angkor Ultra Trail serves a higher purpose. According to the organizers, the event aims to promote public participation in sports, boost the local economy, showcase heritage sites, and drive Cambodian tourism. The race, set against the backdrop of the stunning Angkor Archaeological Park, truly stands out as an adventure-sport tourism spectacle, where participants traverse woods, rural areas, and ancient temples both day and night.

Organizers expressed optimism about the future, anticipating even more participation in the 8th Angkor Ultra Trail in 2025. They highlighted the Royal Government's ambitious plans to modernize Siem Reap and Angkor Park, including the construction of the new Siem Reap-Angkor International Airport, a light rail line connecting the airport to Siem Reap City, and the proposed Phnom Penh-Siem Reap Expressway.

In line with these initiatives, the Royal Government has launched the "Master Plan for Tourism Development of Siem Reap-Angkor Province 2021-2035." This visionary plan aims to transform Angkor Wat Park and the surrounding areas into a world-class tourism and heritage destination, emphasizing responsible and sustainable development.