Cambodia · August · Moderate
Location
Siem Reap, Cambodia
Distance
Full, Half & 10K
Typical Month
August
Difficulty
Moderate
The Angkor Empire Marathon begins before dawn, just as the first light touches the towers of Angkor Wat. It is one of the few races in the world where the starting line sits in front of a UNESCO World Heritage Site — and the course only gets more extraordinary from there.
Set within the vast Angkor Archaeological Park, the marathon takes runners past temples that date back to the 9th–15th centuries, when the Khmer Empire was the largest civilisation in Southeast Asia. The combination of ancient stone, jungle canopy, and the quiet of early morning makes this a deeply atmospheric race.
With full marathon, half marathon, and 10K options, the event welcomes runners of all levels. The tropical heat and humidity add a layer of challenge, but the course is largely flat, making it accessible to anyone with reasonable preparation.
Runners start at the iconic western gate of Angkor Wat and head north through the temple complex. The route loops past the enigmatic faces of Bayon, threads through the jungle-engulfed corridors of Ta Prohm — made famous by Hollywood — and winds along ancient causeways lined with moss-covered stone nagas.
The full marathon extends into quieter temple areas and rural roads before returning through the main archaeological zone. The final kilometres bring you back along the moat of Angkor Wat, with the temple's silhouette growing larger with every stride.
Ready?
Tell us where you'd like to run and we'll craft a complete travel package — flights, accommodation, race entry, and local experiences.