Angkor Wat International Half Marathon: The World's Most Unique Road Race

The Angkor Wat International Half Marathon has been running through the Angkor Archaeological Park every December since 1996. It was founded by Japanese Olympic silver medallist Yuko Arimori, who chose Siem Reap specifically to raise international awareness of Cambodia's post-war land mine crisis. Nearly 30 years later, it's one of the most distinctive road races in the world — AIMS and World Athletics (IAAF) certified, organized by the National Olympic Committee of Cambodia, raising funds for local charities.

The premise: 21 km through a UNESCO World Heritage site, starting at 5:00 AM at the front gates of Angkor Wat, with 14 ancient temples along the course, before the heat arrives.

Race Details

Item	Detail
Date	First Saturday of December every year
2025	December 6, 2025
2026	December 6, 2026
Start time	5:00 AM
Start/finish	Front of Angkor Wat main entrance
Distances	Half Marathon (21.1 km), 10 km, 3 km fun run
Certification	AIMS and World Athletics (IAAF)
Organizer	National Olympic Committee of Cambodia
Race pack pickup	December 3–5 (Courtyard by Marriott Siem Reap or similar)
Registration closes	~October 24
Official site	angkorwathalfmarathon.org

The Course

The course runs through the Angkor Archaeological Park along flat, paved temple roads under ancient tree canopy. At 5 AM, the park is dark except for course lighting — you run past temple silhouettes and Angkor Wat moat reflections with a headlamp.

What 5 AM looks like: Mist on the moat. Fog between the ancient trees. The sound of runners' footfalls, distant bats, and jungle insects. By kilometer 10, the sky starts to lighten and the temple shapes become visible through the trees. By the finish, you're running in golden morning light at the base of Angkor Wat.

It is the only race in the world with this atmosphere. No other certified road race shares a course with a living UNESCO World Heritage archaeological park.

Training Considerations

Climate: December is Cambodia's coolest month — 25–28°C at race start, rising to 30°C by the time most runners finish the half. This is still warm by European or North American standards. Heat training in the weeks before the race makes a measurable difference.

Humidity: December humidity is moderate (~60–65%). Lower than the rainy season months, but still noticeably higher than temperate climates. Salt tablets or electrolytes help.

Altitude: The Angkor plain sits at approximately 20 m above sea level. No altitude adaptation required.

Pace strategy: Start slower than you think you need to. The first 5 km are dark and atmospheric — easy to go out too fast. The heat builds after sunrise (approximately km 10–12 for most half marathon runners). Build your effort in the second half.

Registration

Register at worldsmarathons.com or cambodia-events.org. Registration typically opens in July–August and closes in late October.

Entry fees are modest by international race standards — approximately $20–35 depending on distance and early/late registration. Proceeds support Cambodian charities.

Combining the Race with a Siem Reap Trip

Most runners arrive 2–4 days before the race for acclimatization, race pack pickup, and pre-race temple exploration.

Recommended schedule:

• Dec 3: Arrive, check in, short afternoon walk in town
• Dec 4: Easy 20-minute shakeout run + Angkor Thom exploration (walking pace, not racing)
• Dec 5: Rest day, race pack pickup, early dinner, early sleep
• Dec 6: Race day — 5 AM start, finished by 8:30 AM for most runners, pool recovery, rest
• Dec 7–8: Post-race temple exploration — Banteay Srei, Beng Mealea, Ta Prohm

December is peak tourist season in Siem Reap. The villa gives a group of runners one confirmed booking — pool for post-race recovery, outdoor kitchen for pre-race meal control, KTV for the evening before if the group needs distraction from pre-race nerves.

Book 6–8 weeks ahead for December. The race draws international runners who all need accommodation in the same December window.

Cost for a Group of 8 Runners (4 nights)

Item	Per Person
Return flight (varies by origin)	$400–800
Villa (4 nights, $300/night ÷ 8)	$150
Food (4 days)	$50
Race entry (half marathon)	$25–35
Angkor Wat (additional day visits, foreigners)	$37–62
TukTuk and local transport	$25
Total	~$687–1,122/person

→ Read: Best Time to Visit Angkor Wat

→ Read: Christmas and New Year's Eve in Siem Reap