The 10th annual Angkor Empire Marathon, originally scheduled for August 3, in front of the majestic Angkor Wat Temple, has been postponed indefinitely following escalating conflict along the Cambodian-Thai border.
The National Olympic Committee of Cambodia (NOCC) issued an announcement on Sunday, July 27, confirming the decision to delay the event, despite all preparations being complete and thousands of runners having already registered.
“Due to rising tensions at the border, the 10th Angkor Empire Marathon, set for August 3 in the Angkor area, is being postponed following intensified armed conflict that has resulted in casualties among both military personnel and innocent civilians,” stated the NOCC.“The fighting has also led to a large number of displaced people fleeing to Siem Reap and other safe provinces,” it added.
The NOCC has not yet set a new date for the event. In the meantime, it expressed its apologies to the approximately 5,000 domestic and international athletes who had registered and prepared to take part in the tenth edition of the annual event in Siem Reap.
“The Angkor Empire Marathon will take place once conditions allow,” the statement read. “We apologise and hope all runners will understand this difficult situation.”Vath Chamroeun, NOCC secretary-general, issued a separate statement reiterating the decision and expressing hope for understanding from athletes and stakeholders.
“To all local and international runners: Due to the tense situation at the border, we must postpone the 10th Angkor Empire Marathon, which was to be held on August 3. We will provide updates at a later time. We sincerely apologise and hope for your understanding,” he said.
The decision comes in response to ongoing armed clashes between Cambodian and Thai forces, which began on July 24, when Thai troops launched an offensive against Cambodian soldiers at Ta Monen Thom temple, located near the border.
As of Monday morning, the situation had deteriorated further. Thai forces have intensified their assaults, leading to worsening conflict and mass displacement of Cambodian civilians living near the border. Tens of thousands have been forced to evacuate to safety, and more than 600 schools have been closed.
