Cambodia, through the National Olympic Committee of Cambodia (NOCC), will dedicate the 10th edition of the Angkor Empire International Marathon to national unity, as a way for people to express their support for frontline forces and the displaced persons facing hardship after the recent border clashes with Thailand.
Vath Chamroeun, NOCC secretary-general, announced the return of the twice-postponed event, originally scheduled for August 3, during an August 12 press conference.
“To contribute to the spirit of patriotism at the frontline and to displaced persons that Cambodians are now uniting to support, we will transform our event into a movement of unity — both in spirit, material and finances — to help address the hardships they are facing. The nation’s hardship is each of ours,” he said.
He explained that NOCC will highlight three main messages during the marathon on August 31 to help both Cambodians and the international community better understand the destructive impact of the recent Thai aggression against Cambodia, which has caused the loss of soldiers’ and civilians’ lives, displaced tens of thousands and damaged parts of Khmer temples.
According to Vath Chamroeun:
- We run for peace and the well-being of our people – Peace exists, but well-being must also be ensured for our citizens.
- We run to protect and preserve humanity’s heritage – Some of our temples have been damaged due to war, and this must be shown to the world so that humanity collectively helps protect and safeguard such heritage.
- We run to support and assist our heroic frontline soldiers and displaced persons – Many have yet to return home.
Chamroeun stressed that as Khmers, all must have unity of heart and spirit because the people’s collective movement is the nation’s greatest strength in facing any difficulty.
He called on all registered participants, especially the over 3,000 Cambodian runners already signed up, to join in and voice the three messages loudly, displaying large banners and the Cambodian flag to inspire both national and international audiences.
The NOCC will continue to accept registrations until close to race day and expects around 4,000 or more participants. All stakeholders will work to ensure the event’s safety and success, widely promoting the three messages.
“Authorities in Siem Reap and the APSARA National Authority still encourage and welcome this event, and will continue to ensure the safety of the runners. Please come and participate to help share the three campaign messages. Taking part this time means contributing encouragement and support to our heroic soldiers and displaced persons,” added Chamroeun.
Sem Phalla, CEO of Marathon Organisation in Cambodia, also urged Cambodians to join the Angkor Empire International Marathon on August 31 in large numbers to show the world that Angkor is peaceful, daily commerce is normal and everything is ready to welcome both domestic and international visitors.
“The situation in Siem Reap is calm and normal, and everything is functioning as usual. We are using this event as a national unity movement to show the world that Cambodians have solidarity and peace when we gather thousands of runners on August 31. I appeal to all runners to join in large numbers for the benefit of our country and our people,” he said.
