The Angkor Wat International Half Marathon (AWHM) in Siem Reap celebrated a major milestone this year, with over 14,000 runners from around 80 countries, marking a significant jump from its humble beginnings in 1996. A large portion of this year’s participants were expats, with around 5,000 runners coming from countries like the UK, France, and Australia. The event gained even more prominence with the participation of Prime Minister Hun Manet, who ran alongside a mix of local and international participants, reinforcing Cambodia's emerging status as a hub for large-scale international events.

The expat community in Cambodia has shown continued support for the marathon, with many taking part in the race and encouraging others to visit Siem Reap for the event. The marathon has become a key driver of local tourism, with hotels, restaurants, and businesses seeing a noticeable uptick in activity during the weekend. For expats, the event is a chance to showcase Cambodia's unique culture and promote the country as a vibrant destination for both tourism and sports.

Local stakeholders, including members of the expat business community, see the marathon as a powerful tool for further boosting Cambodia’s tourism sector. Discussions are underway about expanding the event's impact by adding side activities that would encourage participants to stay longer in Siem Reap, bringing even more economic benefits to the city. Additionally, the event supports critical causes, including promoting the ban on anti-personnel mines and supporting children’s hospitals in Cambodia.

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