Running Around the Largest Temple Complex in the World – Angkor Wat

 



“It is in our nature to explore, to reach out into the unknown. The only true failure would be not to explore at all.”  Ernest Shackleton - Antartic Explorer

 

Angkor Wat International Half Marathon was established in 1996 as the first international distance running event in Cambodia. The main purpose was to raise funds to help landmine victims of the long civil war to lead normal lives. Its further purposes were to help consolidate the nation and promote friendship with all people around the world.

 

I ran the Angkor Wat International Half Marathon on Sunday Dec 4 in Siem Reap, Cambodia. First and foremost, I am grateful that I could register, train, travel and participate in this splendid heritage event. The course is exceptional. It runs through the ancient capital of the Khmer Empire – the Angkor Wat and the Angkor Thom temples complex dating from 12th – 16th centuries. It’s a unique experience as we pass through 13 ancient temples set along the beautiful, forested course.




My experience started with a scare when my tuktuk (mode of transportation in Siem Reap/Cambodia) driver took me through another route to reach the start line. The way was dark, spooky and long which made me more anxious. He promised I would reach the start line on time which I did! There was no time to warm up or use a washroom before starting. It was indeed crowded with people who had travelled a thousand miles to be here (just like me). There were 7000 runners from across the globe across various distance categories. The race started with the temple in the backdrop. The route is gorgeous and rustic through the green forested area as we run past ancient temples of Angkor Wat, Angkor Thom, Bantay Kdey, Ta Prohm (where the movie “Tomb Raider” was shot), Victory Gate, Ta Keo, Bayon temple, Tonle Om gate and back to Angkor Wat. I loved every bit of it. The biggest drawback of the race was the weather. It was 5:30 AM and I was already sweating within meters of starting the race. When the going got tough, I enjoyed being there and capturing what I saw and taking every kilometer/mile as it came by literally going by the saying “run the mile you’re in”. At the end of the day, I was there to enjoy and not compete.




Was it difficult? Yes of course. But with views like this, you just enjoy the course and soak in the scenery.

 

Would I recommend this race? Absolutely yes. The challenging parts would be the weather and no direct flights from India.

 

I am very grateful for this amazing experience. One of the best parts about running and exploring cities on foot. 


Now what next?

 




 

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