Sihanoukville

Sihanoukville is a place to unwind, enjoy fresh from-the-ocean seafood, take in a snorkeling or scuba trip and generally slow down, lay back and chill-out.

Sihanoukville has no direct flights from overseas so foreign runners must either take a domestic flight or come overland from the capital, Phnom Penh. The number of beach-going weekenders from Phnom Penh has steadily increased in recent years yet the pace of life in Sihanoukville is still very relaxed.

The Marathon starts and finishes at Ocheuteal Beach. The course mostly sticks to the scenic coastline but also passes through the centre of town as well as outlying areas where runners sometimes draw smiles and curious stares from cows wandering onto the road.

Runners who may have already run the older Angkor Wat sister event should be aware that the Sihanoukville course has some slopes. Last year’s winner Ma Viro recorded a time of 1:19 – fully 10 minutes slower than the winner at Angkor Wat.

The Cambodia Event Organiser stages this international race to promote the protection of the environment. The race has a very specific attraction which is one of the most beautiful bays in the world. After the race, runners can also enjoy vibrant night life with bars staying open well into the early hours.
Fresh seafood, especially crab, prawns and ocean fish, has always been one of the town’s biggest draws but there is also a wide variety of places offering foreign cuisines: Australian, French, Indian, German, Sri Lankan, British, Italian, pizza places, western bakeries and coffee shops – everyone’s taste is catered for and can feel themselves at home…