More Than 9,000 Runners Participate In The Angkor Wat Indochina Marathon Powered By Metfone
On December 22, 2024, the Angkor Wat Indochina Marathon Powered by Metfone, the final race of the Viettel Marathon 2024 series, concluded with a memorable event at the Angkor heritage complex in Cambodia. With more than 9,000 participants from numerous countries, this was not only a sports competition but also a grand celebration of culture and international connections.
As part of the inaugural Viettel Marathon series spanning three Indochina countries—Vietnam, Laos, and Cambodia—the event attracted a total of over 25,000 runners across all stages. The first race in Luang Prabang (Laos) and the second in Hanoi (Vietnam) set the stage for success, but it was the final race at Angkor Wat that truly stood out, offering runners an unparalleled experience on AAA-standard courses amidst the breathtaking scenery of the UNESCO World Heritage Site.
The race at Angkor Wat highlighted fierce competition among elite athletes. In the men’s full marathon, record-holder Nguyen Van Lai (Vietnam) claimed victory with an impressive time of 2 hours, 20 minutes, and 54 seconds. In the women’s full marathon, former national athlete Pham Thi Hong Le secured the top spot with a time of 2 hours, 49 minutes, and 14 seconds.
Meanwhile, Nguyen Thi Oanh (Vietnam) dominated the women’s 21 km category, and Nguyen Trung Cuong (Vietnam) emerged as the champion in the men’s 21 km race. Additionally, Sat Nan Virak Yuth (Cambodia) won the men's 5km race with a time of 18 minutes and 32 seconds, Terence Lai (Cambodia) came first in the men's 10km race with a time of 32 minutes and 06 seconds, and Samnang Bo (Cambodia) secured the top spot in the women's 5km race with a time of 20 minutes and 59 seconds
The event also celebrated Metfone’s pivotal role as the main sponsor and organizer for the Cambodian leg of the marathon. Metfone, has been a key player in Cambodia’s telecommunications and technology development, as well as a strong supporter of sports and cultural initiatives. The Angkor Wat Indochina Marathon Powered by Metfone not only underscored Metfone’s commitment to connecting communities but also showcased its dedication to fostering cultural exchange and strengthening relationships between Vietnam, Laos, and Cambodia.
Speaking at the award ceremony, Cao Manh Duc, CEO of Metfone, shared:
We are proud that the Angkor Wat Indochina Marathon Powered by Metfone is not just a sporting event but also a bridge to strengthen the bond between the three neighboring countries of Vietnam, Laos, and Cambodia. It is an opportunity to showcase the cultural and historical beauty of Indochina to international friends while promoting a healthy and active lifestyle within the community.
In addition to its sporting and cultural significance, the race also has a positive impact on the local economy and society. The event has attracted a large number of domestic and foreign tourists, boosting revenue from service industries such as accommodation, cuisine and transportation. At the same time, it also creates temporary employment opportunities for local residents, thereby contributing to the sustainable development of the community here.
The success of the Viettel Marathon 2024 has laid the groundwork for it to evolve into a global marathon series, bringing sustainable cultural and sporting values to communities worldwide. With the remarkable achievements at Angkor Wat, the series stands as a testament to the power of sports in uniting people and celebrating shared heritage.