SIEM REAP, Cambodia (Xinhua): An international half-marathon was held at the Angkor Archaeological Park in northwestern Cambodia on Sunday, attracting about 16,000 runners.
In the men's half-marathon, Japan's Saeki Makino crossed the finish line first in one hour, 10 minutes and 26 seconds, while fellow Japanese Ota Natsuko won the women's category in 1:33:40.
Speaking at the opening ceremony of the 30th Angkor Wat International Half Marathon, Deputy Prime Minister Sun Chanthol said the number of participants represented a 25 percent rise compared to last year, adding that among them, 3,362 were foreign runners from 86 countries and regions.
"We run in front of Angkor Wat - a [UNESCO] World Heritage Site and the soul of Cambodia - flanked by beautiful, majestic trees that have stood along this course for centuries," he said.
The event also consisted of 10km, 5km and 3km categories. - Xinhua
