Angkor Trail

Distances: 101 km · 64 km · Marathon 42 km · 32 km · Half marathon 21.1 km · Half marathon 21 km · 10 km · 4 km
Discipline: trail running, walking
Elevation gain: up to 502 m
Dates: 23 January 2027

"Going further and further at Angkor...

... It's just the beginning of Angkor, of Angkor" 🎶

Angkor. A name that makes many dream 😍. 400 km² of supremely authentic landscapes, timeless and atmospheric, located in the Northwest of Cambodia 🇰🇭. There's a reason why this archaeological site is a UNESCO World Heritage Site 🌎 since 1992! It's indeed difficult not to be captivated by the magnetic power of this exceptional place (dating from 880 BC), located on the outskirts of the city 🏙️ of Siem Reap. From the stone-carved labyrinths to the majestic temples 🏛️, and even the lush vegetation 🌴, the former territory of the Khmer Empire exerts an indescribable hypnotic power on all those who have the chance to set foot there 👣. So, world enthusiasts, are you already imagining yourself traversing the enigmatic corridors of this millenary city? How about indulging your travel desires and love for large spaces by participating in a truly unique sporting experience? ✨ It's in this exceptional setting that one of the world's most beautiful races, the Angkor Trail, takes place each year, celebrating its 10th edition 🏃‍♀️ this year.

This extraordinary event, sanctioned by the Ministry of Tourism and the Cambodian National Olympic Committee, was conceived by Jean-Claude Le Cornec a few years ago 💡. This former marathoner, who trekked the Paris-Gao-Dakar, the US Route 66, the Marathon des Sables, Colorado, Trans Atlas, and Trans Cappadocia... (the list goes on) 😲, is also the founder of SDPO (sport, development, performance, organization). This structure includes several professionals and sports enthusiasts from various fields (doctors 🩺, physiotherapists, photographers 📸, cameramen, journalists, computer scientists...) that make the Angkor Trail possible since 2016. Over 1,200 trail runners from around the world 🌎 have had the privilege to tread the temples of Siem Reap, traverse jungles 🐒, rice fields 🌾, and meadows surrounding the jewel of Angkor, and meet local populations. If you too wish to be part of the journey for the event, pack your bags for January next year! What a wonderful reason to escape the cold French winter ❄️ to sweat and gain some color under the Cambodian sun! ☀️ Indeed, during this time of the year, the dry season is well settled, offering temperatures ranging from 25°C to 30°C. Be cautious of heatwaves and the humidity that might certainly make you sweat during your race 🤒.

Speaking of the race, it's now time to dive into the details of the races! Amateurs or seasoned trail runners, joggers or weekend hikers, you will find THE perfect distance to challenge yourself 🙌. Indeed, the Angkor Trail isn't just a single and unique route but actually 8 races all taking place in the heart of the Angkor archaeological park 🤌. Short, long, trail running, walks 🚶‍♀️, Nordic walking, there is truly something for every taste and every level! You can test your endurance on the Ultra Trail of 100 km or the 64 km of the "Bayon Trail". Are you on the marathon team? 🫣 No worries! A 42 km is also on the program. And for those who prefer to discover the richness of Angkor on shorter distances: the "Naga Trail" of 21 km and the "Elephant Trail Angkor" of 10 km will suit you perfectly 🥊. Finally, if you want to split the difference 🍐, you might be tempted by the 32 km of the "Jungle Trail" 😉. In short, there's trail running galore! But when it's over, there's still more Angkor. The organizers of the Angkor Trail have, of course, thought of walkers with a hike non-timed and a Nordic walk of 21 or 10 km 👏. Even children will be welcome this year on a 4 km loop! 😇

No matter the distance chosen, you will run, walk, and feast your eyes on a 1,000-year-old course! 🤩 You will advance among some of the 200 temple-mountains of the ancient Khmer capital. The change of scenery and exoticism will be at their peak. And when you see the tropical jungle 🌴, occupying a good portion of the 400 km² territory, you will reach a level of wonder close to 100% 😏. Indeed, Mother Nature left one of her most beautiful paintings 🖼 at Angkor. The abundant vegetation that invades the temples, the ground, the sky 🌌, and even the water in the numerous pools of the park, will awaken your adventurous spirit and give you the impression of discovering the mystical "Lost City" 🤠. Landscapes of raw and infinite beauty where nature, stone, and light seem to align, that's the magic 🪄 of Angkor ✨. We haven't told you everything yet! The park is also inhabited! 👻 Not by deities frequenting the Khmer ruins but by villagers 🏠. Along your path, you'll have the ultimate chance to cross small villages and their rice fields, and feel the enthusiasm of the Cambodian people who come to cheer you on 📣. There's no doubt their smiles will give you the strength to finish your race 😁. Speaking of end hunger, after your eyes and heart have been filled along your journey, it will be time for your taste buds to be tickled 👅. Bai sach chrouk (a dish with pork and rice), fish amok, nom banh chok (Khmer noodles)... Which Cambodian specialties will you succumb to? 🤤

So, that's the Angkor Trail, with surprisingly diverse panoramas, a perfect post-race to accompany the kindness of the people you will meet during your stay. Such an experience is unforgettable 🙈. And to make this adventure even more beautiful, part of your bib fee will be donated to the 3 NGOs supported by the event since the first edition 🤝. In France, Monsieur Nez Rouge 🤡, which fights to help children with orphan diseases, will receive funds raised during the event. “We also run with our legs and our whole heart for the benefit of sick children.” Beautiful words spoken by Jean-Claude Le Cornec that make you want to put on your running shoes!

Come on, it's Angkor time to book your bib and come to run the Cambodian ground! 👟