Cyclists and runners gathered atop Bokor Mountain this weekend for the second Thansur Bokor International Half Marathon and Bike Race, a charity event with proceeds donated to Kantha Bopha Children’s Hospital.
Thoeun Bunthan, an organizer of the race, said participation had declined since the inaugural contest in 2013, with 150 people taking part in the bike race and 650 registered to run.
Seng Kheang, 21, won the elite 51-km bike race following a heavy downpour on Friday morning, while Ma Viro, 28, won Saturday morning’s men’s half marathon and Jill Hamill, 35, won the women’s event in foggy but dry conditions on the mountain.
There were also shorter cycling and running competitions for people of various abilities and age groups.
Nira Lin, 24, a businessman who moved back to Cambodia from the U.S. three years ago, competed in the elite bike race after taking up competitive cycling six months ago.
“It’s always great to come out and detox from city life and work,” he said. “It doesn’t matter what you do or where you’re from when you’re cycling, it’s just…everyone’s trying to suffer out here.”
