More than 4,000 people from 26 different countries Sunday took part in races including the 4th Phnom Penh International Half Marathon.
The annual 21-km race, which started in front of the Royal Palace at 6 a.m., was held to celebrate the birthday of Queen Norodom Monineath and to raise money for Kantha Bopha Children’s Hospital.
The winner of the half marathon, Hem Bunting, 28, said he was delighted to win the race but frustrated at the diminishing prize money, which was $400 this year. “I’m happy with the result because I broke my previous record,” said Mr. Bunting, who picked up first prize for the fourth time.
“However, I’m disappointed with the prize money because it gets less and less each year. The prize doesn’t match with the competition itself because it is international,” he said, adding that he had received $1,500 in prize money after his 2011 win.
Pen Vuthy, secretary-general of the Khmer Amateur Athletics Federation, said the event, which also included a 10-km race and 3-km fun run, had been a big success.
“This year’s event is different to last year as it was well organized and there are more people attending,” he said.
