Angkor Trail

... It’s just the dawning of Angkor, of Angkor" 🎶

Angkor. A name that makes more than one dream 😍. 400 km² of supremely authentic landscapes, timeless and atmosphere-generating, located in the Northwest of the Cambodia 🇰🇭. It’s no coincidence that this archaeological site is listed as a UNESCO World Heritage 🌎 since 1992 ! Indeed, it’s hard not to be swept away by the magnetic pull of this exceptional place (dating back to 880 BC), perched on the edge of the city 🏙️ of Siem Reap. From intricately carved stone labyrinths to majestic temples 🏛️, and lush vegetation 🌴, the old Khmer EmpireEmpire Khmer exerts an indescribable hypnotic power on anyone lucky enough to set foot there 👣. Ready to imagine yourself wandering the enigmatic corridors of this millennium-old city? How about satisfying your travel and wide-open spaces cravings by taking part in an absolutely unique sports experience? ✨ It’s within this extraordinary setting that one of the world's most beautiful races takes place each year, the Angkor Trail, which will celebrate its 10th edition 🏃‍♀️ this year.

This extraordinary event, approved by the Ministry of Tourism and the Cambodian National Olympic Committee, was conceived in the mind of Jean-Claude Le Cornec, a former marathoner who has worn many racing shoes on the Paris-Gao-Dakar, across the United States via the Route 66, the Marathon des Sables, the Colorado, the Trans Atlas, the Trans Cappadocia... (the road is long) 😲, and also the founder of SDPO (sport, development, performance, organization). This structure brings together several sports professionals and enthusiasts from all walks of life (doctors 🩺, physiotherapists, photographers 📸, cameramen, journalists, IT specialists…) enabling the Angkor Trail to have existed since 2016. Already more than 1 200 trail runners from around the world 🌎 have had the privilege of treading the temples of Siem Reap, crossing jungles 🐒, rice fields 🌾 and meadows that surround the jewel of Angkor and meeting the local people. If you too want to be part of the journey for the event, pack your bags for January next! What a wonderful reason to escape France’s winter ❄️ to sweat and soak up color under the Cambodian sun ☀️ Indeed, in this season, the dry season is already well established and offers temperatures ranging from 25°C to 30 °C. Be mindful of heatstroke and the ambient humidity that will surely make you sweat through your race 🤒.

Speaking of running, it’s high time to discuss the events! Amateurs or seasoned trail runners, weekend joggers or hikers, you’ll find THE perfect distance to challenge yourself 🙌. Indeed, the Angkor Trail isn’t just a single course but truly 8 races all taking place in the heart of the Angkor Archaeological Park 🤌. Short ones, long ones, trail running, hikes 🚶‍♀️, Nordic walking, there’s truly something for every taste and level! For example, you can test your endurance on the Ultra Trail of 100 km or on the 64 km of the "Bayon Trail". More for the Marathon team ? 🫣 No problem! A 42 km is also on the program. And for you who prefer discovering Angkor’s riches at shorter distances: the "Naga Trail" of 21 km and "the Elephant Trail Angkor" by 10 km will fit you like a glove 🥊 . Finally, if you want to split the difference, you’ll surely be tempted by the 32 km of the "Jungle Trail" 😉. In short, endless trail options! But when one is not enough, Angkor has more. The organizers of the Angkor Trail have naturally considered walkers with a non-timed walk and a Nordic walking option of hiking and a Nordic walking of 21 or 10 km 👏. Even children will be welcome this year on a 4 km loop! 😇

No matter which distance you choose, you’ll be running on a course that’s 1 000 years old,you’ll run, walk and soak it all in! 🤩 You’ll move among some of the 200 temples-mountains of the ancient Khmer capital. Already there, the change of scenery and exotism will be at its peak. And when you see the tropical jungle 🌴, which covers a large part of the 400 km² of the territory, you’ll reach a level of wonder close to 100%. 😏 Indeed, Mother Nature has left Angkor with one of its finest masterpieces 🖼. The lush vegetation that overflows the temples, the ground, the sky 🌌, and even the water of the numerous pools in the park will tickle your adventurous soul and make you feel like you’ve embarked on a discovery of the mystical "City Lost" 🤠. Journeys of raw and endless beauty where nature, stone and light seem to align, that’s the magic 🪄 of Angkor ✨. We still have more to tell you! The park is also inhabited! 👻 Not by deities who would visit 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 cheering you on 📣. No doubt their smiles will give you the strength to finish your challenge 😁. Speaking of hunger, after taking in sights and heart all along your journey, it will be time for your taste buds to be delighted 👅. Bai Sach Chrouk (pork and rice dish), fish amok, nom banh chok (Khmer noodles)... What Cambodian specialties will you crack into? 🤤

So that’s what Angkor Trail is about: spectacular views of a diverse array in a surprising After-the-race catering, plus the kindness of people you’ll meet along your stay. An unforgettable experience 🙈. And to make this adventure even more beautiful, part of your bib proceeds will be donated to the 3 NGOs that the event has supported since its first edition 🤝. In France, Monsieur Nez Rouge 🤡, which fights to help children with orphan diseases, will receive funds raised during the event. “We also put our legs and all our heart toward helping sick children.” ” Beautiful words spoken by Jean-Claude Le Cornec that make you want to lace up your sneakers!

Come on, Angkor time to reserve your bib and come tread the Cambodian soil! 👟