The 13th Phnom Penh International Half Marathon 2025, scheduled for June 15, will be held at a new location.

Instead of starting and finishing in front of the Royal Palace as in previous years, this year’s event will take place in the park in front of Wat Botum. However, the core mission of the event — supporting social causes — remains unchanged.

Vath Chamroeun, Secretary-General of the National Olympic Committee of Cambodia (NOCC), explained at a June 9 press conference that it would not be possible to host the race start, finish and closing ceremony in front of the Royal Palace this year due to numerous other large-scale national ceremonies which are scheduled to take place there.

“Every year we’ve held the event in front of the Royal Palace, but this time, due to many national events currently being prepared at the palace, we will move our marathon to Wat Botum Park for better safety and accountability,” he said.

“Runners must be informed of this change,” he added.

According to Sem Phalla, executive director of the organising committee, the 21km race will no longer cross the Chroy Changvar Bridge. Instead, the route will go toward Koh Norea. The 10km route will run under the Chroy Changvar Bridge, then turn right along the riverside toward Koh Pich, cross the Koh Norea Bridge, and then return to the finish line in front of Wat Botum.

Vath Chamroeun, secretary-general of the National Olympic Committee of Cambodia (NOCC), and Sem Phalla, executive director of the marathon organising committee, attend a June 10 press conference. NOCC

Although this new route involves more turns, Phalla noted there will be clear signage, route marshals and motorcycle escorts, with the full support of the authorities ensuring that the event runs smoothly and meets international standards.

“Our organisation is meticulous and aligned with international standards. The Phnom Penh Half Marathon is an international event and we are members of the World Marathon community. After the race, our technical committee will submit a report for assessment. That’s why we must strive to ensure that it is a high-quality event,” he explained.

Despite the location change, the key objectives remain the same. Chamroeun reaffirmed the event’s twofold purpose.

First, it celebrates the birthday of Her Majesty Queen Mother Norodom Monineath Sihanouk, and second, it will serve as a fundraiser for social causes, specifically the Kantha Bopha Children’s Hospital.

“Every year, before the race, we hold a ceremony to offer blessings to the Queen Mother. Since the first marathon, we’ve worked with Kantha Bopha Hospital. All proceeds from the event are transparently donated to the hospital,” he said.

The event also aims to promote public health, encouraging both Cambodians and foreigners to join according to their abilities to boost physical fitness and social connection.

As of now, 4,988 people — both locals and foreigners — have registered to participate. The organising committee expects the final figure to exceed 5,000.

The event features races of 21km, 10km and 5km, as well as 2km fun run.