VIETNAM-based DMC Phoenix Voyages will be organising a marathon in Siem Reap in 2017 after a successful inaugural run held earlier this year.
The travel agency, which operates mainly in South-east Asia, initiated the UltraTrail d’Angkor with co-organiser SDPO (a French running association) in January as a way to merge sports and cultural experiences into a singular event. The run brings participants through the famed Angkor Temples, nearby forests, rice fields and local villages.
“Arrivals in Cambodia are increasing every year and I see sports tourism as the next step. I think in five years’ (time and beyond), with its constant development, Cambodia will become more and more like neighbouring Thailand,” said Francois Lefebvre, project manager at Phoenix Voyages, adding that while there are other marathon events in Cambodia, they are the first to hold it in the middle of the Angkor Temples.
The debut run saw 307 registered runners, mostly FITs from 26 different nationalities, spread across four scheduled courses ranging from 32km to 128km, as well as a Nordic Walking route.
According to Lefebvre, most of the participants originated from France, Thailand, China and the UK.
For next year’s marathon, to be held on January 21, 2017, a new 16km category will be introduced. More archaeological sites will also be featured along the routes for sightseeing purposes, if all goes to plan.
On the promotions front, Lefebvre said that utilising social media is the key strategy for now. “We focus mainly on our social networks to provide a constant flow of content and information about our event to stay connected with the marathon community. It also allows us to be in direct contact with them to know their expectations and to answer all their requests.
“We also have partnerships set up with local travel agencies in order to try and have a physical presence in every country.”
He added that interested corporate groups are also welcome to approach Phoenix Voyages for details about team building or incentive packages.
