• Society

A One-of-a-Kind Running Competition in Phnom Tbeng

• By Torn Chanritheara
• August 14, 2023 4:20 PM

PREAH VIHEAR – More than 200 runners participated in the first-ever running competition across Phnom Tbeng (Tbeng mountain) in Preah Vihear to promote domestic ecotourism sites in the country.

The competition was held on Aug. 12 at Tang Yu Community Protected Area, one of the three main community-based ecotourism (CBETs) sites located in and around Phnom Tbeng, which is considered a sacred mountain by many locals.

Starting at the community office, the participants first had to endure a steep and zigzaggy trail for the first kilometer of the race, before gaining pace over a much flatter – though muddier and rockier – path for the remaining 5 kilometers that led them to the finish point at Tang Yu Waterfall.

The competition was held on Aug. 12 at Tang Yu Community Protected Area, one of the three main community-based ecotourism (CBETs) sites located in and around Phnom Tbeng. Photo: Chhorn Sophat

Runners then slept overnight at the top of the mountain, with the camping equipment and food they had to carry themselves.

Organized by Cambodia Adventure Travelers (CAT), the competition was divided into three categories, with participants carrying bags up to 10, 15 and 20 kilograms.

Nou Madane, the winner of the 10-kilogram category, said she was happy to participate in the competition and won the gold medal. Despite being used to trekking, Madane said the race was still challenging for her as she had never carried such a heavy bag in competition before.

“Tourism with sport is very beneficial. Not only do people understand about health care​​ and the importance of doing exercise but it also allows tourists to know about places to visit in the country,” said the runner, who lives in Phnom Penh.   

Chan Leanghak, the first to cross the line in the 20-kilogram category, said that he didn’t expect to win the competition since it was his first time running in such an event.

As he used to run on flat land, Leanghak found it particularly difficult to run in the first part of the race, where the track was the steepest.

The 15-kilogram category was won by Nget Hong.

This photo shows Nou Madane (L), the winner of the 10-kilogram category, Nget Hong (C), the winner of15-kilogram category and Chan Leanghak (R), the first to cross the line in the 20-kilogram category. Photo: Torn Chanritheara and Nget Hong

Year Benyamin, CAT head of teams, said that the event helped promote the community-based tourism site which offers wonderful landscapes with forest, waterfall and an eye-catching panorama from the top of the mountain.

Benyamin also stressed the importance of tourism to help improve the local’s livelihood.

“The event will push developers and the government to turn their attentions on tourism sites where there are an increasing number of visitors,” he said, calling for the development of mobile connection and internet access where service is limited.

Undersecretary of State of the Ministry of Environment Kvay Atithya, who attended the event, said that the competition underscores the importance of ecotourism to sustain the local economy.

The participants have to weigh their bags before running. Photo Chhorn Sophat