Manulife: Proud Principal Sponsor of Angkor Wat International Half Marathon for fifth straight year
Once again, Cambodia witnessed the spectacle of thousands of runners racing through the world-famous Angkor Wat temple in one of the Kingdom’s most important race of the year. It was a sight to behold with runners, both young and old, going through their paces with the magnificent temples in the background.
Now on its 24th year, this year’s edition of the Angkor Wat Half Marathon attracted more than 12,000 runners from 80 plus countries around the world. The turnout for this year was much bigger than last year’s 10,000 plus participants.
In addition to Cambodians, there were also participants from Thailand, Vietnam, South Korea, Russia, United States, United Kingdom, Japan, China, Malaysia, France, Germany, Netherlands, Italy, Singapore, Philippines, Indonesia, Myanmar, Laos, Taiwan, Hong Kong, Australia, New Zealand, Canada, India, Brunei, Spain and other countries.
The participants competed in three distances: 5km, 10km and 21 km, with categories for men, women and differently-abled individuals. 3 Km fun run is another category that participants can choose.
The race started from early morning and was finished midday of December 8 along a course that took the runners, who were undeterred by the cold December winds, around the vast area surrounding the temple complex, a UNESCO World Heritage Site and Cambodia’s most famous tourist destination.
The event has become a tradition of sorts for many people in Phnom Penh and other parts of Cambodia, with many of them traveling the very long distance to Siem Reap just for it. Marathon regulars include staffs of various embassies, government offices, non-governmental organisations and private companies.
Organized by the National Olympic Committee of Cambodia and principally sponsored by Manulife, the competition is meant to promote fitness and healthy living, as well as to raise funds for various groups that cater to the underprivileged communities in this Kingdom of 16 million people.
De-mining groups, Angkor Hospital for Children and Kantha Bopha Children’s Hospital are among the organizations that have benefited from the Angkor Wat Half Marathon.
“We are proud to be associated with the Angkor Wat Half Marathon for the fifth straight year as the principal sponsor,” he said. “Sponsoring this event is very important as we have been supporting our customers to lead a more healthy lifestyle,” he added.
For his part, Robert Elliott, CEO of Manulife Cambodia, noted that their company is keen to promote health and wellness. “This will help to demonstrate the values of Manulife,” he stressed. He said that it is also important for them to contribute to various charities, as he thanked the NOCC for allowing Manulife to support and sponsor the event. Manulife has been the principal sponsor of Angkor Wat Half Marathon since 2015.
Mr. Elliott said he was happy that many staff of Manulife from different countries participated in the race.
This year more than 500 Manulife staff from different countries went to Siem Reap to join the marathon. Last year, more than 300 Manulife staff turned out for the event.
Meanwhile, Roy Gori, Manulife global CEO, said sponsoring the Angkor Wat Half Marathon is part of their efforts to give back to the community.
This year more than 500 Manulife staff from different countries went to Siem Reap to join the marathon. Last year, more than 300 Manulife staff turned out for the event.
Meanwhile, Roy Gori, Manulife global CEO, said sponsoring the Angkor Wat Half Marathon is part of their efforts to give back to the community.
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