SIEM REAP: With the much-anticipated opening of the new airport at Siem Reap, the historic city is paying attention to how its reputation as a destination will develop alongside sustainable, eco-friendly policies and events. On October 1st, the city is hosting the second Kulen Mountain Trek-Run and invites locals, expats and tourists to join in demonstrating that a 100% plastic-free outdoor event is achievable and that Siem Reap deserves a spot on the International Trail Running Calendar.
Like many forward initiatives, the trek was initially planned for 2020 but was postponed in response to Covid-19. Its first iteration was held last year, where 75% of the participants were Cambodian nationals.
Siem Reap’s eco-driven business development service Green G8 is organizing the event with the support of the Ministry of Environment and sponsors like Buratino Real Estate, Fairfield by Marriott Phnom Penh, Kangen Water, and Japanese water management company BKT.
There are categories ranging from 5k-25k to accommodate everyone from professional runners, to families and even furry friends. Runners are encouraged to bring their dogs to participate in an 8k run in order to raise awareness for proper pet management and end the dog meat trade.
The event has a few main goals to promote tourism during the low season, while also encouraging eco-friendly endeavors from participants, sponsors and vendors alike. Every participant receives a tree sapling which is to be planted on Kulen Mountain or other national parks. There is a single-use plastic ban which applies to all participants, food caterers and shop vendors to show the possibilities for plastic-free outdoor events in Cambodia.
The event is also capped at 500 participants to avoid disturbing the ecosystem. Green G8 Director, Jesse Atienza, says that spots are running out. “It’s 500 ceiling and we cannot go over 500. So, we are nearly there now,” he said.
Atienza also noted the sacred historical value of the mountain, which he hopes to share with the world. “Kulen Mountain was considered a holy mountain. So, it’s something that’s also connected to the Angkor Wat,” he said. “We are basically promoting the history. And we are so happy that we can connect this destination to the famous Angkor Wat.”
Atienza hopes that the event will gain traction and make Siem Reap a destination for nature lovers and running enthusiasts. “We are hoping that the international runners, especially big names, big organizers will link us in the International [Trail Running] Calendar to promote Siem Reap and the Kulen Mountain as a destination for runners.”
The winner of the 25k category will win an Oyika electric motorbike and the registration deadline has been extended to September 28.
