S'ville half marathon feedback calls for improved organisation

Synopsis: NOCC acknowledges concerns from runners at the Sihanoukville half marathon and pledges improvements while celebrating record participation. The National Olympic Committee of Cambodia (NOCC) has pledged to improve the organisation of the Sihanoukville International Half Marathon after receiving constructive feedback from participants. The race, held on Sunday in Sihanoukville, attracted a large mix of local and international runners. While many welcomed the growing scale and vibrant atmosphere, several participants highlighted areas that require attention. Among the main concerns raised were hygiene and race-day support. Some runners said sections of the route were not properly cleaned, with unpleasant smells coming from rubbish bins along the course. Others pointed to a lack of immediate medical assistance, noting that support teams were not always quick to respond when help was needed. Timing and organisation also came under scrutiny. One participant stressed that race schedules must be clearly managed and respected, especially as runners pay to take part. He added that international participants expect a higher level of organisation, and issues such as waste management could leave a negative impression. In response, NOCC Secretary General Vath Chamroeun acknowledged the feedback and said the committee is committed to making improvements. He noted that the organisers accept the criticism and will review their planning to ensure a better experience in future editions. He also thanked participants for their constructive comments, describing them as important for long-term development. Despite the concerns, the event continues to grow at an impressive pace. This year's edition recorded around 15,000 participants, a sharp rise from more than 4,000 last year. The increase reflects rising interest in road running and the appeal of coastal races in Cambodia. NOCC reaffirmed that the marathon is about more than competition. It also promotes the protection of Sihanoukville's beaches and supports charitable causes. Organisers aim to establish the race as a permanent fixture on the sporting calendar while encouraging a more active and healthy lifestyle. This year's race featured four categories, including 21km, 10km, 5km and 3km distances. The half marathon began early in the morning, followed by the shorter races, as runners took to the scenic coastal route in one of Cambodia's fastest-growing sporting events.