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Cambodia Elephant Trail

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The Cambodia Elephant Trail (Khmer: ការប្រកួតរត់ប្រណាំងផ្លូវភ្នំ) is an annual trail running event held in Kirirom National Park, Kampong Speu Province, Cambodia. The event, hosted at vKirirom Pine Resort, offers multiple race distances ranging from 5 kilometres to 50 kilometres and is considered one of Cambodia’s most prominent trail-running competitions.

History

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The race was launched to promote ecotourism and sports tourism in Cambodia, showcasing the natural beauty of Kirirom’s pine forests and mountain landscapes.

  • The early editions attracted mostly local runners, but participation has since grown significantly.
  • In 2023, more than 430 athletes from 26 countries joined the competition, doubling the turnout from the previous year.
  • The 5th edition of the event is scheduled for 17 August 2025.

Course

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The Cambodia Elephant Trail includes several distances:

  • 5 km – Fun run suitable for beginners and families.
  • 12 km – Intermediate course combining flat terrain with short climbs.
  • 25 km – Challenging route with significant elevation gain.
  • 50 km – Ultra-trail course with elevation gains up to 1,000 metres.

The trails pass through pine forests, waterfalls, streams, and wildlife habitats, providing runners with diverse scenery.

Location

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The event is held in Kirirom National Park, a protected area of about 35,000 hectares located on a plateau 700 metres above sea level. The park is notable for its unique pine forests, biodiversity, and cooler climate compared to the lowlands.

  • Access: Kirirom is about 120 km west of Phnom Penh, accessible via National Highway 4. Travel time is typically 2–3 hours by bus or private car.

Conservation and Challenges

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The Cambodia Elephant Trail highlights environmental issues facing the park, such as:

  • Illegal logging and habitat loss
  • Declining wildlife populations
  • Litter and waste management challenges due to tourism

The event partners with local organizations to encourage eco-friendly practices and responsible tourism.

Significance

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The Cambodia Elephant Trail is regarded as a key event in:

  • Promoting adventure and eco-tourism in Cambodia
  • Encouraging international sports tourism
  • Supporting local communities through increased visitation and awareness

See also

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