Ultra Trail Angkor (UTA) 2025
See more about the offers- Next eventย :ย Sat, January 18, 2025Date confirmed
- Last eventย :ย Sat, January 27, 2024
The event in a few words
Angkor. A name that dreams are made of ๐. 400 kmยฒ of supremely authentic landscapes, timeless and atmospheric, nestled in the Northwest of Cambodia ๐ฐ๐ญ. It's no wonder that this archaeological site has been a UNESCO World Heritage ๐ since 1992! Indeed, it's hard not to be captivated by the magnetic force of this exceptional site (dating back to 880 BC), located on the outskirts of the city ๐๏ธ of Siem Reap. From the mazes of carved stones to the majestic temples ๐๏ธ, through the lush vegetation ๐ด, the former territory of the Khmer Empire exerts an indescribable hypnotic power on everyone who steps foot there ๐ฃ. There you are, world lovers, do you already see yourself exploring the enigmatic corridors of this millennia-old city? How about indulging your desires for travel and vast open spaces by partaking in an absolutely unique sporting experience? โจ It's in this exceptional setting that the Angkor Ultra Trail takes place annually, celebrating its 9th edition this year ๐โโ๏ธ.
This extraordinary event, approved by the Ministry of Tourism and the Cambodian National Olympic Committee, was conceived by Jean-Claude Le Cornec a few years ago ๐ก. This former marathon runner, who has pounded the pavement from Paris to Gao to Dakar, crossed the United States along Route 66, the Marathon des Sables, Colorado, Trans Atlas, Trans Cappadocia... (and the list goes on) ๐ฒ, is also the founder of SDPO (Sport, Development, Performance, Organization). This organization brings together professionals and sports enthusiasts from all walks of life (doctors ๐ฉบ, physiotherapists, photographers ๐ธ, cameramen, journalists, IT specialistsโฆ) allowing the Ultra Trail of Angkor to have been a reality since 2016. Already more than 1,200 trail runners from around the globe ๐ have had the privilege to tread the temples of Siem Reap, traverse jungles ๐, rice fields ๐พ, and meadows surrounding the gem of Angkor, and meet the local populations. If you too wish to join the journey for the UTA, pack your bags for January. Indeed, at that time of the year, the dry season is well under way, offering temperatures ranging from 25ยฐC to 30ยฐC. However, be wary of heat stroke and the ambient humidity that will definitely make you sweat it out during your run ๐ค.
Speaking of the race, it's high time to talk about the events! Whether you're casual runners or seasoned trail runners, joggers or Sunday hikers, you'll find the perfect distance to challenge yourself ๐. Indeed, the Angkor Trail isn't just one single course but rather 8 races all taking place in the heart of the Angkor Archaeological Park ๐ค. Short, long, trail, hikes ๐ถโโ๏ธ, Nordic walking, there's truly something for every taste and level! For instance, you could test your endurance on the Ultra Trail of 100 km or the 64 km of the "Bayon Trail". Part of the marathon team? ๐ซฃ No problem! A 42 km is also on the agenda. And for those who prefer discovering the wonders of Angkor on shorter distances: the "Temple Run" of 16 km and "Elephant Trail Angkor" of 8 km will fit you like a glove ๐ฅ. Finally, if you're looking to split the difference, you might be tempted by the 32 km of the "Jungle Trail" ๐. In short, trails galore! But when thereโs no more, there's Angkor. The UTA organizers have of course thought of walkers with a hike and a Nordic walk of 18 km ๐.
No matter the distance chosen, you'll be running, walking, and feasting your eyes on a landscape 1,000 years old! ๐คฉ You'll navigate among some of the 200 mountain temples of the ancient Khmer capital. Right there, the exotism and the sense of adventure will reach their peak. And when you see the tropical jungle ๐ด, which covers a good part of the 400 kmยฒ of the territory, you'll reach a level of awe close to 100% ๐. Indeed, Mother Nature has left one of her most beautiful masterpieces at Angkor ๐ผ. The lush vegetation invading the temples, the ground, the sky ๐, and even the water of the numerous ponds in the park, will tickle your adventurous soul and make you feel like you're discovering the mystical "Lost City" ๐ค . Landscapes of raw, infinite beauty where nature, stone, and light align, that's the magic ๐ช of Angkor โจ. We haven't told you everything yet! The park is also inhabited! ๐ป Not by deities frequenting the Khmer ruins, but by villagers ๐ . Along your way, you'll have the ultimate chance to pass through small villages and their rice fields, feeling the enthusiasm of the Cambodian people cheering you on ๐ฃ. Their smiles will undoubtedly give you the strength to finish your race ๐. Speaking of end hunger, after having your fill of sights and heartwarming experiences along your route, your taste buds will come into play ๐
. Bai sach chrouk (pork and rice dish), fish amok, nom banh chok (Khmer noodles)... Which Cambodian specialties will you fall for? ๐คค
So, that's the Angkor Ultra Trail for you, offering panoramas of surprising diversity, an excellent post-race experience, all topped off with the kindness of people you'll meet during your journey. An experience like this is unforgettable ๐. And to make this adventure even sweeter, a portion of your entry fee will be donated to the 3 NGOs supported by the UTA since its first edition ๐ค.
So, it's high time to book your bib and come tread the Cambodian soil! ๐
5 reasons to join this race
A distance for every taste
- 100โkmTOP
- 64โkm
- 42โkm
- 32โkm
- 18โkm
- 8โkm
- Saturday, January 18, 2025 at 4:00 AM
- Elevation gainย :ย 500mD+
- 4 ITRA points
A few more words
For this 8th edition, the traditional Ultra Trail of 100 km is back in action. Without further ado, let's unveil the course for this new distance, the longest of the UTA.
The race will start at the break of dawn ๐ from the Terrace of the Elephants. With sleepy eyes and a headlamp on your forehead, youโll embark on this long and beautiful adventure! Your first steps will take you running past several Buddhist temples: Preah Khan, Neak Pean, Ta Som, and along the Jayatataka Baray reservoir. Youโll be privileged to witness the sunrise over Angkor, a sight not to be missed! ๐ Next, the East Baray area, with its nature trails and villages, awaits your discovery. At km 30, the impressive Phnom Bok temple will stand ready to challenge you ๐.
Prepare yourself to tackle the 700 steps of this edifice... ๐จ But know that a splendid view awaits at the top! ๐ Your return to the Angkor site will take you past the Eastern Baray (a dry water reservoir), and through rice fields, villages, and always more temples: Banteay Srei, Pre Rup, Bat Chum, Prasat Kravan, Banteay Kdei, Ta Prohm, Ta Keo... You will cross the French Bridge ๐ซ๐ท to get back near the Bayon Temple. Take a moment to marvel at this impressive religious monument! For your final stretch, the western region of Angkor will welcome you on its trails before a grand finish at the Terrace of the Elephants! ๐
64โkm : Bayon Trail Angkor
Trail- Saturday, January 18, 2025 at 4:00 AM
- Elevation gainย :ย 500mD+
- 2 ITRA points
A few more words
Interested in the experience of a long trail, without hitting the 100 km mark? The "Bayon Trail Angkor" with its 64 km is perfect for you! It's the ideal opportunity to experience the thrill of a long distance without the extremes of an Ultra Trail ๐. You'll start the Bayon Trail at night ๐, headlamp fixed, launching from the 350m long Elephant Terrace, alongside the runners of the 100 km Ultra Trail.
Right from the start, in the darkness, you'll feel like you're towering over the Royal Square of Angkor Thom. The first kilometers will plunge you into this adventure beyond the temple time โณ. You'll cross several Buddhist temples, such as Preah Khan, Neak Pean, and Ta Som, skirting the Jayatataka Baray reservoir ๐ง. And of course, you'll be lucky enough to witness the sunrise โ๏ธ in this exceptional place ๐. After 10 km, you'll head to the East Barai region, where you'll run on nature trails for 20 km.
Along the way, you'll likely cross paths with some villagers who'll cheer you on ๐ for the rest of your race. At km 30, the impressive Phnom Bok temple awaits you, ready to challenge you with its 700 steps ๐ฐ. Your calves might burn at this stage, but it's worth it, promise! Once at the top, you can admire the panoramic view of the Angkor site ๐. By then, you'll be halfway through!
After passing the Ankorian reservoir, you'll return to Angkor, passing by the dry Eastern Baray, crossing rice paddies, villages, and temples: Banteay Srei, Prรจ Rup, Bat Chum, Prasat Kravan, Banteay Kdei, Ta Prohm, Ta Keo... At the end of your 64 km journey, after crossing the French Bridge Angkor, the Elephant Terrace near the Bayon Temple will mark the incredible end to this extraordinary adventure ๐.
42โkm : Marathon Trail Angkor
Trail- Saturday, January 18, 2025 at 6:00 AM
- Elevation gainย :ย 380mD+
- 1 point ITRA
A few more words
For budding marathoners ๐ฟ looking for new challenges, a 42 km marathon is also lined up at the UTA! ๐
For this marathon, you have the option to don your fanciest costume ๐ฆธโโ๏ธ (though it's not mandatory). Your journey starts in the East Barai region ๐. Winding through rice paddies and stunning natural landscapes of breathtaking beauty, you'll navigate through a series of small villages against the backdrop ๐ธ๏ธ of the Angkor temples. Phnom Bok, Banteay Srei, Prรจ Rup, Bat Chum, Prasat Kravan, Banteay Kdei, Ta Prohm, and Ta Keo are just some of the Khmer wonders you'll discover with every step ๐. Your finish line will be at the Bayon Temple, on the magnificent Elephant Terrace ๐. Without a doubt, these 42 km of trails will offer you thrills, surprises, and continuous wonder!
32โkm : Jungle Trail Angkor
Trail- Saturday, January 18, 2025 at 7:00 AM
- Elevation gainย :ย 110mD+
A few more words
Can't decide between the marathon's 42 km and the 16 km "Temple Run"? No worries, the "Jungle Trail" is the perfect middle ground with its 32 km ๐.
The route will be the same as the Marathon, but you'll start at Phnom Bok ๐. After crossing through rice fields, villages, and majestic temples, and once you've crossed the French Bridge Angkor, your challenge will conclude on the Elephant Terrace! ๐
18โkm : Marche et Randonnรฉe
Walking- Saturday, January 18, 2025 at 8:35 AM
- Elevation gainย :ย 50mD+
A few more words
You can take part in the Ultra Trail of Angkor without a bib number, without timing, and with no time limit! Indeed, the "Walk and Hike" of 18 km is accessible to everyone and promises wonderful surprises ๐. Following the same route as the "Temple Run", you'll be amazed discovering Angkor in all its diversity, crossing through villages, rice fields, jungles, root-engulfed temples, and trees characteristic of the regionโฆ ๐
18โkm : Nordic Walking Angkor
Nordic Walking- Saturday, January 18, 2025 at 8:35 AM
- Elevation gainย :ย 50mD+
A few more words
Participate in the "Nordic Walking" event and practice this discipline in a breathtakingly beautiful site, where temples and nature are seamlessly intertwined!
The course is identical to that of the Temple Run, covering 18 km ๐.
18โkm : Temple Run Angkor
Trail- Saturday, January 18, 2025 at 8:30 AM
- Elevation gainย :ย 50mD+
8โkm : Elephant Trail Angkor
Trail- Saturday, January 18, 2025 at 8:45 AM
- Elevation gainย :ย 48mD+ / 30mD-
A few more words
The 8 km of the "Elephant Trail Angkor" will start at the Elephant Terrace ๐, leading you through the jungle as you zigzag from one path to the next amidst lush nature.
Frequently asked questions (FAQ)
You can collect your race bib at the "Angkor Paradise Hotel" on Thursday, January 16, 2025, from 10 AM to 7 PM, and Friday, January 17, 2025, from 9 AM to 8 PM.
Participants should be present at the starting line or pre-race briefing point at the Elephant Terrace at least 30 minutes before the start time to attend the pre-race briefing.
For the 100 km race "UTA 100": starts on Saturday, January 18, 2025, at 4 AM
For the 64 km race "Bayon Trail Angkor": starts on Saturday, January 18, 2025, at 4 AM
For the 42 km race "Marathon Trail Angkor": starts on Saturday, January 18, 2025, at 6 AM
For the 32 km race "Jungle Trail Angkor": starts on Saturday, January 18, 2025, at 7 AM
For the 18 km race "Temple Run Angkor": starts on Saturday, January 18, 2025, at 8:30 AM
For the 18 km race "Nordic Walking Angkor": starts on Saturday, January 18, 2025, at 8:35 AM
For the 18 km non-timed event "Angkor Walk and Hike": starts on Saturday, January 18, 2025, at 8:35 AM
For the 8 km race "Elephant Trail Angkor": starts on Saturday, January 18, 2025, at 8:45 AM
For the 100 km race "UTA 100": every 10 to 12 km on average with water/dried fruits/fresh fruits/dry cake, refreshment at km 32 "Phnom Bok" with water and solid food (instant noodles) and at km 64 "Elephant Terrace" with water/dried fruits/fresh fruits/instant noodle soup/fried rice with pork/stir-fried noodles with chicken
For the 64 km race "Bayon Trail Angkor": every 10 to 12 km on average, refreshment at km 32 "Phnom Bok" with water and solid food (instant noodles) and at km 64 "Elephant Terrace" with water/dried fruits/fresh fruits/instant noodle soup/fried rice with pork/stir-fried noodles with chicken
For the 42 km race "Marathon Trail Angkor": every 5 to 8 km on average with water/dried fruits/fresh fruits and instant noodle soup will be offered at km 32 "Phnom Bok".
For the 32 km race "Jungle Trail Angkor": every 5 to 8 km on average with water/dried fruits/fresh fruits
For the 18 km race "Temple Run Angkor": every 5 to 8 km on average with water/dried fruits/fresh fruits
For the 18 km race "Nordic Walking Angkor": every 5 to 8 km on average with water/dried fruits/fresh fruits
For the 18 km non-timed event "Angkor Walk and Hike": every 5 to 8 km on average
For the 8 km race "Elephant Trail Angkor": mid-race with water/dried fruits/fresh fruits
Note that km 64 also serves as a living base with a rest area, medical assistance, locker room, and hot meals such as rice or plain noodles, fried rice or noodles with pork or chicken will be provided.
For the 100 km race "UTA 100": 20 years old
For the 64 km race "Bayon Trail Angkor": 20 years old
For the 42 km race "Marathon Trail Angkor": 20 years old
For the 32 km race "Jungle Trail Angkor": 20 years old
For the 18 km race "Temple Run Angkor": 18 years old
For the 18 km race "Nordic Walking Angkor": 16 years old
For the 18 km non-timed event "Angkor Walk and Hike": 16 years old
For the 8 km race "Elephant Trail Angkor": 16 years old
For the 100 km race "UTA 100": 21 hours 53 minutes, which is 4.57 km/h
For the 64 km race "Bayon Trail Angkor": 14 hours, which is 4.57 km/h
For the 42 km race "Marathon Trail Angkor": 7 hours 53 minutes, which is 5.33 km/h
For the 32 km race "Jungle Trail Angkor": 6 hours, which is 5.33 km/h
For the 18 km race "Temple Run Angkor": 3 hours 33 minutes, which is 5.33 km/h
For the 18 km race "Nordic Walking Angkor": 4 hours 30 minutes, which is 4 km/h
For the 8 km race "Elephant Trail Angkor": 2 hours, which is 4 km/h
Here is the list of mandatory equipment:
Water reserve: 1.5 L capacity for the 100 km race and 1L for the 64 km race
Energy gels and bars or nutritional products: for the 100 km race and the 64 km race
Cap or equivalent: for the 100 km, 64 km, 42 km, 32 km, 18 km, and 8 km races
Headlamp with spare batteries: for the 100 km race and the 64 km race
Survival blanket: for the 100 km race
1 whistle: for the 100 km race
Reflective armband (or reflective strips on the backpack): for the 100 km race and the 64 km race
1 mobile phone with a charged battery: for the 100 km race
Nordic walking pole: for the "Nordic Walking Angkor" 18 km event
Identification tag visible with an emergency phone number: for the 100 km, 64 km, 42 km, 32 km, 18 km, and 8 km races
The final ranking, both general and by category, for the 100 km, 64 km, 42 km, 32 km, 18 km, and 8 km races will be announced on Saturday, January 18, 2025, after the last runner of each event finishes. Awards for the 100 km, 64 km, 42 km, 32 km, 18 km, and 8 km races will be given at the arrival time of the last participants (the time and place will be communicated later).
Each participant will receive a medal corresponding to their event
The top 5 finishers in the general classification of each event, in all categories (with separate male and female categories), will be awarded: Elephant Trail, Nordic Walking Angkor, Temple Run, Jungle Trail, Marathon Trail Angkor, Bayon Trail Angkor, and Ultra Trail Angkor
In addition, finishers of the 100 km, 64 km, and 42 km races will receive a "Finisher 2025" shirt
Mineral water and other beverages will be offered at each refreshment stop. However, the organization does not provide salt tablets during the event. Therefore, you should carefully prepare your drinks before the race!
Yes, the race bib grants access to the site. However, this pass does not include visits to the Angkor temples.
No, you will need to bring your own pins or a bib holder.
Yes, outside assistance is allowed but only near the refreshment zones.
For any information, please write to sdpo@sdpo.com
If you're the organizer of this race and want to enhance your page's content, claim it here.
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