Mr. Vath Chamroeun, Secretary General of the National Olympic Committee of Cambodia (NOCC), has formally addressed recent criticisms concerning the prize money allocated to winners in various recreational running events. He asserted that the fundamental principles of the Olympic spirit do not mandate or permit the offering of cash bonuses in such athletic competitions.
The clarification comes in response to a period of extensive discussion and critique within the local running community. Concerns were notably raised following the Angkor International Half Marathon, which took place in late 2025. Participants and observers questioned the relatively modest prize amounts awarded to victorious athletes, highlighting a perceived inconsistency. Critics pointed out instances where events with fewer participants had offered substantial prizes, while larger gatherings, such as the Half Marathon that attracted tens of thousands of registered runners and charged non-negligible ticket fees, provided significantly smaller rewards. Queries were also directed at event organizers, asking about the allocation of registration fees and the apparent absence of a more substantial prize fund for winners.
During a press conference held on January 6 at the NOCC headquarters, which focused on the preparations for the 9th Angkor Ultra Trail event scheduled for 2026, Mr. Chamroeun was directly questioned by journalists regarding the scale of prize money and trophies intended for winners of the upcoming long-distance obstacle course in the Angkor region. The NOCC Secretary General meticulously clarified the committee’s stance on this matter. He emphasized that organizers consistently ensure that winners are recognized with carefully prepared trophies, various sports equipment, and commemorative souvenirs, which are distributed according to their respective rankings for events like the 9th Ultra Trail Angkor.
Furthermore, Mr. Chamroeun took the opportunity to respond to the ongoing criticism surrounding prize money at the 30th Angkor International Half Marathon. He elaborated, saying, “We provide trophies, medals, and souvenirs as encouragement for the winning runners. Some individuals still harbor misunderstandings. They inquire, ‘Why is the prize money so minimal? It doesn’t even cover travel costs.’ I wish to clarify that we cannot deviate from the core principles of the Olympic movement. The Olympic spirit strictly does not allow for cash prizes to be given to athletes.”
He further explained that substantial cash awards for athletes or competition winners are exclusively found in professional sports circuits. In stark contrast, the Olympic movement is not fundamentally about competing solely for monetary rewards but rather embodies the spirit of participation, personal excellence, and fair play, fostering a different ethos among its participants.
