Oknha Khleang Moeung 10k in Pursat 3 November
2007
Pre race info
The Department of Education,
Youth and Sport (DoEYS) in Pursat organised its first ever 5km and 10 km
road-races, to promote sport in the province and to raise money for sport
equipment for schools. The race was named after Oknha Khleang Moeung, a
legendary 15th century army commander and Pursat’s most famous
(and only?) historical figure. ‘OKM’ succeeded in defeating the troops of an
invading Siamese army using the bizarre tactic of recruiting a ‘ghost army’.
The victory is commemorated every year in a ceremony in Pursat, at the Okhna
Khleang Moeung memorial (a few kilometres south-east of Pursat,
unfortunately not on the race route). A smaller OKM statue is in the
riverside gardens near the main bridge (Spean Thmor) on the national road.The
races followed the riverside road along the banks of the Steung Pursat (Pursat
River). That is a quiet, picturesque, winding road through the district of Kandieng. In Pursat Town, the race
did a lap of the town before ending
up in the stadium
Transport was provided for runners from Pursat Town to the start of the
race. The met at 6.30 am at the stadium where vehicles took runners to
the starting line in Kandieng district. Scheduled startsb for the 5km race
were 7.30 am
and for the 10 km race 8.30 am. There were drinking stations along the
route. After the race there was be a prize-giving ceremony which ended
at around 11.00 am. All registered runners received a T-shirt. There
was prizes (money and special T-shirts) for the top 8 males and the top
8 females, for both the 5km and the 10 km race. Entry to either race cost
$1 for Khmers and $10 for expatriates. Registration was possible on the day.
Big thanks to the supporters of
this event: Pursat Dept. of Education, Youth and Sports; The Woolly Rhino,
Hagar Soya Ltd. and Handicap International Belgium.
The race itself
(Report by Roger Henke)
It was a fun event on a very
scenic course. Because the start was delayed, the sun came out and the
foreigners suffered. Too bad for the foreigners. The enthusiasm of kids and
teachers was great, and the number of girls that participated was very
encouraging. Not only that, there were also quite a few doing the 10k. Have
a look at the pictures below! Pursat's star athlete Sopheak won the 10k, his
younger sister the girls 5k. obviously a talented family.
Start of the 5k.
Warming up before the race: Roger, Organizer Steve Harknett, Ray (flipflop)
Warner, Luc (Bieze) van Wassenhoven and some school kids
The start of the 10k. Winner Sopheak in the middle
Still early in the race, moving to second place.
Results
1.
Men’s 10 km
