Bokor Mountain in Kampot province will host a four category trail running event on October 4 as Cambodia seeks to promote Kampot’s natural attractions and encourage domestic and international tourism during the green season.
The “Run for Green Tourism on Bokor Mountain” event is being organised by the Ministry of Tourism in collaboration with the Kampot Provincial Administration, the Organising Committee of the Bokor Mountain Trail 2026 and Sokha Hotels & Resorts. The event will begin at 6am in front of Le Bokor Palace Hotel inside Preah Monivong Bokor National Park.
Bokor Mountain Becomes a Green Season Tourism Stage
The Ministry of Tourism said the trail run is intended to promote Kampot as a tourism destination during Cambodia’s green season, when seasonal rainfall brings greener landscapes and changes the appearance of natural attractions.
Rather than focusing solely on conventional sightseeing, the event combines outdoor recreation with destination promotion.
Participants will travel through the mountain environment while taking part in different levels of physical activity, giving visitors an opportunity to experience Bokor from a more active tourism perspective.
The ministry is inviting Cambodian residents, international visitors and the general public to participate.
Four Trail Categories Offer Different Experiences
The event will feature four categories designed for participants with different levels of interest and physical activity.
The most demanding option is the 25km trail, followed by a 12km trail. Participants looking for an obstacle based experience can choose the 5km obstacle trail, while the 3km walking trail provides a shorter option.
The 3km walking category is free to register.
Participants who register for the event will receive a T shirt, water, beverages and snacks. The first 500 people registering for the 3km walking trail will also receive a complimentary T shirt.
Registration Runs Until September 30
Registration will remain open until September 30, according to the Ministry of Tourism's announcement.
Participants can register through the QR code provided by the organisers.
Those who have registered can collect their event T shirts on October 2 and 3, between 8am and 5pm, at the Tourist Information Centre at the Old Bridge Head in Kampot province.
Participants should therefore complete registration before the deadline and arrange collection before the event day.
Why Green Season Tourism Matters for Kampot
The event forms part of broader efforts to promote Cambodia's destinations outside peak travel periods.
Kampot has a combination of mountain, forest and other natural tourism resources, while Preah Monivong Bokor National Park provides a setting for nature based activities.
A trail running event offers a different way to market these attractions by connecting tourism with sports and outdoor recreation.
For visitors, the combination can turn a sporting event into a wider destination experience, potentially encouraging participants to spend additional time in Kampot and explore other attractions in the province.
Bokor's Natural Landscape Takes Centre Stage
The choice of Bokor Mountain places the natural environment at the centre of the event.
Preah Monivong Bokor National Park is known for its mountain landscape and natural surroundings, making it suitable for outdoor tourism activities.
Holding the event during the green season also gives participants an opportunity to experience Bokor when seasonal rainfall contributes to greener vegetation and a different landscape character.
The tourism ministry's focus is therefore not simply on the race itself, but on using the event to showcase Kampot's natural tourism potential.
Sports and Tourism Come Together
The trail run illustrates how sporting events can become part of destination marketing.
For tourism authorities, events such as trail runs can attract a specific group of visitors interested in outdoor activities, nature and active travel.
For Kampot's tourism businesses, increased visitor activity can create opportunities for accommodation providers, restaurants, transportation services, guides and other businesses connected to the visitor economy.
The latest announcement, however, does not provide an estimate of expected participants, visitor spending or the projected economic impact of the event.
What Visitors Need to Know
Participants planning to attend should note the key dates surrounding the event.
Registration closes on September 30. T shirt collection takes place on October 2 and 3, while the trail run itself begins at 6am on October 4 in front of Le Bokor Palace Hotel.
The four categories also mean participants can select an activity according to their preferred distance and format, from a 25km trail run to a 3km walk.
Angkor Times Analysis
The Bokor Mountain trail run reflects a broader shift toward using experiential tourism to promote Cambodian destinations. Instead of presenting Kampot only as a place to visit, the event gives visitors a specific activity around which they can build a trip.
The green season angle is also important. Tourism events held during periods of seasonal rainfall can help maintain visitor interest while highlighting a different side of Cambodia's landscapes.
For Kampot, the potential value extends beyond the event itself. If participants stay overnight, eat locally and visit other attractions, a single sporting event can connect with several parts of the provincial tourism economy.
The longer term value will depend on participation, visitor spending, event quality and whether similar activities can be developed into a regular tourism calendar.
What Happens Next?
The immediate focus is registration and preparation for the October 4 event.
The organisers will continue accepting registrations until September 30, followed by T shirt distribution on October 2 and 3.
The event will then bring runners, walkers and visitors to Bokor Mountain for a combination of outdoor recreation and green season tourism promotion.
Frequently Asked Questions
When will the Bokor Mountain trail run take place?
The event will take place on October 4, 2026, beginning at 6am.
Where will the event start?
The event will start in front of Le Bokor Palace Hotel in Preah Monivong Bokor National Park, Kampot province.
What trail distances are available?
There are four categories: 25km trail, 12km trail, 5km obstacle trail and 3km walking trail.
Is registration free?
Registration for the 3km walking trail is free. The announcement provided does not state the registration fee for the other categories.
When does registration close?
Registration is open until September 30, 2026.
Who can participate?
The Ministry of Tourism is inviting Cambodian and international visitors as well as the general public to register.
When can participants collect their T shirts?
T shirts can be collected on October 2 and 3, from 8am to 5pm, at the Tourist Information Centre at the Old Bridge Head in Kampot.
What does the event aim to promote?
The event aims to promote Kampot's tourism potential, particularly the natural attractions of Preah Monivong Bokor National Park, while attracting visitors during the green season.