by Rob Elliot

Canadians from Vancouver participate in the Cambodian International Half Marathon December 7th, 2008 , running to raise funds for the children of Angkor Hospital for Children in Siem Reap.

In early December 2008, the Vancouver group went over seas and participated in an incredible event that raises awareness for Youth with HIV and land man survivors. The Cambodian International Half Marathon in Siem Reap, Cambodia must be one of the most exotic running races in the world, a run through the ancient ruins of Angkor. But this was not the only purpose of our journey

Dr. Chris Zed (associate Dean of Dentistry UBC) has been working in South East Asia for almost 10 years leading residency students in a knowledge transfer program through the University of British Columbia. Dr. Zed works extensively with The Angkor Hospital for Children in the town of Siem Reap. In 2007, he and Innovative Fitness West Vancouver training coach Rob Elliott ran the Half Marathon for the first time, as well as brought the concepts of health, wellness and fitness to the hospital. The two brought over simple fitness equipment for the employees, an active seminar was held teaching functional training and exercises that would help the employees on the job. The Angkor Hospital for Children sees upwards of 450 children a day, and the employees were having some injuries due to the volume. That trip was a huge success and an inspiration to share the experience with others.

After sharing the story of their 2007 trip, they returned the following year with a larger group eager to contribute and experience Cambodia. The group was made up of Dr. Christopher Zed, Kim Gartland, Johann Burger, Paul Burger, Dianne Wood, Barb Elliott, Tim Crowhurst, Mo Bardi, Nina Bains Cassils, John Cassils, and three Innovative Fitness West Vancouver training coaches Josip Maras, Richard Alm and Rob Elliott.

On their travel overseas, each member brought an extra suitcase full of toys and hygienic products (Diane Watt’s shoebox project) that the hospital hands out to the families of the children. It’s amazing to learn just how far a bar of soap can go for those families. For several members of the group it was their first half marathon, which is a huge accomplishment in its own right, although only a portion of the experience in Cambodia. This year, with the help of Dr. Zed and the UBC faculty of dentistry, the group raised $12,000 with all proceeds going towards the Dental Ward at the Angkor Hospital for Children. Along with fundraising, the group also painted the Dental Ward and joined Dr. Zed’s dental outreach team to a school in the countryside. With three professional trainers on this past trip, another active health and fitness seminar was held, as well as a ladies only class. The trip was a huge success

Experiencing the rich history, sights, a half marathon and the ability to contribute all added up for an amazing experience in Cambodia. After two people embarked on the journey in 2007, the ripple effect then let to thirteen people the following year. It’s this past group’s goal to continue that ripple effect and inspire others to do the same. Please consider joining us in December 2009! –Rob Elliott

2009 Angkor Marathon will be held on 6th Dec 2009, come join us run or walk for, supporting a great cause, the Angkor Hospital for Children

The Angkor Wat International Half Marathon will be held on Sunday December 6, 2009. Course: Specially established in Angkor Wat Ruins in front of the Central Sanctuary of Angkor Wat (Start & Finish Line). Passing Prasat Kravan – Prasat Bat Chun – Banteay Kdey – Ta Prohm – Baphoun – Bayon – South Gate – Basie Cham Krong – Phom Bakheng – Ta Phrom Kei – and back to the front of the Central Sanctuary of Angkor Wat (Finish Line). Running course will be marked the number of kilometre. ChampionChip Check Point will be at Angkor Thom (Bayon Temple). Start & Finish Line: In front of the Central Sanctuary of Angkor Wat, Siem Reap, Cambodia. From town to the Angkor Wat Temple (Start Line) takes 25 minutes by Tuk Tuk or 20 minutes by taxi or bus. All participants of Angkor Wat International Half Marathon 2008 must arrive at the venue at least 20 minutes before starting time. All categories will start and finish in front of the Angkor Wat Temple.