Sihanoukville

From March 9-11, I took a team of six guys to compete in bike and running races at the Cambodian beach-side city of Sihanoukville. On Saturday morning Pern competed in the 20km bike race, coming home strong in 10th position. Out of the five guys who ran the 10.5km race on Sunday, Boray was the first Poipet runner to cross the finish line in 7th place overall. Many of our guys improved on their previous 10km, even though this quarter marathon distance was a bit longer! I entered the 21km half marathon and was pleased to receive the silver medal.

Closer to home, Tharith was representing his school (and the Poipet Run Club!) in the Provincial School Boys 5km distance event. He won the race and next weekend will compete in the national school boys competition.

A highlight of the weekend was that it was the FIRST time for ANY of the guys to see the ocean! Apart from running and cycling, there was plenty of time to swim and play at the beach. It was a great gift to be able to share in their first ever experience of sand, salty water and gentle waves. As we left one of the runners said to the ocean, "See you... I don't know when.. but I'm happy to have seen you!"