Cambodia - Race Report Stage 1
The morning started warm for Global Limits 4th Edition of the Ancient Khmer Path 2015. Thirty two runners packed their bags, strapped up their toes and headed to the start line. After an emotional ceremony with saffron-robed Khmer monks chanting a blessing, Race Director Stefan Betzelt gave a final briefing and the runners set off on their 220km journey.
The field spread out quite quickly with British runner Jill Hamill taking the overall lead by three kilometres in. She held and extended her lead to finish the day in an impressive overall first place. Second place was taken by a female runner, Australian Eufemia Coppi. In an extraordinary first for any Global Limits race, third place overall also went to a female, Christina Khinast-Sittenthaler.
The first man to finish was in fourth place overall, Danish Peter “Princess” Joergensen. Second male was Thomas Watson of Scotland, and third male Austrian Johannes Mohr. Three Cambodian runners completed the stage as well. Special mention to Brett Ballard, a 62 year old American, living in Cambodia for many years, had a very strong day, finishing as 5th male, 8th runner overall.
