SIEM REAP – Chinese marathoner Liu Haiping finished second at the Angkor Empire Marathon on Sunday.

Running through the historic Angkor Archaeological Park, Liu completed the 42km race in 3:13:48, finishing just behind Cambodia's Kan Sreyroth, who won the women's title at 3:10:57, according to the result released by the National Olympic Committee of Cambodia (NOCC).

The men's division saw another local victory as Cambodia's Vann Pheara claimed the title with a time of 2:41:08.

Senior Minister Thong Khon, also president of the NOCC, said that the annual event aims to promote sports and boost tourism to the UNESCO-listed Angkor complex during the rainy or green season.

He said that participation rose 25 percent year-on-year to 6,500 runners, comprising 5,450 Cambodians and 1,050 foreigners from 51 countries and regions.

Khon also thanked the Lancang-Mekong Cooperation (LMC) for co-sponsoring the event, which successfully promoted both sports and tourism.

The event featured four race categories: a full marathon, a half marathon, a 10km race, and a 3km fun run.

Starting in front of Angkor Wat-the flagship temple of the Angkor Archaeological Park-the route took participants past ancient architecture and scenic landscapes.

Located in Siem Reap province, the 401-square-kilometer park features 91 ancient temples built from the ninth to 13th centuries and stands as Cambodia's most popular tourist destination.