Temple Run: Fundraise Miles for Cambodian Smiles

Running Together for Change

On January 23rd, Temple Run reached its finish line in Siem Reap, bringing together hundreds of children, volunteers, teachers, athletes, and community members in a celebration of movement, perseverance, and shared purpose. What began as a fundraising initiative became a powerful community event that placed children at the center—running not only toward a goal, but toward confidence, joy, and a sense of achievement.

From early in the morning, children arrived excited and ready to run. The weather was sunny, the atmosphere energetic, and the encouragement constant. Many children had been practicing for months, eager to challenge themselves, improve their times, and prove that they could reach the finish line.

For some, it was their first-ever organized run. For others, it was a chance to beat their own personal records. Every step was met with cheers, smiles, and applause from teachers, volunteers, and families lining the route.

Children’s Voices and Experiences

Chenda, one of the youngest participants, ran hand in hand with her friends at the start and crossed the finish line laughing. For her, the most exciting part was not winning, but “running together and finishing.”

Many children spoke about how happy they felt wearing their running numbers, being cheered on, and receiving recognition at the finish line. These moments reinforced self-belief, resilience, and the understanding that effort matters just as much as results.

Children who arrived first were recognized and awarded, celebrating dedication and discipline while encouraging others to keep trying and improving.

Community Engagement and worldwide Participation

Temple Run was strongly supported by the local community. Teachers, local authorities, volunteers, and families participated actively, helping organize the event, motivate the children, and ensure a safe and joyful experience for everyone involved.

At the same time, we extend special recognition to the fundraisers who ran in different cities around the world, transforming Temple Run into a truly global effort. Their commitment connected international supporters directly with the children running in Siem Reap, demonstrating the power of collective action across borders.

Team-Based Fundraising Results

Several teams participated in the campaign, each receiving donor support and successfully reaching the finish line:

• Education Explorers

• Sport Stars

• Healthy Runners

• Teachers of the Future

• Literacy Leaders

• Teachers Running for the Kids

Looking Ahead: The Journey Continues

While Temple Run marks the completion of this year’s microproject, it is not an ending, but part of an ongoing journey. Temple Run is an annual event, and each edition builds on the energy, lessons, and enthusiasm of the previous one.

This year’s run once again demonstrated how a single event can create meaningful impact—not only by raising funds, but by motivating children, strengthening community bonds, and promoting healthy lifestyles through sport. The smiles, determination, and pride shown by the children at the finish line are what drive us to continue and grow this initiative year after year.

Children continue training throughout the year. More than 2,000 students in the Doun Kaev commune are part of our sports program, learning, improving, and sharing hope as they prepare for the next Temple Run.

This is possible thanks to your support:

We warmly thank our donors, runners, schools, and partners for the support they brought to this event through donations, encouragement, messages, effort, and active participation in all activities. Every donor helped thousands of children run with determination and hope toward the finish line.

Our goal is to reach even more children and give them the opportunity to thrive—by supporting access to nutrition, education, sports, digital literacy, and gender equality, helping to build a stronger and more inclusive community.

Your support truly makes a difference. You reached the finish line with us, and you are a champion in our eyes, inspiring children, leading change, and allowing them to run with joy, supported by their community and by global supporters who believe in their potential.

Thank you for helping us bring this event to life. Every step taken, every cheer given, and every donation made contributed to a finish line filled with hope for Cambodia’s children.