More than 5,300 runners assembled in front of the Royal Palace for the 21 kilometre-run, setting a new participation mark that included 523 overseas runners from 33 countries.

Neko, who stands at 1.45 metres tall and weighs 45 kilograms, won the capital's most popular run in 1 hour 16min 45sec.

His nearest challenger, fellow Cambodian Ma Viro, was the runner-up in 1:21:38.

Another local runner, Kang Thoeun, came third in 1:23:00, while the women’s race was won by France’s Veronique Messina for the third time in four years in 1:36:13.

"The entries far exceeded our expectations this year," Chamroeun, who is also Secretary of State in the Ministry of Tourism, said.

"We were delighted to see so many institutions and groups taking part in big numbers.

"We hope this trend continues.

"We will seek suggestions and opinions of the runners about upgrading this event to a full marathon next year.

"Participation numbers shot up in the 10km and 3km events mainly due to greater enthusiasm shown by local runners, especially youth.

"This is good for the future of competitive long-distance running."

Neko, a comedian from Japan previously known as Kuniaki Takizaki, gained Cambodian citizenship in 2011.

He was part of a Cambodian team of six competing at the Rio 2016 Olympic Games, contesting the men's marathon. 

Nary Ly represented the Asian nation in the equivalent women's event, while swimmers Pou Sovijja and Hemthon Vitiny were also selected along with taekwondo player Sorn Seavmey and wrestler Chov Sotheara. 

As part of the Phnom Penh International Half Marathon, the seventh edition of the Phnom Penh Charity Run was held to provide support to the Kantha Bopha Children's Hospital and other social causes.

The event traditionally marks the birthday of Norodom Monineath Sihanouk, the queen mother of Cambodia.