Cambodia launches fun run to raise awareness of Valentine's Day

Cambodia organized a "Run for Love" event on Sunday to raise awareness of the Valentine's Day, which falls on Feb. 14.

Some 4,000 people, mostly young adults, took part in the 5-km fun run at the Diamond Island complex in Phnom Penh, the capital of Cambodia.

Ruling Cambodian People's Party lawmaker Lork Kheng said some teenagers mistakenly thought that the day was the occasion to deliver their bodies to sweethearts to express their loyalty.

"The event is to send a message to the people, particularly youths, to avoid sexual misconduct on the Valentine's Day," she said in a speech during the ceremony.

Lork Kheng said the day should be used as the occasion to express love and protection for women and girls and protect them from all forms of abuses.

At the event, participants appealed to young adults not to focus only on salacious festivities on the day.

"Youth should not use the day to go out for sexual misconduct. They should choose other activities on that day such as playing sports," said Sun Sothy, a Phnom Penh municipal transport department official. Endit