Cambodian villagers race oxcarts to safeguard centuries-old tradition

Villagers aboard Cambodian-flagged wooden carts ran their oxen at high speed on Sunday in an annual race to safeguard the centuries-old tradition as concerns mount over development encroaching on racing grounds. 

Despite scorching sun, hundreds of people flocked to see 46 pairs of oxen take part in the competition, which took place at an empty field in Kampong Speu province, west of capital Phnom Penh. The event is held every year to mark the end of the rice harvesting season and to welcome the Khmer New Year in mid-April.