Good response to marathon

The organisers of the Standard Chartered KL Marathon at Dataran Merdeka on June 24, are on track to attract a record 27,000 participants. To date, almost 18,000 participants have signed up for the KL Marathon. Last year, the event attracted about 22,000 runners.

Dirigo Event director Rainer Biemans said they were pleased with the overwhelming response. “Achieving the numbers so early is truly encouraging to the positive sentiments and recognition runners have for the Standard Char-tered KL Marathon,” said Biemans. “For the marathon category alone, we have recorded over 67% increase in registrations compared to the same period last year.

“This clearly solidifies the KL Marathon as the biggest and a truly international running event where everyone, regardless of age, experience, or background, can run for a reason this year,’’ he added. Participants for the half marathon this year has increased by over 58% with more than 3,800 sign-ups to-date.

Meanwhile, the 10km has recorded close to 7,500 registrations to-date signifying a 48% increase over registration numbers in the same period last year. This year there is also a new category — MSIG Ekiden — and 75 teams have signed up. The maximum limit for the MSIG Ekiden is 100 teams.

The annual ‘Zero to Hero’ Training Circuits are also back to help prepare beginners and seasoned participants for race day. Led by coach Mark Williams and coaches from the Federal Territory Amateur Athletics Association (FTAAA), participants can learn proper techniques for warming up, cooling down, hydration and nutrition, and a host of other valuable training tips. Participants of the training circuits will also receive a training booklet with training log sheets to track their progress. The training circuits take place until June 10.

For more information or to register for the Standard Chartered KL Marathon, and the ‘Zero to Hero’ Training Circuits, visit www.kl-marathon.com or keep up-to-date via twitterwww.twitter.com/scklmarathon/

-thestar online.