12,000 runners expected at Putrajaya

Officials and sponsors of the Bank Simpanan Nasional Putrajaya Night Marathon at the event launch recently. Pic by Mohd Fadli Hamzah

PUTRAJAYA: The bright city lights of the federal administrative capital will be one of the many attractions awaiting runners at the Bank Simpanan Nasional Putrajaya Night Marathon (PNM) this year.

Race director Nithiaseelan Vegayathunam said the organisers are targeting 12,000 runners for the fourth edition of the race, which will be held on Oct 19, after having been limited to 10,000 competitors in previous years. "We are the only night marathon in Malaysia at the moment and are ranked as one of the top two (night marathons) in South East Asia," said Nithiaseelan.

"When we closed the registration last year, the request to open more spots was immense with people calling in and e-mailing us. I believes this proves how popular we are with the runners.

"This venue (Putrajaya) can comfortably accommodate the additional runners. "We would not allow for more if it could not accommodate as it is our priority to have runners enjoy a quality race from the time they start till they collect their (finishers) medals."

Runners will be able to choose from four distances -- marathon, half-marathon, 10km and 5km-- and various age groups on offer at PNM. A total prize purse of RM100,000 awaits the top finishers in each category. Nithiaseelan said there will be additional features to the race this year which will be revealed closer to race day.

"We have always been unique as PNM is one of the few races which offer entertainment for runners as they go through the course. "Previously we have had cheerleaders, comics in Darth Vader outfits, clowns as well as mist showers to entertain and refresh competitors while they are running. "We have a lot more in store for the race this year which I am sure the runners will enjoy in addition to the beautifully lit city of Putrajaya at night."

Those interested in competing can visit www.bsnpnm.com or www.hooha.asia for registration details. 

-nst online.