MORE THAN 10,000 SIGN UP FOR KL INTERNATIONAL MARATHON

KUALA LUMPUR, May 8 (Bernama) -- More than 10,000 participants have already
signed up for the Standard Chartered KL International Marathon scheduled for
June 28, although the closing date is more than a month away.

Race director Hermant Dua said since the closing date was June 15, more
participants are expected to sign up, making it the biggest marathon event in
Malaysia, offering RM350,000 (US$98,929) in prize money and a guaranteed prize
pool for local runners.

He added that apart from providing an avenue for participants to take part
in a healthy sporting event, the KL Marathon also helps raise funds for selected
charitable organisations.

Among the organisations to benefit are Standard Chartered Trust Fund
(SCTF), Shelter Home for Children, Development of Human Resources For Rural
Areas, Malaysia (DHRRA), The National Autism Society of Malaysia (NASOM) and
Malaysian Nature Society (MNS).

The event, jointly organised by the Malaysian Amateur Athletic Union (MAAU)
and Octagon, a global agency involved in organising more than 3,200 such events,
are staging the marathon for the first time in Malaysia.

Octagon-organised marathons in Hong Kong, Singapore and Dubai had recorded
very encouraging participation, exceeding 15,000 runners, he said.

"We are hoping for a similar participation here," said Dua who is also
Octagon SEA & India director.

The Race will start from Merdeka Square and the route will showcase some of
the capital's most famous landmarks, making it an ideal attraction for tourists
and out-of-towners.

Among the sponsors who had come on board are Standard Chartered as main
sponsor, MISG Insurance, Gleneagles Intan Hospital, 100 Plus and Reebox.

Earlier, Dua signed a Memorandum of Understanding between Octagon and
Gleneagles Intan Hospital as the official medical equipment and services
provider for the marathon.

Meanwhile, Gleneagles Intan Hospital executive officer Amir Firdaus Abdullah
said ambulance and medical officers would be stationed at 16 check points along
the route.

-- BERNAMA