Kuala Lumpur, 12 March 2012 – The Standard Chartered KL Marathon 2012 is expected to break another record this year. To-date, the organisers have already received registrations from more than 19,000 runners and is confident to break last year’s 22,000 entries. Runners from 27 countries to-date have also registered their participation.
This year, the organisers are targeting for 27,000 runners, comprising of local and international runners and based on the registration response, hopes to meet this number soon. Registration period started from 1 February 2012 and the closing date is set for 31 May 2012, or when 27,000 sign-ups are reached, whichever comes first.
“We are very pleased with this overwhelming response we have received to-date, especially since we only opened registrations in February. Achieving these numbers so early is truly encouraging to the positive sentiments and recognition runners have for the Standard Chartered KL Marathon. For the Full Marathon category alone, we have recorded over 67 per cent increase in registrations compared to the same period in 2011. This clearly solidifies Standard Chartered 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,” said Rainer Biemans, Director of Dirigo Events, Sdn Bhd.
The fourth edition of the capital’s largest annual marathon is scheduled for Sunday, 24 June 2012 with the first flag off at 4.30 am for Full Marathon runners at Dataran Merdeka. Participants for the Honda Half Marathon this year have increased by over 58 per cent with more than 3,800 sign-ups to-date; while 10KM has recorded close to 7,500 registrations to-date signifying a 48 per cent increase over registration numbers in the same period last year.
New category MSIG Ekiden has 75 teams already signed up, which will close soon once the maximum limit of 100 teams is reached. The Universities Challenge has recorded 225 participants from 4 universities.
The annual ‘Zero to Hero’ Training Circuits is also back to help prepare beginners and seasoned participants for race day. Led by the Standard Chartered KL Marathon official coach Mark Williams and coaches from Federal Territory Amateur Athletics Association (FTAAA), participants can learn proper techniques for warming up, cooling down, hydration and nutrition, and a host of other invaluable 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 from 11 March until 10 June 2012. Admissions to the circuits are free but limited.
Additionally, runners can also sign up for the Standard Chartered KL Marathon at these training circuits and enjoy early bird rates, payable by cash only. The early bird rates will end on 20 May 2012, or earlier once the full registration target is reached.
For more information or to register for the Standard Chartered KL Marathon, and the ‘Zero to Hero’ Training Circuits, please visit: www.kl-marathon.com. Also connect with other runners through the Standard Chartered KL Marathon Facebook page at http://www.facebook.com/SCKLmarathon and keep up-to-date via twitter at www.twitter.com/scklmarathon