Kuala Lumpur, 20 February 2013 – Following its success over the past four (4) years, Malaysia’s most anticipated running event is back and scheduled to take place on Sunday, 30 June 2013. The Standard Chartered KL Marathon 2013 was launched with festivity and colour yesterday by the Minister of Youth and Sports, YB Dato’ Sri Ahmad Shabery Cheek at the Standard Chartered KL Park, a unique location of green and tranquillity amidst the bustling city’s high-rise buildings. The park is the country’s first “pocket park” collaboration under the Economic Transformation Programme (ETP) Greener KL/ Klang Valley initiative.
The launch was commemorated with the unveiling of a 10-foot tall wall panel depicting a historical photo montage wall, showcasing the evolvement and successes of the Marathon since it first started in 2009. The wall panel will be located at the Park for public viewing until after the Marathon ends. The Minister of Youth and Sports was joined by co-organiser, Dewan Bandaraya Kuala Lumpur (DBKL) represented by the Deputy Director General (Socio-Economy Development), YBhg Datuk Hj Mhd Amin Nordin bin Abd Aziz on behalf of the Mayor of Kuala Lumpur, YBhg Datuk Haji Ahmad Phesal Bin Haji Talib; title sponsor Standard Chartered Bank Malaysia Berhad, Managing Director and Chief Executive Officer, Osman Morad; YBhg Dato’ DCP Mohamed Bin Salleh, Chief of Police (Kuala Lumpur Contingent); and Marathon owner and organiser, Dirigo Events Sdn Bhd Director Rainer Biemans together with official sporting officials from the Malaysian Athletics Federation (MAF), Deputy President, YBhg Dato’ Wan Hisham bin Wan Salleh and Mr S Vegiyathuman, General Secretary of Federal Territory Amateur Athletic Association (FTAAA) and SCKLM 2013 Race Director.
“I’m glad to be here to celebrate Standard Chartered KL Marathon’s 5th successful year in Malaysia. I applaud the various parties who have successfully showcased growing sporting brilliance through this nation-building event for the past four years. I am confident that by now the Standard Chartered KL Marathon is embedded in our sporting culture and is contributing to nation-building,” said YB Dato’ Sri Ahmad Shabery Cheek during the launch.
This year’s Marathon, which will be held at Dataran Merdeka carries the theme, “Run for a Reason”, a theme that is parallel to Standard Chartered Marathons around the world. The event offers 12 categories to the public to provide a participation opportunity for every person. Worth to note, the prize package offered for Standard Chartered KL Marathon remains the highest among marathons in Malaysia, with a total prize pot of USD110,000 (RM341,000) this year.
By the people, for the people
A multi-ethnic, multi-cultural and multi-lingual public sports event, the Marathon ecosystem continues to be a platform that fosters comradeship, unity and positive collaboration. The Marathon over the years has forged strong collaborative partnerships between the government, the sporting associations, the private sector and the society in establishing a united platform for the benefit of the people. An estimated of more than 2,400 people are involved in the 6 to 7 months preparation leading up to the Race Day.
Osman Morad, Standard Chartered Bank added, “We always believe that sports shapes and unifies a nation. We have seen the benefits of the Marathon in our community, and we are happy to have been key to this effort. As the country’s first and oldest bank established in 1857, we take pride in contributing to our community and the Marathon is an event we are very proud of.”
“This year, Standard Chartered is pleased to introduce special packages where runners can ‘Run for Free’ and other special benefits when they sign up for a credit card or savings or checking account with us. It is yet another feature from Standard Chartered to continually add value for our customers,” Osman added.
Slated to start and finish once again at the country’s historical site of Dataran Merdeka, the Mayor of Kuala Lumpur, Datuk Haji Ahmad Phesal said, “It is only befitting that a monumental country event like the Marathon takes place at Dataran Merdeka where you will be able to see some 30,000 runners and volunteers, officials, supporters, family and friends gathering together to be a force for good.”
Run the marathon and put a smile on the faces of the less fortunate
Over the four years, the Standard Chartered KL Marathon has raised more than RM2.4 million to benefit charities around Malaysia. This year charity recipients are Standard Chartered Foundation, National Autism Society of Malaysia (NASOM), Ecoknights, and Hospis Malaysia.
The iconic event continues to set new records. This year, within just three (3) weeks of registration opening, more than 14,222 registrations were received surpassing last year’s record by more than 235 per cent registered over the same period. In 2012, participant registration closed six (6) weeks ahead of the deadline following an overwhelming response from the public. This year, Standard Chartered is confident that the target of 30,000 runners will be met soon. Registration started on 30 January 2013 and the closing date is set for 31 May 2013, or when 30,000 sign-ups are reached, whichever comes first.
A journey of partnerships
The Standard Chartered KL Marathon is once again made possible by title sponsor Standard Chartered Bank in partnership with Marathon owner and organiser, Dirigo Events Sdn Bhd and co-organiser DBKL and the Ministry of Youth and Sports.
Rainer Biemans, Director of Dirigo Events Sdn Bhd paid tribute to the support and loyalty of partners and sponsors that have grown with the Marathon as it journeys into its 5th year. Re-joining Standard Chartered Bank, are gold sponsors MSIG and Honda Malaysia; with official partners 100Plus and New Balance. This year, the Marathon welcomes Seiko as the official timing partner.