KUALA LUMPUR, 3 Aug 2023: The Kuala Lumpur Standard Chartered Marathon (KLSCM) 2023 announced its partnership with Official Sponsor Brooks, who will be equipping the event’s dedicated Pacers with a comprehensive range of top-notch running gear. This year marks a significant milestone for Malaysia’s premier distance running event as it assembles its largest contingent of Pacers to date, including a debut appearance of Pacers for the 10km category.
The KLSCM 2023 Pacers will don striking yellow tops, complemented by sleek black shorts and Brooks running shoes. Among the 40 elite Official Pacers, 35 were outfitted with their Pacer kits during a special presentation ceremony held at Brooks outlet located at Lalaport in Bukit Bintang.
The Pacers’ attire features specially designed Brooks singlets crafted from ultra-microfiber polyester fabric, ensuring an exceptionally lightweight, soft, and moisture-wicking experience. Notably, the incorporation of fully bonded seam technology eliminates any potential discomfort from stitching, prioritizing a seamless and chafe-free run. The Brooks Split Running Shorts employ 100% polyester woven fabric, enhancing breathability while effectively managing sweat, thus offering an optimal running experience.
In alignment with Brooks’ unwavering commitment to sustainability, Pacers will be furnished with the pinnacle of running footwear, including the Glycerin 20, Hyperion Tempo, Ghost 15, and Adrenaline GTS 22 models. Brooks’ running shoes exemplify environmental consciousness, employing recycled materials and repurposed plastic bottles to construct these innovative creations.
The Ghost 15 model stands out as a carbon-neutral marvel, embodying Brooks’ dedication to eco-friendly practices. The advanced technology infused within Brooks shoes, such as the nitrogen-infused DNA LOFT v3 and DNA Flash foam, translates to a 20% weight reduction and an impressive 10% increase in energy return compared to prior DNA LOFT iterations. Runners are also encouraged to embrace the GuideRails® support feature, facilitating an optimized running motion and minimizing excessive movement.
Within the marathon, 24 Pacers will guide and motivate participants in the Full Marathon category. An additional 8 Pacers each will be assigned to the Half Marathon and the newly introduced 10km category, signifying a broader support network across various race distances.
Largest group of Pacers on duty for premier distance running event
Pacers’ significance in distance running events is paramount, serving as both navigators and inspiration for fellow participants. These seasoned athletes are entrusted with maintaining consistent and predetermined paces, thereby enabling runners to attain their coveted race times or personal bests while avoiding common race-day pitfalls.
Beyond physical guidance, Pacers embody beacons of encouragement, supplying invaluable support and motivation during challenging moments. Their presence profoundly influences not only the physical aspect of endurance races but also the mental fortitude required to overcome limits and triumphantly cross the finish line.
Rainer Biemans, Director of Dirigo Events, the race’s owner and organizer, affirmed the pivotal role of Pacers: “We take the role of our Pacers seriously as we want to help as many runners as possible to either achieve their target times or more importantly, finish the race successfully and with a sense of fulfilment. Our Pacers go through a fairly stringent assessment process before they are selected based on their consistency of pace and positive attitude. We wish all KLSCM 2023 Pacers and runners the best of luck on Race Weekend.”
Abu Soffian, a seasoned KLSCM Pacer, expressed his dedication to the role: “I keep coming back to be a Pacer at KLSCM because I really enjoy sharing my experience to help runners achieve their time targets. Being a Pacer motivates me to train harder, to help others and to make new friends on my continuing running journey.”
First-time 10km Pacer Janice Loh, a former competitive runner who clinched podium positions at KLSCM 2018 and 2019, embraced her new role with enthusiasm: “This is the first time in my life that I will be assuming the role of a Pacer and I’m beyond excited! Being selected after a well-organised Pacer Assessment session by Dirigo Events has given me the confidence to strive to create a positive and inclusive environment during the race where runners can feel empowered and encouraged to give their best. I am ready to give it my all, and I can’t wait to be a part of the incredible moments that unfold on race day.”
The Kuala Lumpur Standard Chartered Marathon 2023 Celebrates 15 Years of Distance Running
Victor Tiew, Brooks Malaysia Brand Manager, affirmed Brooks’ commitment to supporting KLSCM Pacers: “By providing them with the necessary high-performance gear, we hope to inspire the KLSCM Pacers to do the best they can in helping as many runners as possible to achieve their goals, and earn the satisfaction that comes with completing their distances. At Brooks, our philosophy is to make each run better than the last, a simple enough principle that guides every design and engineering choice behind our shoes and gear. We are committed to providing the best possible running experience for the Pacers as we value what they bring to the table in providing support to the runners.”
Recognizing Pacers’ multifaceted contribution, KLSCM’s Pacers are also rallying under the Run For A Reason (RFAR) charity program, raising funds for the event’s beneficiary charities. The dedicated Pacers have already raised an impressive RM14,000, a contribution poised to significantly impact underprivileged Malaysians and the environment, aligning perfectly with the marathon’s mission of positive change.
For more information and to participate in KLSCM 2023, visit KLSCM Official Website.
