KUALA LUMPUR, Saturday – The Kuala Lumpur Standard Chartered Marathon (KLSCM) 2024 is shaping up to be an unforgettable event, with the Full Marathon Malaysian Men’s category expected to be one of the most hotly contested in the race’s history. As the premier distance running event in the country, the marathon will feature an intense battle between top local athletes, all vying to dethrone two-time champion Poo Vasanthan.
The 26-year-old Vasanthan is aiming for a remarkable third consecutive victory, but he faces stiff competition from at least five other top-tier athletes. Among them are five-time KLSCM champion Muhaizar Mohamad, last year’s runner-up Nik Fakaruddin, and rising stars Muhamad Haziq, Vimal Govendarajoo, and Jacob Wong Yize.
Vasanthan remains focused and determined, crediting his father, who also serves as his coach, for crafting a rigorous training program tailored for the big race. “I’m in the final stages of my preparation, and I know I can’t afford to underestimate any of my competitors,” he said. “I’ll stick to my strategy and give my best on race day.”
New Faces Join the Fray
The emergence of fresh talent has electrified the field this year. Muhamad Haziq, who placed fourth at KLSCM 2022, has had a standout 2023 season, with victories in local races and an impressive finish at the Gold Coast Marathon with a time of 2:31:57. Vimal, meanwhile, has dominated the Half Marathon scene, recently recording a blazing 1:10:18 in the Gold Coast Half Marathon. He will be making his full marathon debut at KLSCM 2024, positioning himself as a key contender.
Another rising star is Jacob Wong, who clocked an impressive 2:31:21 at the Seoul Marathon this year. Though early in his career, Jacob’s rapid improvement makes him a dark horse with the potential to disrupt the expected outcome.
Rainer Biemans, Project Director of KLSCM and Director of Dirigo Events, expressed excitement about the evolving local marathon scene. “It’s great to see new talent emerging in the Malaysian Full Marathon category. It shows that we’re succeeding in developing a larger pool of local athletes capable of competing at the highest level,” Biemans said.
International Competition Heats Up
The KLSCM Full Marathon Men’s Open category, traditionally dominated by Kenyan runners, will also see fierce competition, particularly from Japan’s Keisuke Yokota. Yokota, who boasts a personal best of 2:11:43 from the Osaka Marathon, is looking to make an impact and promote KLSCM to Japanese runners. However, he will face defending champion Kiprop Tonui, a consistent podium finisher at KLSCM.
In the Malaysian Women’s Full Marathon, defending champion Michelle Chua Khit Yeng is set to face off against former titleholder Noor Amelia, and 2022 runner-up Tahira Najmunisaa. With all three athletes in top form, the women’s race promises to be as competitive as ever.
Record-Breaking Turnout and Enhanced Safety
This year’s event will see a record-breaking 42,000 participants converging at Dataran Merdeka over two days, from 5 to 6 October. The first day will feature the 5km, 10km, and Kids Dash categories, while the second day will host the Half and Full Marathon events.
To ensure the safety of participants, KLSCM 2024 is introducing an innovative new feature called “Medic On The Run.” In collaboration with Pantai Hospital Kuala Lumpur, this initiative will see 35 medical personnel stationed along the marathon routes, with some running alongside participants equipped with Automated External Defibrillators (AEDs). The program is designed to provide swift emergency care to runners in need.
According to Biemans, “Our goal is to prioritize the health and safety of all participants by raising our race emergency preparedness to international standards. The Medic On The Run initiative ensures that medical attention is never far away, no matter where runners are on the course.”
The introduction of the “Medic On The Run” team is a result of meticulous planning. Earlier this year, two Pantai Hospital emergency services specialists attended a World Athletics conference in Antalya, Türkiye, to obtain Race Emergency certification. These doctors will lead the medical team during the marathon weekend.
Sustainability and Social Initiatives
Building on last year’s efforts, KLSCM 2024 will continue to push for greater sustainability, reducing waste and promoting eco-friendly practices. The race organizers have eliminated single-use sponges at water stations, encouraging runners to cool down with water from designated tubs. The KLSCM tote and drawstring bags distributed to participants will be made from 100% recyclable materials, and organizers will continue to compost organic waste, such as leftover fruit, to minimize the event’s carbon footprint.
Also Read: KLSCM 2024: A Record-Breaking Year for International Participation
The marathon will also continue its “Run For A Reason” (RFAR) social initiative, which allows participants to raise funds for various charitable causes. This year’s beneficiaries include Futuremakers by Standard Chartered, Hospis Malaysia, Kechara Soup Kitchen, and Teach for Malaysia. With a target of raising RM1 million, the initiative has already garnered RM850,000, aided by a friendly fundraising rivalry between the CEOs of Standard Chartered Malaysia and Standard Chartered Saadiq.
Mak Joon Nien, CEO of Standard Chartered Malaysia, reflected on the event’s community spirit: “What’s memorable about KLSCM is how it brings people together – runners cheering each other on, forming friendships, and raising funds for important causes. We’re on track to hit our fundraising target and help even more Malaysians in need.”
As the largest marathon in Malaysia, KLSCM 2024 continues to attract thousands of local and international runners, with over 2,500 running tourists expected this year. With top athletes competing, enhanced safety measures, and a commitment to sustainability, this year’s marathon promises to be a thrilling and meaningful event for all involved.
