Iconic cat statue dons running attire ahead of marathon
KUCHING: The city’s iconic White Cat statue in Padungan has been dressed in running attire to welcome some 10,000 runners from over 20 countries for this year’s Kuching Marathon, taking place this Sunday.
Kuching Marathon Association vice-president Bong Kuet Foong said more than 70 per cent of this year’s participants are from outside Sarawak, including Sabah, Peninsular Malaysia, Brunei Darussalam and Indonesia.
The marathon offers prizes amounting to RM80,000 and is divided into four categories – 42km, 21km, 10km and 5km for Men’s Open, Women’s Open and Veteran.
“Preparations are in progress and gaining momentum. Kuchingites are encouraged to come out and cheer the runners,” Bong told reporters after donning the running attire on the statue yesterday, witnessed by Kuching South mayor Datuk James Chan.
According to him, registration for the 21km half-marathon has exceeded the participation limit, which he believed was due to more runners having trained and improved their level.
“As for the most challenging 42km full marathon, about 2,000 runners have signed up and the best time recorded – about twoanda-half hours – is held by a foreigner,” he added.
Minister of Tourism, Arts, Culture, Youth and Sports Datuk Abdul Karim Rahman Hamzah is expected to flag off the runners for the full marathon at Padang Merdeka at 1am.
Police, event marshals, volunteers, Rela members and paramedics will be on standby to ensure the safety of the runners, while 18 water stations will be placed along the route to ensure runners stay hydrated.
There will also be rubbish bags placed for the disposal of water bottles as part of efforts to keep the city clean.
Chan, meanwhile, said the annual run, into its fifth year, is showing no signs of losing its popularity but instead, is becoming increasingly attractive.
“This (event) is good for the city and as I have always emphasised, we must work together for Kuching City. All sectors of society, from the council to the public, must come together with one mindset to really boost our city.
“We hope this event will grow and attract more people from outside Sarawak to come and run. Kuching is a very healthy city and I am sure visitors can see and experience for themselves the cleanliness of the place and friendliness of the people,” he said.
The Borneo Post is the official media of Kuching Marathon 2018.