Good response to HSL Samarahan Marathon, only 300 slots left – Minos
The upcoming HSL Samarahan Marathon on May 11 and 12 has received tremendous response with only 300 slots left, said Dato Peter Minos.
The Kota Samarahan Municipal Council (MPKS) chairman said the inaugural two-day event has attracted runners from throughout Malaysia as well as other countries such as Singapore, Brunei and even Kenya.
“We have fewer than 15 per cent of tickets across all five categories namely 42km, 21km, 10km, 6km and 3km.
“The biggest category, which is the 21km half marathon, is already sold out. We’re happily surprised,” he told a press conference at Hock Seng Lee (HSL) Tower here yesterday.
He said those who are interested to join the marathon, where the cash prizes top a whopping RM58,000, are still welcome to sign up for the competitive categories of 10km or 42km.
“For novice runners and families, they can sign up for the 3km and 6km fun runs which will have special Best Costume cash prizes,” he said, adding that guest judges for the Best Costume include popular influencers Global Gibbon and team members of Wanka Travel.
Minos, who is the event organising chairman, said organisers are anticipating around 3,000 participants in the two-day marathon, which coincides with La Promenade’s Mother’s Day celebrations.
“We hope more people will sign up and participate in the marathon, where our objective is not only to promote healthy living but also to promote Samarahan.
“We want to show how exciting Samarahan is, and how much people can enjoy fun, healthy events here,” he said.
He thanked HSL for its collaboration in organising the marathon.
“Without HSL, the event would not be possible. We have been planning this marathon for two years.
“HSL is the main organiser and the title sponsor, which is why tickets are so cheap,” he said.
Meanwhile, event co-organiser Yu Ji, who represented HSL, said the HSL Samarahan Marathon boasts one of the flattest and fastest race courses in Malaysia.
“There is hardly any elevation gain. This course is perfect for pros and beginners.
“I foresee Samarahan Marathon to be one of the best in Malaysia
for its course and many of the runners are expected to break their ‘personal best’,” he said.
A team of over 300 people will be involved in running the twoday marathon event, beginning on May 11 evening for the fun runs.
They include about 30 traffic police personnel, 50 race marshals, a dozen first aiders, and 40 more from HSL’s own events and security team.
There will be more than 20 pacers for the 42km and 21km runs.
For the full marathon, six groups of pacers will do times between 4:30 hours and seven hours — 30 minutes apart.
For the half marathon, five pacer groups will do two hours to three hours — 15 minutes apart.
Star runners for the marathon include the whole of the Haolian Group, comprising Sarawak’s most elite marathoners like Andy Yeo, and HSL’s sponsored ultra trail marathoner, Sally Yap.
Race pack collection begins on May 9.
For more info, visit lapromenademall.com.my, or search @lapromenademall, #samarathon, #laprorun on social media.