KLSCM 2023: An Epic Showdown for Malaysia's Top Marathon Runners

The Kuala Lumpur Standard Chartered Marathon (KLSCM) 2023 is gearing up to be a thrilling spectacle as Malaysia's elite distance runners prepare to battle for supremacy in the Full Marathon Malaysian category. With over 40,000 participants set to converge on Dataran Merdeka over the weekend of September 30th and October 1st, this iconic event has gained recognition as the only race in Malaysia sanctioned by World Athletics with a coveted Road Race Label. As KLSCM celebrates its 15th edition, the Men's Full Marathon Malaysian category promises a heated competition featuring top-notch athletes.

The Men's Full Marathon Malaysian category will witness a fierce contest, with four national runners vying for the prestigious crown. Defending champion Poo Vasanthan faces stiff competition from the five-time KLSCM champion in the category, Muhaizar Mohamad, as well as national marathon record-holder Leo Tan Huong Leong and national half marathon record-holder Prabudass Krishnan, making his debut in the category at KLSCM. The Full Marathon route this year remains similar to the 2022 edition, offering a flatter course for faster finishing times and an exhilarating competition.

Poo Vasanthan expressed, "I expect a tough race against these more established runners, and I need to make sure that I follow my race strategy down to the last detail if I am to defend my title. Whatever happens, it is still a privilege to be competing against these runners in an internationally recognized event like KLSCM, and I am looking forward to an exciting challenge."

KLSCM is embarking on a sustainability journey for its 15th edition, implementing measures to become more environmentally friendly. Recognizing the high resource consumption associated with mass participation events, the organizers are committed to reducing the event's environmental impact. 

These initiatives include:
- Encouraging runners to use refillable options at water stations and providing lightweight, collapsible cups and bottles for purchase.
- Composting nearly 3.5 tonnes of organic waste from fruit distribution.
- Partnering with UK brand Pressio, known for sustainable materials and technologies.
- Eliminating single-use plastics for running bibs and medals.
- Providing free public transport for participants to reduce greenhouse gas emissions.

Mak Joon Nien, CEO of Standard Chartered Malaysia, emphasized the importance of raising awareness about sustainability through KLSCM, stating, "KLSCM affects a wide audience, and this is a great opportunity to raise awareness on how critical it is to be more mindful of our own actions and encourage the community to make informed decisions in reducing our environmental impact."

The 15th anniversary of KLSCM welcomes the return of the Kids Dash categories, offering young runners a chance to compete in 1km and 2km races at Dataran Merdeka. This is a fantastic introduction to the world of competitive running for kids and promises to be a heartwarming spectacle.

KLSCM will also honor its most loyal participants with Golden Bibs, presented to those who have completed Full Marathons in 10 prior editions. These special Bibs come with privileges like VIP access and express lanes during Race Entry Pack Collection.

KLSCM's "Run For A Reason" charity initiative introduces two new beneficiaries: Kechara Soup Kitchen (KSK) and Reef Check Malaysia (RCM). They join returning beneficiaries Futuremakers by Standard Chartered, Hospis Malaysia, and Dignity for Children Foundation. Runners can sign up for their chosen charity and raise funds through the KLSCM website until October 9th.

KLSCM 2023 promises a remarkable event filled with competitive spirit, sustainability efforts, and heartwarming moments. As Malaysia's premier distance running event, it continues to evolve, setting an example for environmentally responsible sporting events while also making a positive impact on the community. Don't miss the action on September 30th and October 1st at Dataran Merdeka!