The 16th edition of the Kuala Lumpur Standard Chartered Marathon (KLSCM) 2024 is set to be a thrilling spectacle, with elite athletes vying for the prestigious Full Marathon Malaysian Men’s title. Two-time champion Poo Vasanthan faces stiff competition from five-time KLSCM winner Muhaizar Mohamad and last year’s runner-up Nik Fakaruddin, along with rising stars Muhamad Haziq, Vimal Govendarajoo, and Jacob Wong Yize.
Haziq, who finished fourth in KLSCM 2022 and clocked a blazing time of 2:31:57 at this year’s Gold Coast Marathon, is a serious contender. Meanwhile, Vimal is set to make his full marathon debut after recording an impressive half-marathon time of 1:10:18 at the Gold Coast Marathon. Another strong competitor, Jacob Wong, clocked 2:31:21 at the Seoul Marathon, making him the dark horse in the race.
Defending champion Poo Vasanthan remains focused, saying, "I’ll stick to my strategy and do my best. I won’t underestimate anyone." KLSCM Project Director Rainer Biemans lauds the growing local talent pool, expressing excitement for the competition.
The Full Marathon Men’s Open category will also witness a fierce competition, with Japan’s Keisuke Yokota challenging Kenyan champion Kiprop Tonui. Yokota, who clocked 2:11:43 at the Osaka Marathon, hopes to make an impact at KLSCM 2024 and promote the event among Japanese runners.
In the Malaysian Women’s Full Marathon, defending champion Michelle Chua Khit Yeng will face her 2022 rival, Noor Amelia. Noor, the 2022 champion, is eager to reclaim her title. Also competing is 2022 runner-up Tahira Najmunisaa, promising a tight race.
Enhanced Safety: ‘Medic On The Run’
With a record 42,000 participants across two days (October 5-6), KLSCM 2024 introduces heightened safety measures through the Medic On The Run program. This initiative, a partnership between Dirigo Events and Pantai Hospital KL, will station 35 medical personnel along the marathon routes. Some medics will run with AEDs (Automated External Defibrillators) to provide swift emergency care.
Rainer Biemans emphasized the focus on safety, stating, "We aim to raise the bar on safety with the Medic On The Run program, ensuring international standards of emergency preparedness."
Sustainability Initiatives Continue
KLSCM’s commitment to sustainability remains strong in 2024. Following last year’s introduction of refillable water stations, the event will eliminate sponges from water stations, encouraging runners to cool off with water tubs instead. The event will also feature 100% recyclable tote bags and drawstring bags, compost organic waste, and minimize the use of single-use plastics.
The marathon’s apparel partner, Pressio, supports sustainability with high-performance gear made from traceable, eco-friendly materials.
Run For A Reason: Charitable Goals
KLSCM’s Run For A Reason (RFAR program returns, aiming to raise RM1 million for charity. This year, the CEO of Standard Chartered Malaysia, Mak Joon Nien, and Standard Chartered Saadiq’s Bilal Parvaiz are in a friendly fundraising competition. Funds raised will go to beneficiaries like Futuremakers by Standard Chartered, Hospis Malaysia, Kechara Soup Kitchen, and Teach for Malaysia.
Mak shared his passion for the cause: "We’ve made good progress towards our RM1 million target. I encourage all runners to help us reach that goal and make a difference."
International Recognition and Tourism Boost
KLSCM 2024, Malaysia’s largest running event, attracts both local and international runners, including over 2,500 running tourists this year, boosting tourism revenue. Sponsored by Standard Chartered Malaysia and supported by multiple partners, KLSCM continues to establish Malaysia as a global running destination.
Get ready for an epic race weekend, with safety, sustainability, and community at the forefront!
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