MEDIA RELEASE : FESTIVE ATMOSPHERE DESPITE CANCELLATION OF SCKLM

FESTIVE ATMOSPHERE DESPITE CANCELLATION OF STANDARD CHARTERED KL MARATHON

KUALA LUMPUR, 4 October 2015 – Determined to have fun and remaining positive despite the weather forcing the Marathon’s cancellation, fans showed their support by coming in droves to Dataran Merdeka. The organisers of the Standard Chartered KL Marathon ensured all supporters were still treated to a good experience as they collected their medals, finisher t-shirts and certificates.

Standard Chartered Bank Malaysia Managing Director and CEO, Mahendra Gursahani said “The Marathon has become synonymous with Standard Chartered Bank, and it is close to us as it is an event with a heart. We appreciate the continuous support from everyone who has been with us from the start. We apologise for the cancellation of the Standard Chartered KL Marathon but the health and safety of the runners is still our top priority. Even though the race was cancelled I am pleased that we still achieved our Run For A Reason goals.”

Race organiser and race owner, and Managing Director of Dirigo Events, Rainer Biemans said “The Marathon is the highlight of our year; there is nothing more satisfying than seeing every runner cross the finish line with a smile. With the API readings escalating to unhealthy levels, we share your disappointment at being unable to proceed with the event. We are very thankful for all the support we’ve received. I am also very grateful to the volunteers, medical teams, officials from FTKLAA, Kuala Lumpur Traffic Police, DBKL representatives, and the authorities for their tremendous efforts, which made things go very smoothly this morning.”

The hospitality tents at the race site opened its doors so that runners had ample food and drinks while waiting to collect their medals, finisher t-shirts and certificates. 

Many of the enthusiastic volunteers were still all smiles, cheerfully guiding waves of arrivals to the right collection points.

Cheery announcers, pumping music and multitudes of selfies as well as groufies by runners keen to enjoy themselves while showing their support for the cancelled event created a festive feel at historic Dataran Merdeka as early as 6 a.m. 

There was even a MARRIAGE proposal at Dataran Merdeka during the collection. Idrus Ahmad popped the question to Trias Nuriartu in front of his supportive friends and a cheering crowd. The couple met in a gym in Jakarta. Idrus Ahmad, an avid runner said “Trias has always been supportive of my passion, therefore I chose this significant event to propose to her along with our friends who are my family.”

The Standard Chartered KL Marathon was set to host 35,000 runners who would have run on routes featuring some of Kuala Lumpur’s most famous landmarks.