KOTA KINABALU: The 6th Borneo International Marathon 2013 targets 5,000 runners, said Datuk Peter Pang, Minister of Youth and Sports at the official launch. The Marathon will be organized by Kinabalu Running Club (KRC).
"The race is scheduled for Sunday, 5 May 2013. Online registrations started on 1 November. We had quite a number of eager runners who signed up at the stroke of midnight! This is a good sign. It will be a great run for Sabah and I am sure we can all look forward to a much bigger and more exciting event next year.
Participation in 2012 was about 3,600 runners, 1,200 more runners than 2011. In 2013, we are targeting 5,000 runners. We expect more schools to participate in the race, especially in the 10KM category. This is something the students can really look forward to. We will have prizes especially for them," said Dr Heng Aik Cheng, KRC President and Marathon Race Director.
Heng said KRC hopes to tap on Sabah's hugely undiscovered pool of athletes through races like BIM. "KRC will sponsor the top Sabahan man and woman from this year's race to participate in one international race so that they can be exposed and compete against international runners. Who knows maybe a Sabahan can send the Africans a run for their money? We want to inspire more Sabahan youths to take up their athletic passion to another level," he said.
"Sabah's first marathon was held in 1984. This event must continue and be one of Sabah's flagship sporting events and attract more international participants. It will serve to promote Sabah as an ideal international sports tourism destination," said Datuk Peter Pang.
Dubbed "The Beautiful Run", the Borneo International Marathon passes through the city and many of Kota Kinabalu's interesting tourist sights. Runners will have the opportunity to participate in a Full Marathon (42.2KM), Half Marathon (21.1KM) and 10KM. The marathon is held to coincide with the cultural month of May, where Sabah Fest is usually held.
The Beautiful Run
The Borneo International Marathon has raised more than RM127, 000 for local charities since its inaugural event in 2008. Nominated charities for 2013 are Seri Mengasih Centre, Emmanuel Homes Kudat, Borneo Child Aid Society, HUTAN (Orang Utan Research & Conservation), Befrienders and Mercy Malaysia. Sponsors for the event are currently being finalised.
For more info click http://borneomarathon.com/
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