Saturday, June 26, 2010

Meet The Athletes of Standard Chartered KL Marathon 2010

International and local talents to inspire other runners as over 16,000 participants ‘Run as One’

I was so excited when I got the invite to meet the past winners of SCKLM 2010. Up close and personal. Not just seeing them in a dash of light, blazing down the street!

The session was conducted at the official hotel, Mandarin Oriental on Friday.

The Jade Room.

Champion seat.

Hosting the runners at the conference was Wes Sakai, Race Director of Golazo Sdn. Bhd, organizers of the Standard Chartered KL Marathon 2010.

“We are excited with their participation and know that they will be an inspiration to other runners,” he said, in welcoming the elite runners.

“Everyone has a personal goal to reach, some doing so despite physical challenges. As the elite runners, be it international and local talents, run alongside the other participants, they become examples of individuals beating all odds. Salam 1Malaysia to all of you as we get together and ‘Run As One’! The collective USD 100,000 prize money may not be the only reason why some of these enthusiastic participants are part of the Standard Chartered KL Marathon, the spirit of unity and the sport stand for a great reason”, he concludes.

I was told that there were some elite Ethiopian runners in the room. But before I could meet them after the press con, they were gone. :(

Amongst the international talents at the event were returning runners, Mr.Nelson Kirwa Rotich, Mr. Julius Ndiritu Karinga and Ms. Fridah Chepkite Lodepa, all from the Republic of Kenya, East Africa.

“I am really excited and looking forward to the actual race. Having had won last year’s full marathon, international women’s category, I hope to achieve similar results and clock better time this year,” said Lodepa , who finished the 2009 race with a time of 2 hours, 40 minutes and 14 seconds.

“For international runners like us, the route planned is great! We enjoy soaking in the vibrant city sights as we race,” she concluded.

Joining the international runners were our very own long distance runner, Shahruddin Hashim and SUKMA 2010 Best Male Athlete, Karthik Jayaraman. Karthik will be taking part in the 10K event.

The official photographer didn't attempt a stunt during phototaking this time. Heheh! See his previous stunt HERE and HERE.

Elite local and international runners who will be taking part in the “Run As One” Standard Chartered KL Marathon 2010. From left: Karthik Jayaraman, Shahrudin bin Hashim, Fridah Chepkite Lodepa, Julius Ndiritu Karinga and Nelson Kirwa Rotich.

Julius Karinga blazed through last year's 42km in just 2 hours 17 min! He hopes to better his time as he has gained more experience and training over the past 12 months.

I only managed to catch hold of Julius and Shahruddin to record some video messages for you SCKLM runners out there. The rest disappeared right after the press con was over. They didn't even touch the yummy refreshment outside the room. Too eager to go shopping at KLCC, perhaps? Heheh!

This is Singapore Blade Runner with Julius Karinga. You can read about Singapore Blade Runner HERE.

Singaporean Mohd Shariff Abdullah, aka the Singapore Blade Runner, will be demonstrating that nobody needs two legs to run a marathon....this Sunday. If you see him, please show your support and cheer for him, ya!

And now the video. Check out the grand entrance of the athletes into the room...and a special message from last year's 42km Men Open winner, Julius Karinga to all the participants of SCKLM 2010.

ENJOY!

To all readers who will be running the race tomorrow...Rest well and race well!

For details on Race Day and other marathon information, log on to www.kl-marathon.com.

Acknowledgments: Thank you for Golazo and G2 for the exclusive invite to meet the athletes.

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