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Marathon attracts over 8,000 runners

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Abdul Karim (third right) showing the 42km full marathon map at the press conference.

KUCHING: The 7th Kuching Marathon has attracted 8,906 runners and will be held here on Oct 2.

“This year’s event will be held at Padang Merdeka and it is divided into four categories – the full marathon, which is 42km, the half marathon, and the 10km and 5km marathon. The last two are suitable for families,” Datuk Seri Abdul Karim Rahman Hamzah told the media here yesterday.

The Minister for Youth, Sport and Entrepreneur Development added that the marathon received accreditation from the Association Of International Marathon and was on par with notable races such as the Boston Marathon, New York Marathon, Tokyo Marathon and Melbourne Marathon.

He said the event would also help to boost the local tourism industry and commended the Kuching Marathon Association for organising the event.

“Registration closed on July 31 but I have appealed for the closing date to be postponed for another week or so as it is still a long way to go till Oct 2.

“So far, 8,906 runners have registered and out of this, 5,811 are from Sarawak such as Kuching, Sibu, Miri, and 3,095 are not locals, including 639 foreigners.

“These foreigners comprised 290 runners from Indonesia, Brunei (102), Singapore (105), United Kingdom (12), Kenya (seven), Japan (12), China (six) and Hong Kong (six).

“The winners will get prize money, medals and other goodies,” he said.

Meanwhile, Abdul Karim said the Sarawak government was always supportive of performing arts, including hosting an international concert highlighted by renowned DJ Alan Walker. 

“Apart from that, we will also be organising the biggest international Dragon Boat Race whereby 17 countries have confirmed with more than 2,000 paddlers and this event will take place at the end of October.

“And then we will also have the Miss International Tourism beauty pageant and 66 countries have confirmed.”

Abdul Karim also disclosed that a bigger BCCK conference hall would be constructed near the current BCCK and is scheduled to be completed within 24 months. “This is due to the need for a bigger conference hall to accommodate the growing demand.”

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