Registrations for the Standard Chartered KL Marathon 2014 have surpassed 50% within a few days of its opening, an unprecedented rate compared to previous years. With 18 categories available for registration, Yang Berhormat Encik Khairy Jamaluddin, Minister of Youth and Sports, set the ball rolling as the first runner to sign up at the official launch of the Standard Chartered KL Marathon 2014.

New Routes and Bigger Prize Package

Six years running and with the new tagline, "Confident. Committed. Courageous.", the Standard Chartered KL Marathon 2014 is set to encourage commitment to a healthy lifestyle, enhance people’s confidence, and celebrate the courage of participants.

The Marathon also aims to create another milestone with a target of 35,000 total participants for 2014. The Marathon, which will flag off at Dataran Merdeka on 12 October 2014, will see the introductions of new routes as well as an increase of 16% in terms of its prize package of US$116,740 (approximately RM$376,524), making it still the highest prize purse among all other marathons in the country.

Standard Chartered KL Marathon 2013 saw the participation more than 33,800 runners in Dataran Merdeka. Photo Credit: SCKLM 2013

With participation increasing every year since its inception, last year's Standard Chartered KL Marathon registered more than 33,800 runners. This year, the organiser is expecting more running enthusiasts to be part of Malaysia's biggest running event with 35,000 slots opened to the public.

Celebrating the Spirit of the Community

The Standard Chartered KL Marathon, which was first held in 2009, has successfully positioned itself not only as Malaysia's flagship running event, but also as an international event with runners hailing from 48 other countries. The strong participation of international runners has helped boost the nation's economy and GDP, and further contributed to the competitiveness of the sports tourism industry.

Mr. Rainer Biemans, Director of Dirigo Events, Organiser of Standard Chartered KL Marathon and Mr. Osman Morad, CEO of Standard Chartered Bank presenting token of appreciation to Yang Berhormat Encik Khairy Jamaluddin. Photo Credit: SCKLM 2013

Osman Morad, CEO of Standard Chartered Bank said,

"Although running is primarily a solitary endeavour; the marathon is a monumental social event. As the oldest bank in Malaysia – soon to celebrate our 140th year – it gives us tremendous pride to be the title sponsor of such an iconic event that has come to symbolize the coming together of the community and the spirit of the nation."

Join Malaysia's Flagship Running Event

The Standard Chartered KL Marathon, which takes place on 12 October 2014, is scheduled to start and finish once again at the country’s historical site of Dataran Merdeka, Kuala Lumpur. Registrations are now open for all categories.