Kuala Lumpur StanChart Marathon 2023 Launches

Last week, the 15th edition of the Kuala Lumpur Standard Chartered Marathon (KLSCM) launches to plenty of fanfare. Minister of Youth and Sports, Yang Berhormat Hannah Yeoh officially kicked off the opening of registrations to the public.

30 Sep and 1 Oct

The event will take place at Dataran Merdeka on 30 Sep & 1 Oct and has been awarded the Road Race Label by governing body World Athletics, making it the first running event in Malaysia and the fifth in South East Asia to receive this recognition.

Past editions

The 2020 edition of KLSCM saw over 40,000 runners, which ultimately only took place last year (2022) due to Covid-19. I was part of this race, taking part in the 21.1km category.

Virtual editions of KLSCM took place in 2020 and 2021 due to the pandemic and saw 51,000 and 47,000 participants respectively. During both of the Covid years, I had participated in the virtual half marathon.

KLSCM 2023 has already attracted over 7,000 participants through its priority registrations, which opened on 18 Apr and involved runners who had taken part in the last seven editions, including the virtual runs, as well as faster runners who were eligible based on previously recorded timings.

An extra stamp of approval

Said Rainer Biemans, Project Director, KLSCM, and Director of Dirigo Events, “We are delighted to have received the Road Race label, which is a stamp of approval that will give runners extra confidence that they are registering for an internationally recognised event. We have also always been about encouraging ordinary people to start running to stay fit and healthy and inspiring existing runners to go faster and further. So now runners who recorded quick finishing times either at KLSCM or other officially recognised events can enjoy the privilege of priority registrations.”

I have signed up for the 21.1km half marathon category again and I am looking forward to running in KL again.

An event for everybody

Hannah was given the honour of launching public registrations. She noted KLSCM’s brand recognition among the running community.

Said Hannah, “I am truly honoured to have been invited to participate in Malaysia’s most renowned mass participation event. It’s gratifying to know that KLSCM and Dirigo Events have dedicated themselves to developing the sport of distance running and consistently put together a world class event that attracts over 40,000 participants from Malaysia and around the world.”

She added, “What is especially heart warming about KLSCM is that although the event has a serious and competitive element, it also caters to participants of all levels with its shorter distance categories and special categories for kids.”

She also noted that KLSCM had developed and discovered the talent of Muhaizar Mohamad, who won bronze at the 2017 and 2019 South East Asian Games as Malaysia’s only representative in the Marathon, as well as Sheela Samivellu, who, since 2016, holds the national record for the Women’s Half Marathon distance in Malaysia.

Run for a Reason charity

As well, Hannah cited the Run for a Reason charity initiative, which has been an integral component of KLSCM and has improved the lives of thousands of Malaysians by raising over RM 7 million over the past 15 years. The 2023 charity beneficiaries are Standard Chartered’s Futuremakers, Hospis Malaysia, Dignity for Children Foundation, Kechara Soup Kitchen and Reef Check Malaysia.

Standard Chartered Bank is also back as the title sponsor. The Bank has sponsored the event since its inception in 2009 and has, over the years, become integral to the success of the event.

Reducing of carbon footprint

KLSCM will also be implementing changes this year to reduce its carbon footprint and waste, through encouraging runners to use refillable bottles for water instead of paper cups, composting the amounts of fruit like the bananas, pears and apples given out, and creating awareness about recycling and waste reduction.

This is the beginning of KLSCM’s journey towards sustainability and Dirigo events hopes to continue implementing new initiatives to make the event more environmentally friendly. New apparel partner Pressio is also a step in this direction, as every single garment produced by them has been created with sustainable materials and technology such as recycled yarns, non-dyeing and biodegradation, and complete with traceability.

Discounts off registration

There is a 10% discount off KLSCM registration fees for Standard Chartered debit and credit card holders and 15% discount for priority and worldmiles debit and credit card holders.

Currently only the Full Marathon category has slots still available. Other categories are still available under the Run for a Reason initiative, with a minimum RM 170 donation.

As well, Standard Chartered clients also stand to win grand prizes such as a 4 day 3 night trip to take part in the StanChart Taipei Marathon and 1,000 KLSCM slots worth up RM 120.