OVER 10,000 participants for Kuching MARATHON
KUCHING: More than 10,000 participants or runners are expected to join the Kuching Marathon 2017 which will be held at Padang Merdeka as the race starting point tomorrow.
The event is divided into four categories – 42 Km starting at 1am, 21 Km at 4am, 10 Km at 5.30am, and 5 Km at 6.30am.
Kuching Marathon 2017 is not merely a running event but is a platform to highlight the city as a major tourist attraction.
Kuching South City Mayor, Dato James Chan Khay Syn said Kuching marathon was held to promote Kuching city to participants attending the event.
“At the same time, participants who take part in the race will enjoy and see the atmosphere of the growing Kuching City.
“Additionally, participants can go to events organised by Kuching City Council (MBKS) such as the Kuching Festival,” he said when opening the vest for the Cat Statue at Round About Padungan recently.
Earlier, the Kuching Marathon event director, Liew Tang Chieh, said Kuching Marathon was held by the Kuching Division Marathon Association with Minister of Tourism, Arts, Culture, Youth and Sports Datuk Abdul Karim Rahman Hamzah as the main organiser.
Liew said the guest of honour at the event is Chief Minister Datuk Amar Abang Johari Tun Openg.
According to Plaza Merdeka Holding Sdn Bhd general manager, KM Cheah, the marathon was also able to attract tourists from within and outside the country.
“The arrival of tourists can help generate the economy in the country, as they will spend on accommodation, food, transportation and so on,” he said.
This 42-Km national-level marathon event is sanctioned by the Association of International Marathons and Distance Races.
