Muhaizar to defend title at 2019 Standard Chartered Marathon

KUALA LUMPUR, Sept 12 -- National marathon runner Muhaizar Mohamad is looking to defend his title at the 2019 Kuala Lumpur Standard Chartered Marathon (KLSCM2019) scheduled to be held at the end of this month.

Muhaizar, who won Malaysia's first SEA Games bronze medal in Kuala Lumpur two years ago, however, said he would not push too hard for glory in the Malaysian men's full marathon category in the competition as the 2019 SEA Games was just two months away. 

"My priority is representing Malaysia at the SEA Games, but KLSCM2019 will be my last marathon outing in preparation for the Games. I do not want to jeopardise my training for that. 

"I’m still aiming to be competitive and hope to defend my KLSCM title as it is an event that is close to my heart after winning it four times in a row," he said in a statement issued by the event organiser, Dirigo Events Sdn Bhd, here today.

Muhaizar is currently the second fastest Malaysian marathon runner after national record holder Leo Tan Huong Leong.

KLSCM2019 which takes place from Sept 28-29 will see participation from 40,000 runners including 1,900 foreigners from 73 countries.

The premier running event offers a total prize money of USD125,000 (RM521,037). 

The four main categories to be contested are Individual (four different distances: Marathon 42.2km, Half Marathon 21.1km, 10km and 5km); Run For A Reason (Marathon 42.2km, Half Marathon 21.1km, 10km and 5km) to raise funds for charity through online donations; Corporate Challenge (10km) is for companies to register and compete as a corporate team; and Kids Dash (3km and 1km) to encourage children to participate in running and sports activities. 

-- BERNAMA