Runners Raise Over RM750,000 & Counting For Upcoming KL Standard Chartered Marathon
The marathon organiser hopes to break the million-ringgit mark in fundraising for the first time this year.
By May Vin Ang — 03 Sep 2024, 03:43 PM
Kuala Lumpur Standard Chartered Marathon (KLSCM) is proud to announce that its runners and sponsors have raised RM750,000 even before the race is held this year
Race organiser Dirigo Events hopes to break the million-ringgit mark in fundraising for the first time this year.
"We have recorded our largest KLSCM yet in terms of participation, and this bodes well for our Run For A Reason (RFAR) charity initiative. We hope the extra numbers can help drive fundraising for our beneficiaries," said Dirigo Events director Rainer Biemans.
KLSCM 2024 is taking place over two days this year, with the 5km and 10km categories happening on 5 October, followed by the half and full marathons on 6 October.
Some 42,000 runners have signed up this year, breaking last year's record of 40,000 participants
There will be 12,500 full marathon participants, 13,770 half marathon participants, and the remaining participants will be in the 10km and 5km categories.
Two-time full marathon champion 26-year-old Poo Vasanthan Subramaniam, who finished the 42km race last year in two hours and 37 minutes, said he aims to win three years in a row. He has also pledged to donate part of the prize money to one of the RFAR charities.
Among the RFAR charities this year include women empowerment advocates Standard Chartered's Futuremakers, palliative care provider Hospis Malaysia, marginalised communities champion Kechara Soup Kitchen, and education foundation Teach for Malaysia.
Two-time KLSCM champiom Poo Vasanthan Subramaniam (centre) on the podium last year.
Image via Kuala Lumpur Standard Chartered Marathon (Provided to SAYS)RFAR allows runners to champion a charity of their choice while competing in the race, raising donations online as motivation
Among the thousands of runners who have signed up for the cause is Dr Mohd Amirul Husaini Ibne Walid, who is running the half marathon and raising funds on behalf of Hospis Malaysia in honour of his late wife.
Amirul shared that she succumbed to cancer last year.
"My wife and I used to run and take part in events together, and her passing left me feeling empty even when I took part in other running events.
"When I found out that Hospis Malaysia is one of the RFAR beneficiaries, I decided to sign up to raise funds for them. They were a great source of reassurance towards the end of my wife's life," he said.
Amirul hopes the amount he raises will help Hospis Malaysia continue providing palliative care to others in need.
Dr Mohd Amirul Husaini Ibne Walid and his late wife, Khasnida Suriani, participated in KLSCM 2018.
Image via Kuala Lumpur Standard Chartered Marathon (Provided to SAYS)To support the rest of the runners who are running for a reason, check out KLSCM’s charity page and their stories here.
