Press Release - The Standard Chartered KL Marathon 2009 Comes To Town

RM 350,000 biggest prize money ever for Malaysia - with a guaranteed prize pool for Malaysian runners

The biggest and world-class level marathon has hit Kuala Lumpur, thanks to leading financial institution giant, Standard Chartered Bank. The Standard Chartered KL Marathon 2009 promises to be a great twist to the common running marathon -- one that would appeal to any Malaysian.

For one, the Race offers the biggest prize money ever for a marathon in Malaysia (RM 350,000) with a guaranteed prize pool for Malaysian runners. The marathon which will be held on 28th June will be supported by a string of fun on-ground activities for the public leading up to race day. More will be revealed soon but one of the plans in store is for a ‘celebrity fit club, where some of Malaysia’s favourite celebs will show their prowess in a challenge against Standard Chartered’s own team of athletes.

Ivan Brixi, Managing Director of Octagon in Asia, who are the event organizers said, “The marathon will have a real carnival atmosphere, where each neighbourhood on the route can get involved and celebrate the day to cheer on their favourites. We have an abundance of events planned and several charities already on board so there is definitely a CSR aspect as well. Our goal is also for KL to be car free on the day turning the event into a green’ initiative.”

Marathon veteran and enthusiast Sreejit Pillai, 40, quips, “The prize money is certainly going to be a huge incentive. As a Malaysian, I am thrilled to have the opportunity to participate. Kudos to the organizers for bringing this acclaimed marathon series to Malaysia.”

Launched by the Ministry of Youth and Sports, the Standard Chartered KL Marathon 2009is in line with the Ministry’s call to promote healthy lifestyles and the spirit of excellence amongst all Malaysians. The marathon, which is open to professional athletes, amateurs, families with children, corporate and NGO bodies; and practically every Malaysian who Is searching for something fun and inspirational, is expecting an enrolment of 12,500 participants.

The Standard Chartered KL Marathon 2009 has garnered the support from various parties in the industry – it is endorsed by the Ministry of Youth and Sports and sanctioned by the Malaysia Amateur Athletic Union (MAAU), International Association of Athletics Federations (IAAF), the Association of International Marathons and Distance Races (AIMS).

Julian Wynter, Managing Director and Chief Executive Officer of Standard Chartered Bank Malaysia Berhad said, “We are very excited to add KL to the Standard Chartered series of marathons. In all eight countries where we sponsor Marathons, each has created a real buzz amongst the marathon-running community globally”

“Standard Chartered Marathons characterise the values and attitudes we believe in and live by every day – having a can-do attitude, the courage to try, and the stamina and determination to go the extra mile, no matter what. They also embody our Right Partner promise to our governments, our communities, and our people – to help our communities grow and prosper,” added Wynter.

Excited already? Details of how to register will be revealed soon in the press and via a special interactive website.

For media enquiries, please contact:

For Octagon: Weber Shandwick Malaysia, at 03-7843 3100, or;
Alina Morais amorais@webershandwick.com (017 323 3078 / 03 7843 3125)
Suninthini Ramalo sramalo@webershandwick.com (012 635 6351 / 03 7843 3131)
Marc Ng marc5133@yahoo.com (0193196032)

Standard Chartered – leading the way in Asia, Africa and the Middle East

Standard Chartered Bank Malaysia Berhad, a member of the Standard Chartered Group was established in Malaysia in 1875 and locally incorporated on 1 July 1994. As Malaysia’s first bank, Standard Chartered leads the way through product innovation, consistent and strong growth performance and sustainability initiatives. It provides a comprehensive range of financial products and services including retail and wholesale banking for individuals, small and medium-sized enterprises, corporate and institutions through its network of 37 branches across Malaysia.