KL marathon attracts 35,000 runners

KUALA LUMPUR: The annual Standard Chartered Kuala Lumpur Marathon (SCKLM) made a remarkable comeback after it was cancelled last year due to the bad haze conditions.
The 2016 edition of the event saw more than 35,000 participants, both seasoned and new runners, taking part. The event also saw some changes to its format.
"Apart from extending the cut-off time for the 42km to seven hours, this year's edition of the race also marked the first time SCKLM implemented a new checkpoint system commonly practised in international marathons.
"This was done to ensure the safety of the runners and that the roads were handled in a systematic manner," SCKLM race organiser Rainer Biemans told reporters at a press conference today.
Other remarkable milestones achieved in this year's run was the setting of a new national record by Sheela Samivellu, who secured first place in the Honda Half-marathon (Malaysian category) with her time of 1:24:33.
Kenyans took the top places in the full marathon men's open category, with Kennedy Kiproo Lilan winning in a time of 2:18:57.
He was followed home by Tonui Kiprop and Luka Kipkemoi Chelimo.
In the women's event, Hirut Beyene Guangul (Ethiopia) won in a time of 2:39:02.
In second place was Naomi Jepkogei Maiyo (Kenya), followed by Elizabeth Jeruiyot Chemweno (Kenya).
Muhaizar Mohamad won the Full Marathon Malaysian Men in a time of 2:39:25, with Mohd Jironi Riduan in second place and Tan Huong Leong, third.
Yuan YuFang won the Full Marathon Malaysian Women, followed by Tahira Najmunisaa Muhammad Zaid (second) and Melissa Lim Yi-Xin (third).