Song (second from left) shows the banners of Sibu Marathon. Looking on are, from third left, Rogayah, Lee and Lau.
SIBU: The Sibu Municipal Council (SMC) and Kuching City Jogger’s Club (CJC) will jointly organise the inaugural Sibu Marathon on Sept 16 starting at Sibu Town Square.
CJC secretary Song Khoon Sin said yesterday he expects at least 5,000 runners for the run organised as part of Visit Sibu Year 2017 programme.
“Hopefully, we can attract foreign runners from countries like Kenya and Ethiopia.
“This will make the run more interesting and challenging,” he told reporters at a press conference at SMC office yesterday.
SMC deputy chairman Rogayah Jamain, councillors Wong Hie Ping and Anna Lau and CJC advisor Lee Kong Shin were also at the press conference.
The run is divided into four categories, namely 42.195km full marathon, 21km half marathon, 10km run and 5km run.
The full marathon and half marathon run have men’s open, women’s open and veteran section while the 10km and 5km run have men’s and women’s sections.
SMC has set aside RM78,480 as the prize money.
The cash prizes for all the sections of the full marathon are RM4,000 for the winner while the second prize is RM3,000 and the third prize, RM2,000.
There are also prizes for those placed from fourth to 20th.
For the 21km half marathon event, the top three winners will pocket RM1,500, RM1,000 and RM800 respectively.
The top three winners in the 10km section will get RM500, RM350 and RM250 respectively while the top three winners in the 5km section will get RM200, RM150 and RM100 respectively.
Those interested to join in the run may log on to www.sibumarathon.com to register.
Early birds and those register in group enjoy special discount on the entry fee.
The closing date is Aug 15.