Malaysia’s premier distance running event implements
ballot system for public registrations due to tremendous response
The Standard Chartered
KL Marathon has seen phenomenal growth over the last decade with the 10th
Anniversary edition in 2018 seeing the highest attendance to date of over
38,000 participants. Public registrations for the 2018 event were snapped up
within 10 hours of opening, leaving a lot of disgruntled runners who didn’t get
a chance to register due to a variety of reasons, such as network congestion
and poor internet connections.
This year saw a
significant increase in loyalty registrations, where returning 2018 runners were
given the privilege of signing up and securing their slot before registrations
opened to the general public. Almost two thirds of the available slots were
snapped up during this period leaving slightly over 12,000 slots across all
categories remaining for public registrations. Hence, the ballot system was
introduced this year to give everyone an equal opportunity to secure a race
slot as potential participants could cast their ballot between 13 to19 February
2019.
“We introduced loyalty
registrations in 2016 as a way of giving back to the running community who have
strongly supported us, and continued to implement this in the following years”
said Rainer Biemans, Project Director of SCKLM and Director of Dirigo Events,
the owners and organisers of the multi-award winning event. “Since then, the
take-up during the loyalty registrations consistently yielded about 40-45% of
overall slots available. This year we were caught by surprise when the loyalty
registration period saw more than 60% of available slots snapped up, which is
why we have had to implement balloting for public registrations” added Rainer.
“This way, everyone gets an equal chance to secure a race entry and will not be
hindered by network or work issues.” Rainer also mentioned that moving forward,
the balloting process would most probably be implemented right from the loyalty
registration period.
Youth and Sports
Minister Syed Saddiq Syed Abdul Rahman was given the honour to activate the
random computerised ballot selection process whereby ballot winners were picked
and immediately notified of their selection.
“It’s certainly a
privilege to be involved with the premier distance running event in Malaysia. I
have truly been inspired by the hard work undertaken by SCKLM to develop the
sport of distance running by consistently putting on a world class event that
attracts more than 38,000 participants from Malaysia and around the world,”
said Syed Saddiq. “While the competitive aspect of SCKLM has provided talented
Malaysian runners like Leo Tan and Muhaizar Mohamad with the platform to
perform alongside elite international runners and raise their game, the
heart-warming aspect of SCKLM is the commitment placed on making a difference
through the Run For A Reason charity initiative,” added Syed Saddiq. “In fact I
have decided to accept Dirigo Events invitation to participate in the Half
Marathon for SCKLM2019 and if my preparations go well, I hope to do something
to be able to give back to the running community too.”
The 2019 edition of
SCKLM was given a boost late last year when Standard Chartered Bank Malaysia
renewed their title sponsorship of the event for a further four (4) years. The
Bank has been a steadfast supporter of the event since its inception in 2009
and is a major factor behind its success.
“We are delighted to
resume our title sponsorship of the KL Marathon. The past 10 years of our
sponsorship has shown us the amazing power this event has to bring people from
all walks of life together to do extraordinary things. SCKLM has grown from
strength to strength and is now one of the most sought after events in Malaysia
and the region,” said Abrar A. Anwar, Managing Director and CEO of Standard
Chartered Bank Malaysia. “This year marks yet another milestone with the ballot
system introduced for public registrations,” added Abrar.
Charity programme Run
For A Reason (RFAR) has been an integral component of SCKLM which has
benefitted and improved the lives of thousands of Malaysians over the last 10
years. For 2019, the charity beneficiaries are the National Cancer Society of
Malaysia, Hospis Malaysia and Dignity For Children Foundation.
SCKLM2019 will also see
the inclusion of new sponsors Under Armour, Banana Boat, Jaybird and TudungPeople
joining returning sponsor 100 PLUS and SCKLM stalwarts Seiko and Pacific
Regency Hotel Suites.
https://www.facebook.com/SCKLmarathon
