PJ Half to be an annual event - 12-8-2007

RUNNING enthusiasts should make themselves available on Aug 12 as that’s the day of the 23rd edition of the PJ Half Marathon, which will be held at the Petaling Jaya City Council (MBPJ) Stadium in Kelana Jaya.

Datuk Dr Wong Sai Hou, who heads the organising committee, announced the new date after a recent meeting.

“And from this year, the PJ Half Marathon will be held in August every year. In other words, PJ folks can look forward to the PJ Half Marathon, considered the oldest road race in the country in August annually.

“This year’s event will also be part of the 50th National Day celebrations. Tourists are also welcomed to take part in the event, which can be included in the Visit Malaysia Year programme,” Wong said.

The half marathon has three categories – men’s open (18 years and above), men’s veteran (40 years and above) and women’s (18 years and above).

The 10km run has five categories – men’s (18 years and above), men’s veteran (40 years and above), boys (13 to below 18 years), girls (13 to below 18 years) and women’s (18 years and above).

The five categories for the 5km run are the men’s veteran (40 to below 50 years), men’s senior veteran (50 years and above), women’s veteran (35 years and above), men’s special (participant in wheelchair only), women’s special (participant in wheelchair only) and team category (18 years and above).

Adults and children can take part in the 3km fun run.

However, the organising committee is keen to review the 10km route. Members of the organising committee, including officials from the Selangor Amateur Athletics Association (SAAA), will be conducting a route test on May 29 to determine the new route.

The PJ Half Marathon was initiated in 1984. The then Petaling Jaya Municipal Council (MPPJ), SAAA and The Star were the organisers.

Since then, the half marathon has grown into a major event in the country’s sporting calendar.

Last year, the event attracted 6,347 participants.

Wong said the half marathon was a success because of the dedicated officials in the organising committee.

“Sponsors had also played a big part in the growth of the PJ Half Marathon. Some of them have been faithful to the event since its inauguration. We are grateful to them and hoped they will continue their support towards the event,” he said.