FTAAA: Only foreigners with PR status can enter City Day run

source from The Star

The Federal Territory Amateur Athletics Association (FTAAA) has barred foreigners, without PR status, from taking part in the Kuala Lumpur City Day 10km Run at the Dataran Merdeka on Sunday.

In the past the FTAAA, considered the most active athletics association in the country, had not put any restrictions.

But a syndicate had taken advantage of the “Open’’ rule and hired foreigners, particularly runners from Kenya, to take part in the Runs.

The prize money won is shared between the foreign runner and the syndicate.

FTAAA secretary S. Vegiyathuman said they made the decision as their aim was to encourage local participation.

“But at the same time we do not want to deprive foreigners who have PR status. After carefully studying the situation, the FTAAA council felt that a new rule barring foreigners, without PR status, was timely and we have decided to implement the rule for the Kuala Lumpur City Day 10km Run,’’ said Vegiyathuman.

The FTAAA coaching chairman S. Arunandy welcomed the decision as foreign runners had been dominating the local road races for almost three years.

The Kuala Lumpur City Day 10Km Run, offering a total cash purse of RM14,500, has 15 categories. Except for the four primary schools categories, cash prizes will be awarded to the five finishers in each category.

Vegiyathuman said they were expecting about 5,000 participants for the Run. For more details contact 03-27152843 or visit www.ftaaa.org.my