Seremban Half Marathon expected to attract 9,000 participants

THE eagerly anticipated Se-remban Half Marathon (SHM) is back with more than RM11,000 up for grabs in prize money.
Scheduled to be flagged off by Tunku Naquiyuddin Tuanku Jaafar on July 12 at the Negri Sembilan Padang in Seremban, this year’s run marks the 22nd instalment of the event that has built up a loyal following over the years.
Runners can take part in either the 21km run with three categories – (A) women’s open (19 years and above), (B) men’s senior (19 to below 40 years) and (C) men’s veteran (above 40 years).
The 11km run has six categories – (D) women’s senior (19 to below 35 years), (E) women’s veteran (35 to below 45 years), (F) women’s senior veteran (45 years and above), (G) men’s senior (19 to below 40 years), (H) men’s veteran (40 to below 50 years) and (J) men’s senior veteran (50 years and above), (K) women’s junior (13 to under 19 years) and (L) men’s junior (13 to under 19 years).
The SHM is also one of the few runs with a special category for handicapped and wheelchair-bound participants.
To add to the merriment, a corporate fun run and VIP run will also be held.
Following the success of the last run, the organising committee will once again reward the top 10 Malaysian finishers in the 21km run with double the prize money.
Organising chairman Datuk Zainal Abidin Ahmad said it was only fair to Malaysian runners as the event attracted a large number of foreigners, who often took the top spots.
“We did the same last year in a bid to encourage participation from local athletes.
“The fastest Malaysian to cross the finish line in categories A,B and C may come in fifth in his/her category but will be considered as the first Malaysian finisher and thus receive double the prize money offered to the winner,” he said.
Zainal said the top six schools with the largest contingents would be given cash prizes as an added incentive.
“We can expect at least 9,000 people to take part.
Schoolchildren make up the bulk of that figure and we feel they deserve a reward for their sporting spirit,” he said.
Entry fees are RM5 (for participants below 19) and RM10 per entry for others. There is no fee for the special run for the handicapped.
As with previous years, part of the run’s proceeds will be channeled into the Negri Sembilan Junior Athletes Development Fund.
“Every year a sum of money is given to different sports that need funds and we can only hope those who benefit from it will strive to become the best in their respective sport,” said Zainal.
The SHM 2009 is jointly organised by Syarikat Pesaka Antah, Seremban Municipal Council (MPS), Seremban Hash House Harriers and Negri Sembilan Amateur Athletic Association. The Star is the official press sponsor .
Those interested in taking part can contact Koong Lin Ngen ( 019-661 2605 ) or Datuk Loh Kim Heong ( 013-353 0322 ).
The public have until July 4 to submit entries while the deadline for schools is June 20.
Entry forms can be obtained from the secretariat at 11, Jalan Dato’ Lee Fong Yee, Seremban, and the MPS office or downloaded from www.serembanhalfmarathon.com.