Tuesday, November 24, 2009

650 sign up for walk

THE Race Walkers Association of Malaysia (RWAM) are on course to get 750 participants for the Putrajaya International 12-Hour Walk at Boulevard Putrajaya on Dec 12.
RWAM president Datuk Eddy Chen said about 650 participants had already signed up for the event being held for the second year in Putrajaya.
“We are confident of hitting the target of 750 participants before the closing date. The 12-hour walk has become a popular event among Malaysians. We expect 85% of the participants to be local. Some of the foreign participants are seasoned walkers.
“We anticipate an exciting field for this year’s event,’’ said Chen after a sponsorship ceremony in Kuala Lumpur recently.
The sponsors for the 12-hour walk are Rockport, Johnson and Johnson, Sloan’s, Proviton, Isotnic H-Two-O; Resorts World and Eagle brand.
Last year, about 60 participants took part in the 12-hour walk held for the first time in Putrajaya. Last year Belgian Alexander Vandenhoe completed 94km to win the men’s Open category. He was also the winner in the 12-hour walk held in Penang in 2007.
In the women’s category, the winner was Hong Kong’s Kwok Chik Ha with a distance of 83km.
The best Malaysian in the men’s category was R. Thevendra, who completed 91km for a second spot while in the women’s category, Lim Siew Lean completed 71km to finish third.
Chen said the 12-hour walk was not just a competition but very much a physical and mental challenge.
“Participants must be well prepared for the event,’’ added Chen.
The RWAM are organising the 12-hour walk, with support from the Putrajaya Holdings and Fedearl Territory Amateur Athletics Association (FTAAA). The event will start at 8pm on Dec 12 and end at 8am the following morning.
There will be two categories — men and women — and the top 30 participants who cover the longest distance will receive cash prizes.
The champions in both categories will receive RM1,500 each.
The organisers are also offering cash incentives to the top three participants completing the 50km and 70km in both the men and women’s categories.
The entry fee is RM70. For more information, visit http://racewalkermalaysia.synthasite.com/ or www.championchip.com.my.

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