Tuesday December 9, 2008
12-hour walk gets tremendous response
BELGIUM’S Alexander Venderhock and Hong Kong’s Kwok Chik Ha, the men’s and women’s defending champions, have confirmed their participation in the 12-Hour walk to be held in Putrajaya on Dec 13 and 14.
Venderhock and Kwok were the champions in last year’s event held in Penang. But this year, the organisers — the Race Walkers Association of Malaysia (RWAM) — have opted to stage the event in Putrajaya.
Training hard: Thevendra (third from left) taking to the track at the NSC Training Centre in Bukit Jalil. The walk, starting at 8pm on Dec 13, will have two categories and there will be cash prizes for the top 30 who finish in each category.
The organisers have also included a 50km event for both men and women.
Coming back: Kwok will be in Putrajaya to defend her title. Organising secretary Khoo Chong Beng said response had been overwhelming and they had to stop accepting entries.
“Our initial target was about 300 participants but now almost 500 had signed up for the event.
“We are also pleased with the confirmation by the defending champions. Their presence will certainly make the event an exciting affair. It will be interesting if they can continue their winning streak in the event,” Khoo said.
The 50km walk has been included in the event to encourage local participants to prepare for the 2010 Commonwealth Games in New Delhi.
Seasoned walkers B. Thirukumaran and R. Thevandra will be making an attempt to qualify for the Commonwealth Games.
Thevandra, a university student, said he was keen to make an impact in the 50km walk.
“I am determined to clock an impressive time. This is the first time I am taking part in the 50km walk. I have been spending a lot of time on training and I am confident of setting a good time,” the 26-year-old said.
RWAM president Datuk Eddy Chen said they had received encouraging response from foreign participants.
Source:
RSS
