WHEN thousands of feet pound the pavements of Kuala Lumpur next month, some will be doing more than just chasing personal bests.
The Kuala Lumpur Standard Chartered Marathon (KLSCM) 2024 is not just about setting new records in participation, but also breaking barriers in charitable giving.
With an unprecedented number of runners taking to the streets, the race organisers are leveraging the momentum to make a significant impact on society through their “Run For A Reason” (RFAR) initiative.
This year’s KLSCM, set to take place on Oct 5 and 6, has seen 42,000 runners signing up, surpassing last year’s record of 40,000 participants.
The Full Marathon alone has more than 12,500 runners – the largest in the event’s history and any full-distance road-running event in the country.
The Half Marathon is not far behind, with a record-breaking 13,770 participants gearing up for the challenge.
“We don’t want to miss a golden opportunity to make a statement here,” said Dirigo Events director and KLSCM project director Rainer Biemans.
“We recorded our largest KLSCM yet in terms of participation and this bodes well for our Run For A Reason initiative.
“We hope the extra numbers can help drive fundraising for our beneficiaries.”
Money raised by runners and corporate sponsors through the RFAR platform will benefit four organisations associated with the event this year.
They are women empowerment advocates Standard Chartered’s Futuremakers, palliative care provider Hospis Malaysia, non-profit for marginalised communities Kechara Soup Kitchen as well as education foundation Teach for Malaysia (TFM).
To date, some RM750,000 has been raised by runners and sponsors or about 75% of the million-ringgit target set by the organisers.
Biemans is hopeful the event will bring people from all walks of life to do extraordinary things with their own inspirational stories.
Dr Mohd Amirul Husaini Walid of Wangsa Maju, Kuala Lumpur, who registered for the Half Marathon, is raising funds on behalf of Hospis Malaysia to honour his wife who succumbed to cancer last year.
Hospis Malaysia provided care and comfort in her final days.
“My wife and I used to run and take part in events together and her passing left me feeling empty even when I took part in other running events.
“When I found out that Hospis Malaysia is one of the RFAR beneficiaries, I decided to sign up to raise funds for them.
“They were a great source of reassurance towards the end of my wife’s life,” he said.
Jun Wu, an education consultant and TFM fellowship alumnus, will also be an RFAR runner.
Previously teaching Form 5 Science to students at a school in a fishing village off Port Klang, Selangor, he continues to make an impact there with annual visits.
Wu co-founded the English Club at Pulau Ketam to help students practise and foster interest in the language.
Despite challenges, he and TFM fellow Kai Syn have helped students strengthen their proficiency and gain confidence.
“I want to contribute to TFM’s mission to end inequity in education.
“I hope the funds raised will make a difference by enabling teachers and TFM fellows to provide more to students in the classroom,” Wu added.
