Mohamad Zahri (front row, fifth from left) with the 30km participants before the start of the race in Petaling Jaya. — Courtesy photo
Petaling Jaya city centre was abuzz with excitement when PJ Half Marathon 2024 kicked off from Laman Majlis Bandaraya Petaling Jaya (MBPJ).
The 34th edition of the marathon drew 8,000 participants from 39 countries.
MBPJ said in a statement that India led the 250-strong foreign contingent with 35 runners, followed closely by Japan with 28, Singapore with 21 and United Kingdom with 18.
“This increased international participation reflects the growing prestige of PJ Half Marathon, which continues to draw a diverse array of runners from across the globe,” said MBPJ.
The event featured five categories, namely the 30km, 21km and 10km Opens, 5km Fun Run and a new 1km Anime-Themed Fun Run.
The marathon kicked off at 3.40am with an aerobics session followed by the flag-off of the 30km race by Petaling Jaya mayor Mohamad Zahri Samingon.
The Petaling Jaya District Police implemented phased traffic control to minimise disruptions on race day.
Some 100 traffic police officers and 80 MBPJ enforcement officers were deployed to ensure safety.
The PJ Half Marathon 2024 was organised by MBPJ together with Puncak Ventures SRA Sdn Bhd and Selangor Para Athletics Association.
