PUTRAJAYA: MORE than 3,200 runners participated in the Commonwealth Association for Public Administration Management (Capam) International Run yesterday.
It was flagged off by Capam president and Chief Secretary to the Government Tan Sri Dr Ali Hamsa in front of the Palace of Justice, here.
Malaysian Government Servants Welfare and Sports Council (Maksak) secretary-general Ahmad Faedzal Md Ramli said it was the first time a run was organised by Maksak in conjunction with the Capam biennial conference.
“We are honoured to see participation from 12 countries — Malaysia, Australia, Germany, Iran, Kenya, New Zealand, Russia, Singapore, Indonesia, Egypt, France and the United Kingdom,” he said.
“We offered cash prizes totalling RM50,800 to the top 10 winners of each category.
“I am glad to say that 40 per cent of the participants are civil servants,” he said.
The winner of the Half Marathon Men category, Julius Kiprotich Seurei, 37, from Kenya, received RM1,000.
He completed the 21km run in one hour and seven minutes.
“I think this is a great initiative by the government to promote a healthy lifestyle among Malaysians. More marathon events should be organised to attract sport tourists,” he said.
John Lorono Lorila and Hoesea Kogei, both from Kenya, were the first and second runners-up.
G. Sivanesh Waran, 16, from Setapak, who won the 5.7km category for boys (aged 13-17) received RM700. He said he had been running since he was 12.
“I have joined many local marathon events in the past four years. I did not expect to win the first prize in this category,” he said.
A. Yaashan Raj and J. Pretib Kumar were the first and second runners-up.
A. Manissha, D. Pavithra and Kim Khoo were the top three runners in the 5.7km category for girls.
The other categories were Women (21km), Men Veteran (21km), Half Marathon Women Veteran, 9.3km Men, 9.3km Women, 9.3 Men Junior Veteran, 9.3km Men Senior Veteran, 9.3km Women Veteran and Fun Run.