Representatives of sponsors and organisers at the launch of the Go For It! FTKLAA Cross Country 2020.
THE Federal Territory Kuala Lumpur Athletic Association (FTKLAA) is bringing back the Go For It! FTKLAA Cross Country 2020 for the sixth consecutive year, thanks to a collaboration with Sports Toto Malaysia Sdn Bhd and Kuala Lumpur City Hall (DBKL).
The running event will be held at Padang Merbok, Kuala Lumpur on April 19 with some 2,000 runners expected to take part.
Present at the cross country launch at Wisma OCM were FTKLAA president Datuk S. Vegiyathuman, Sports Toto senior communications manager Giam Say Khoon, Malaysia Athletics Federation deputy president Datuk Dr Mumtaz Begum Abdul Jaafar, FTKLAA vice-president G. Raman and FTKLAA honorary secretary Muregesu Soosaimany.
According to Vegiyathuman, FTKLAA managed to discover a new route around the scenic Padang Merbok that meets cross country requirements as it is a tough route with plenty of green scenery.
“This year, we have included a jungle path stretching for almost 2.4km opposite Jalan Persiaran Sultan Salahuddin for the 15km category.
“We initially planned to hold the race at Templer Park, which met all the requirements for cross country running, including river crossings which is commonly liked by runners. However, due to construction work there, we reverted to Padang Merbok and Lake Gardens which are the original locations for cross country running in Kuala Lumpur, ” he said.
The run features 10 categories: Men Open, Women Open and Men Junior Veteran (15km); Men Senior Veteran and Women Veteran (10km); Men Junior and Women Junior (7km), Kids Run for boy and girls (3km) and Fun Run (5km) with entry fees ranging from RM25 to RM50.
Registration is open to all Malaysians and foreigners with permanent residency status and work permit, and closes on April 4 or upon reaching the limit of 2,000 participants.
The first 300 participants to register online or in person during the race kit collection of the Kuala Lumpur City Day Half Marathon 2020 at Wisma OCM on March 6 and 7 will be given a LED blinker.
All registered runners will be provided with goodie bags, light breakfast, T-shirts, key chains, e-certificates and finisher medals, while the first five finishers of each category will receive position trophies and cash prizes totalling up to RM11,550.
Each participant will also be entitled to take part in lucky draws at the event.
Giam said promoting sporting events had always been one of their core corporate social responsibility activities as living a healthy lifestyle was very important to all.
“Unlike any other conventional running events, taking part in a cross country run in the busiest city in Malaysia, also guarantees a unique experience for running enthusiasts who seek tougher challenges.
“We are confident that by collaborating with the FTKLAA as our event organiser, all runners will have a rewarding, fun-filled and safe running experience, ” he said during the launch.
Mumtaz said the race would be an ideal place to look for good senior athletes.
“We have very few long-distance runners now. This would be a good opportunity to scout for new long-distance athletes.”
To register online, visit racexasia.com or checkpointsport.asia.com, or call 03-2715 2843.
Representatives of sponsors and organisers at the launch of the Go For It! FTKLAA Cross Country 2020.
Vegiyathuman (right) and Giam responding to questions from the press at the launch of the race.
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