Aznan (front row, fifth from left) with sponsors and all those involved in the coordination of PJ Half Marathon 2025 after the press conference at MBPJ headquarters. — MUHAMAD SHAHRIL ROSLI/The Star
The PJ Half Marathon returns for its 35th edition this month and a total of 8,000 participants, including over 200 foreign runners are expected at the start.
Petaling Jaya deputy mayor Aznan Hassan said the city was proud to welcome runners from 34 countries, who have shown strong support for the marathon over the years.
“This year, international participation is especially strong and led by Japan and Singapore with 30 runners each, the Philippines with 25 along with Netherlands and India with 20 participants each,” he said.
Set to be held on Aug 17 at Laman MBPJ, the event will feature five categories: the open run for 30km, 21km and 10km, a 5km fun run as well as a 1km costume-themed fun run.
“Surprisingly, the 30km open category has drawn the highest number of entries, with 2,600 runners, which is more than any other distance.
“We can see that there’s a demand for long distance events.
“This gives us confidence to consider a full marathon in the future,” added Aznan.
The PJ Half Marathon is organised by Petaling Jaya City Council (MBPJ) and Puncak Ventures SRA Sdn Bhd, in collaboration with the Selangor Para Athletics Association and supported by Tourism Selangor as part of the Visit Selangor 2025 campaign.
To ensure a smooth operation and the safety of all runners, MBPJ will mobilise 100 traffic officers and 80 enforcement officers for the event.
Road closures on Jalan Yong Shook Lin will begin at 6pm on Aug 16 and remain in effect until noon on Aug 17.
Other traffic procedures include the phased closure of several roads on race day from 4am to 11am.
The affected roads are Jalan Sultan, Jalan Barat, Jalan Utara, Jalan Timur, Jalan Changgai 6/22, Jalan Gasing, Jalan Templer, Jalan Selangor, Jalan Pasar 1/21, Jalan Railway 2/28, Jalan 2/27, Jalan Penchala, Persiaran PP Narayanan, Jalan 229, Jalan Baiduri SS1/22, Jalan SS1/36, Jalan SS2/24, Jalan 19/8, Jalan Harapan, Jalan 19/1, Jalan 21/1, Jalan 20/13, Jalan 20/14, Jalan 14/47, Jalan 14/48, Jalan 51A/223, Jalan Dato Rais Jamil 15, Jalan Semangat, Jalan Universiti, Jalan Kemajuan, Jalan 12/15 and Persiaran Barat.
“We urge all participants to park responsibly in designated parking areas and avoid parking along the roadside to ensure the safety of all road users,” said Aznan.
