Walk around the clock

05/06/2003

THE Second Malaysia International 24-hour walk, to be held at the Genting
Outdoor Theme Park on Aug 4-5, has attracted the men and women's
champions.
However, the biennial walk will only have two categories this year -
doing away with the Malaysian categories.
"We did away with the Malaysian categories because we want the local
athletes to compete with the world's best. So this year, there will only
be the men's and women's Opens," said organising chairman and president of
the Race Walkers Association of Malaysia Datuk Peter Chin Fah Kui.
Chin, who is also Deputy Minister of the Housing and Local Government,
said entries will be limited to 180.
"The venue can only accommodate 180 athletes and if we open the field
further, it will become cramped and athletes will not be be able to cover
good times," said Chin.
The 2001 men's champion Gregor Adam Urbanowski from Poland completed a
distance of 202.78km in the 24-hour walk and will be back to defend his
title.
Women's defending champion Sandra Browm of the United Kingdom (181.5km)
has also confirmed her entry.
"The race starts at noon on Aug 4 and 5, and the winner will be decided
on the distance covered around the 865-per lap circuit. Genting Highlands
was selected as the venue again because of its mild temperature which
averages around 25 degrees Celcius. This will make it very comfortable for
the athletes to cover good distances," said Chin.
The qualifying criteria for the event is very strict and organisers will
only entertain those who competed in the last race, or athletes who
competed in the 2002 Penang 12-hour walk. Those who hold a walks
certificate with a good distance can also submit their entries.
The top 20 athletes will receive prize money, while those who complete
162.5km will be awarded the Centurian Club medal.
"The top prize for the men's and women's categories is RM5,700 while
those who cover more than 50km in the men's event and 35km in the women's
will receive medals," said Chin.
Sponsors for the event are the Ministry of Sports, Kuala Lumpur
Athletics Association, Nestle Products, Genting Highlands and Malaysia
Airlines. The Media support is from Nanyang Siang Pau, Nanban, The New
Straits Times and NTV7.
Entries close on July 7. For more information, call 03-20940504.
(END)