SHAH ALAM - Despite heavy rain on that day, the first and oldest event in Petaling Jaya, the PJ Half Marathon 2019 was a successful one.
The 31st edition was officiated by Selangor Menteri Besar Amirudin Shari and Petaling Jaya City Council (MBPJ) Mayor Mohd Sayuthi Bakar.
Mohd Sayuthi said 10,000 people participated in the event, including local and foreign runners.
He said the event offered a total prize of RM 82,850, competed in four categories: 30 kilometer (km) open, 21 km open, 10 km open and three km 'fun run'.
“This edition saw the registration of entries closed earlier than targeted due to the overwhelming response from local and foreign runners," said Mohd Sayuthi.
“The increase in overseas participation was also encouraging with 259 participants from 42 countries registering for the event," he added.
"This has made the PJ Half Marathon event more popular both locally and internationally each year."
Mohd Sayuthi said this when met after officiating the event on 25 August.
He said the 31 km run was re-launched after receiving numerous requests.
In fact, he said, the distance would also be maintained and continued next year as it had received a positive response from the participants.
“However, we do not open up to more than 10,000 participants as it will disturb the local residents." he said.
"We will have to close the road for a longer period if our participation exceeds 10,000," he added.
A total of 100 traffic police and 50 Petaling Jaya City Council (MBPJ) enforcement personnel was assigned to control traffic to ensure the PJ Half Marathon went on smoothly for all participants and the public.
The PJ Half Marathon 2019 is organized by MBPJ and the Selangor Sports Association of Selangor in collaboration with Puncak Ventures SRA Sdn Bhd.
Also participating in the event were 100 PLUS & ICE MOUNTAIN (F&N Beverages Marketing Sdn Bhd), ULTRON, PEROZIN (Pharmaniaga Pristine Sdn Bhd), UNITAR, SUUNTO and Beaute Library.
