Kuala Lumpur Standard Chartered Marathon Introduces Free Virtual Run

18 November 2020, KUALA LUMPUR: The Kuala Lumpur Standard Chartered Marathon (KLSCM) today announced the introduction of its inaugural Virtual Run, which will take place from5 -13 December 2020 and offers free registration. Organised by Dirigo Events and with Standard Chartered Bank Malaysia as Title Sponsor, the KLSCM 2020 Virtual Run is set to become the premier virtual running event in Malaysia. The Virtual Run will offer the Full Marathon, Half Marathon, 10km and 5km distance categories and runners from all over the world are expected to participate.

L-R: Rainer Biemans, Director of Dirigo Events and Abrar A. Anwar, MD and CEO, Standard Chartered Bank Malaysia

A Virtual Run is where participants who register for an event can run anywhere within the specified time-frame as long as they provide proof of their completed distance through digital apps or wearables. As the Covid-19 pandemic has halted the staging of mass participation events, at least for the foreseeable future, Virtual Runs are increasingly becoming the next viable option to fill that void.

“We wanted to create something for our runners that would motivate and re-energise everyone about running again because without events to train for, enthusiasm levels often drop easily. And with the pandemic continuing to spread, it is now more important than ever for all of us to maintain our health at optimum levels and keep our immune systems strong.” said Rainer Biemans, Director of Dirigo Events. 

Media Q&A Photo

“We also understand that a lot of people are struggling financially at the moment and so we decided to make registrations free of charge to encourage as many people as possible to take part.” added Biemans.

Standard Chartered Bank Malaysia, who are title sponsors of the traditional Kuala Lumpur Standard Chartered Marathon, resumes that role for the virtual event and are eager to play their part in encouraging Malaysians to maintain a healthy lifestyle in these trying times.

“In response to our runners’ enthusiasm to stay fit virtually and remotely, we are delighted to elevate their running experience with the new and interactive KLSCM virtual run. Our first ever virtual marathon comes at a time where we are witnessing a significant shift to virtual events in the aftermath of the COVID-19 pandemic. We hope that the continued commitment of our KLSCM sponsorship will provide tangible ways for runners to keep active and engaged during such testing times.” said Abrar A. Anwar, Managing Director and CEO of Standard Chartered Bank Malaysia.

KLSCM 2020 VR Launch Group Photo

A distinct feature of this Virtual Run is that it has been designed to provide a proper challenge to participants, as unlike some virtual events where you can accumulate your mileage over several runs, the KLSCM 2020 Virtual Run requires that you complete your entered distance in a single attempt. Other key features to look forward to are:

1. Free Registration

Registration for the KLSCM 2020 Virtual Run will be free of charge. Runners will receive an e-bib once successfully registered and an e-certificate (upon completion) downloadable from 21 December 2020 onwards.

2. The KLSCM 2020 VR App
A dedicated digital Application has been developed that can be downloaded for free, and which will enable runners to track their run, submit their results, share their activity feed and comes packed with a host of other engaging features like category leaderboards and even an Augmented Reality selfie filter. You will also be able to Sync the App with your other digital wearables.

3. No Participation Limit to Categories

There will be no limits or quotas to the participation numbers for any distance or category. Participation will only be limited by age (12 years old and above for 5km, 15 years old and above for 10km and 18 years old and above for Half and Full Marathon).

4. Cut-off Times

There will be no specific cut-off times for each respective distance. Participants can complete their run anywhere outdoors, at a location of their choice, any time between 12.00am, 5 December and 11.59pm, 13 December 2020 (GMT+8).

5. Inclusion in KLSCM Official Participation History

Each successful registration is entered into the runner’s KLSCM Participation History.

6. Special Commemorative Merchandise

To commemorate the inaugural Virtual Run, exclusively designed official merchandise such as personalised medals, event tees, sports towels and face masks will be made available for purchase during the registration period.

Registration for KLSCM 2020 Virtual Run will be open from 18 November to 3 December 2020 through https://klscmvr.kl-marathon.com/2020/

For more information and updates on KLSCM 2020 Virtual Run, please visit:

Facebook: www.facebook.com/SCKLmarathon
Twitter: https://twitter.com/klscmarathon
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/klscmarathon/
Website: www.kl-marathon.com

For more information on Kuala Lumpur Standard Chartered Marathon:
Gloria Ng | 60376217787 | dirigo@dirigo.com.my

Suthan Narayanan | 6019 310 5794 | suthan@dirigo.com.my

For more information on Standard Chartered Bank:

Geraldine Tan | 6012 9071740 | geraldine.tan@sc.com

Mastura Adnan | 6012 316 2960 | mastura.adnan@sc.com