Kuala Lumpur (8 January, 2015): After decades of bringing glory to the nation’s sporting industry since independence, the Olympic Council of Malaysia (OCM) celebrate its 60th Diamond Jubilee Year Celebration this year by organising the Malaysian International Marathon (MIM) from May 23-24 in Penang.

Olympic Council Malaysia deputy president, Tan Sri Dato’ Seri Mohamad Noor Rahim, who is also the organising chairman of MIM, said the main objective of having the run is to raise funds to support the 57 national sports associations affiliated to OCM and promote national unity.

“The primary objective of MIM is to raise funds for our national sports associations. There are many sports associations in dire need of funds to execute their programmes and this is where we hope to raise the money,” said Tan Sri Mohamad Noor at the launch of the Malaysian International Marathon today.

Tan Sri Mohamad Noor also disclosed that the idea of organising the marathon was mooted to the government in 2013 and was well received by the Ministry of Youth and Sports, and Ministry of Works.

Tan Sri Mohamad Noor stated, Penang AAA, has been roped in as the Race Director into the organising committee to map out routes and all logistic requirements for the marathon due to their vast experience.

“OCM is extremely grateful to Mega Visual as well for coming on board and helping us in MIM. I am confident with their experience in handling such events; the MIM will truly be a success. They have the expertise and sound knowledge in organising marathons and other sporting events. There are other future plans to organise the run in various part of the country to continue to raise fund for the national sports association,” he added.

Taking a cue from Pierre de Coubertin’s statement, the founder of the modern Olympic Games: ‘The important thing in life is not to triumph but to compete…not victory but combat…not to have vanquished but to have fought well…not winning but taking part”, Tan Sri Mohammad Noor said MIM is held in line with the Olympic spirit to build a peaceful and better world for our future generation.

“MIM is indeed commendable as such commitment towards the colossal task of developing a society of fit and healthy Malaysians purely resonates with the government’s Fit Malaysia programme initiative recently,” added Tan Sri Mohamad.

MIM 2015 will start at the Batu Kawan Stadium, taking its course to the newly-built Sultan Abdul Halim Muadzam Shah Bridge which was opened in January 2014 and back to Batu Kawan Stadium with a total prize money of RM350,000 on offer.

Organising the start and finish of MIM at the Batu Kawan Stadium makes it a prestigious run, said Tan Sri Mohamad Noor, This is also because it offers a new twist as compared to all other marathons held in the country as it gives the atmosphere of an Olympic flavour .

Entries are invited for the Full Marathon (42km for men and women); Half Marathon (21km), 10km (Juniors, men and women), Fun Run (5km) and the Novelty category (wheel chair for the disabled).

Registration fee for the Full Marathon on 24 May, 2015 is RM75 for early birds (before 1 February, 2015) and RM85 for late comers. It covers a distance of 42.195km from Batu Kawan Stadium to Sultan Muadzam Shah Bridge and back to Batu Kawan Stadium. Runners are expected to complete the race within six hours.

However, for the Half Marathon on May 24, registration fee is RM65 for early birds (before 1 Feb, 2015) and RM75 normal rate. It covers a distance of 21km. The start location of the race is Batu Kawan Stadium-Sultan Muadzam Shah Bridge and back to Batu Kawan Stadium.

The 10km and Fun Race will be held on May 23. An entry fee for the 10km race is RM55 for early birds (before 1 Feb, 2015) and RM65 normal fees. For those aspiring to run in the Fun Race, registration fee is RM45 for early birds (before 15 March) and RM55 normal rate.

There will be no entry fee imposed in the Novelty category which covers a distance of 3km from Batu Kawan Stadium. The closing date for registration of all races is 31 March, 2015.

Online Registration will start on 15 January 2015 through: www.ocmmim.com.

ABOUT OLYMPIC COUNCIL OF MALAYSIA

The Olympic Council of Malaysia is the National Olympic Committee representing Malaysia. It is also the body responsible for Malaysia’s representation at all multi-sport games such as Olympics, Asian Games, Commonwealth Games and SEA Games.

MEGA VISUAL SDN BHD

Mega Visual is a creative branding and event production company with expertise to conceptualise and customise creative content or event for the purpose of branding and broadcasting.

_________________________________________________________________________________________________________

Released by Shekhinah PR on behalf of Olympic Council Malaysia and Mega Visual

For further information please contact:

Christopher Raj

012 – 2161881

chris@shekhinah.my