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Apr 30, 2024

Kuala Lumpur Marathon Runner Comments

Back to Kuala Lumpur Marathon Information & Reviews

Course 3.3

Organization 3.1

Spectators 2.5

Number of comments: 25 [displaying comments 11 to 21]

More Comments: [ < 1 2 3 > ]

L. H. from KL (3/19/2007) "Poorly organized!" (about: 2007) 2 previous marathons \| 1 Kuala Lumpur Marathon COURSE: 3 ORGANIZATION: 2 FANS: 3 In my opinion, this marathon was poorly organized. Below are a few of my grouses (during and pre-race) which the organizers should look into: 1. Distance wasn't clearly marked. At one point, I thought I was running aimlessly. 2. Absolutely no toilets along the way, unlike the Singapore Marathon where mobile toilets lined (almost) the entire route. 3. Water stations were only available at every 5K and even then runners had to wait for water to be poured into the cups, making us lose precious time. 4. Primitive ribbon system being used. What's the point of wearing a chip then?!! I had to run an extra lap because the race officials missed out in giving me a ribbon. Pre-race: 1. Bib collection was poorly organized. I registered online and was asked to re-register for the chip. Blatant waste of time and not to mention, an incovenience. 2. FTAA people were rude. I called about the road closures (as I wanted to drive there), and they weren't helpful or courteous. They accused me of "nagging" them.
S. A. from Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia (3/15/2007) "Good" (about: 2004) 11-50 previous marathons \| 6+ Kuala Lumpur Marathons COURSE: 4 ORGANIZATION: 4 FANS: 5 I have participated in no fewer than 10 full marathon races, finishing most within 4 hours. The organization of KLIM is improving. However, the race course could have been more scenic. I have no other complaints, because I am of the opinion that to win, one has to win against all adversities whether lack of distance markers, not enough water station, or less-than-prefect organizing. We shouldn't expect to be pampered!
J. K. from United States (11/23/2006) "SAD" (about: 2006) 4-5 previous marathons \| 1 Kuala Lumpur Marathon COURSE: 2 ORGANIZATION: 1 FANS: 2 1. No water - unbelievable but true. I didn't get water until 15KM. The organizers are lucky no one died given the Malaysian heat - particularly given the number of Malay woman running fully covered. 2. Distances were not marked. After the 10K, I had no idea how far I'd gone. The course directors along the way didn't seem to know either. 3. Weird finish - such a hoot to watch the expressions when runners, thinking they were driving home to the finish, were suddenly directed (mind you less than 50 yards from the finish) to make one more loop to collect a silly blue string and then drive hard again to the finish line.
Y. C. from Malaysia (3/12/2006) "No water at water stations" (about: 2006) 1 previous marathon \| 1 Kuala Lumpur Marathon COURSE: 5 ORGANIZATION: 2 FANS: 4 Everything was fine except for the fact that people who arrived later at water stations (for the 21KM run) did not get any water. It's really a shame because water is essential and the majority of the participants ran without bringing their own water, thinking that it would be available at the water stations. It is bad planning on the organizer's part and really not what the KL Marathon should be remembered for, especially since most people would compare it to the Singapore Marathon.
P. T. from KL (3/11/2006) "Well organized... some improvements welcome" (about: 2006) 2 previous marathons \| 1 Kuala Lumpur Marathon COURSE: 3 ORGANIZATION: 5 FANS: 4 I was very satisfied with the organization. Not so much with the course.... Maybe it could be more scenic, at least for the 21K. That last lap is really unattractive in every sense. What definitely needs to be done is to make sure runners know where they are during the race. There were no KM signs after 10K for the half marathon. This could be a problem when you want to keep track of your performance KM by KM.
B. K. from malaysia (3/7/2006) "good job with the water stations" (about: 2006) 3 previous marathons \| 1 Kuala Lumpur Marathon COURSE: 4 ORGANIZATION: 4 FANS: 2 The medal was a bit small. The distance and timing of every 10 KM were not accurate, especially at 20 KM (it looked like we had gone more than 20 KM).
c. J. from KL (3/6/2006) "Not enough water" (about: 2006) 3 previous marathons \| 2 Kuala Lumpur Marathons COURSE: 3 ORGANIZATION: 3 FANS: 3 I ran the half marathon. I just wanted to note that the water supply at the first water station was inadequate; those who were at the back of the pack didnt get any water. Imagine running without the water you need to continue the race!!! Many runners (including myself) had to pick up the bottles thrown to the side of the road, and try to get the little water inside. There was also no support from the station crew to direct us or make an effort to provide a source of water for the slower runners. This situation became worse when the following station also had the same situation. This had to affect our performance, and it definitely hurt the organizers image! Towards the end of the race, however, there was plenty of water, although by that point, it was almost irrelevant.
Sony Chin from Malaysia (3/5/2006) "Great 2006 KLIM Marathon = my best so far" (about: 2006) 4-5 previous marathons \| 2 Kuala Lumpur Marathons COURSE: 5 ORGANIZATION: 5 FANS: 3 This 2006 KLIM is very well organized. Starting at 5am is ideal, and not too hot running through the Lake Gardens towards the end of the race. I like the refreshments and sponging stations that were at 2 KM intervals after the 30 KM-mark. It would be good if more PowerBars/gels (or food) are supplied after 21KM, as we need more energy to help us last the full 42KM. Great job done by the organizers and volunteers, and a BIG "thank you" to all of them.
J. K. from United States (3/5/2006) "DANGEROUS - NO WATER AT MOST STATIONS!!!" (about: 2006) 3 previous marathons \| 1 Kuala Lumpur Marathon COURSE: 3 ORGANIZATION: 1 FANS: 1 Hard to believe - a marathon without water - but it is true. They ran out of water at 5KM, 7.5KM, 10KM and 12.5KM. My first access to water came at 15KM for the half marathon. My only access to sports drinks came at 20KM (why even bother?). Runners in the back half had to resort to picking up half-empty, used bottles or go without (extremely dangerous given the Malaysia heat). Interestingly, there didn't seem to be many empty bottles along the way. This led runners to speculate that due to corruption the water was never there. I understand that past year races were better organized, but I certainly won't try this one again. It is a pretty sad state when an international marathon cannot manage to serve runners water.
Kelly Lim from Singapore (6/10/2005) "Well Organized and Getting Better in KL...." (about: 2005) 6-10 previous marathons \| 1 Kuala Lumpur Marathon COURSE: 3 ORGANIZATION: 5 FANS: 3 I am a runner from overseas and the 2005 AmBank Kuala Lumpur Marathon is my 7th marathon and the nearest overseas marathon just outside of Singapore. The 2005 marathon is very well organized. From the collection of bib number to the actual conduct of the event. Perhaps this is also due to past experience. I'm particularly impressed with the amount of water stations being put out there. Every 2KM mark (just over 1 mile) you would be able to find a water station. However, the route is not very scenic (this is the capital of Malaysia!). One thing to stress, though, is the starting and finishing at the Medeka Stadium is a great experience. It is also very grand and I'm glad even though the cut-off time is 6 hours, they still remain open well after that. (This was GREAT for those who struggled to the end). There are only 3 things that the organizer should take note of. The first is to make the expo a bigger event. It is so extremely small, measuring less than 50M by 50M! Secondly, the start time at 5am should be moved earlier, to either 4:30am or even 4am for the marathon event. This is because this part of the world is so near to equator that even before the sun comes out, the heat (and especially the humidity) could literally kill you. Last but not least, make sure the KM marker is done correctly and make sure the road marshals were briefed correctly. (I almost couldn't achieve the cut-off time as 1 marshal told me the wrong distance). Also the website address is not updated. And there is no contact email if you have a query. With a bigger expo and an earlier start time, I'm sure the 2006 event would be an even bigger success.

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