Kuala Lumpur Marathon - Race Reviews

Compared to the 2013 race, the 2014 course had a new route, the organizer performed well and drinks, food and gels are plenty available..finisher t-shirt and medals were given.

I have read a few bad reviews about this marathon. However, found it to be well organized with sufficient drink stations, km markers & aid stations. The route was challenging especially towards the end when going up a hill from around 36 to the top at 38km. Anyone thinking of running this event must definitely train on hill running especially with a cutoff time of 6 hrs. I saw a lot of runners finishing after 6 hrs & I think the last runner finished in about 8 hrs.

Compared to last yr the current 2011 is a better arrangement, good ending n easy to collect the goodie bag wit all inside. Very good idea. However, the only small comment I wish to highlight is the T-Shirt, look very cheap n wrong colour, cannot see at night especially before dawn, should have use brighter color like Lumina yellow, green or blue, so we can see each others and not to hit on the front runner, always realized too late as dull green colour not easy to spot.

The race organisation has improved greatly judging by comments on previous years. Packet pickup went smoothly, location is a little out of the way but just a short walk from an LRT station. Much of the course is on roads with runners separated from traffic by cones; this was well marshalled and roads were quiet early on but slower runners might suffer from more traffic. There were aid stations every 2k, well stocked with water, sports drink & sponges, plus bananas at 16k and gel at 30k. In 2011 it was humid at the 5am start but cooled off as it was overcast when the sun came up; the heat started to build up about 9am. There were pacers for 3:30, 4:00 etc. Start & finish are opposite the home of the Hash House Harriers! Biggest tip: stay well hydrated to avoid cramps on the final hill around km38. Despite this hill, I found it a reasonably fast course

The organizers listen to people's comments and have improved in many ways. However, they did not alert the public, so slower folks had to fight traffic, and there were NO spectators at all, which is disheartening.

Ran in 2008 the half marathon. It was alright, but after the Sungai Besi Airfield, we had to share the road with lots of impatient drivers and hopeless traffic police officers. At one stage we had to cross through something like 5 lanes of massive traffic jam. There were hardly any spectators along the way. The course itself (despite the traffic problem) was not too bad and quite interesting towards the end. FTAAA, why don't you include the Malaysian icon everybody is so proud of (the Petronas Twin Towers) in the course? The half marathon seemed very long (21.8K, according to my GPS). Is this a course that is measured to international standards? I did not see any kilometer markers. Organizers, look at Singapore and learn from them how to organize a proper race!

This is my first marathon, but I ran the 10K during the K.L.I.M last year. 1) Not enough distance markers - on some parts of the route, I just followed other runners blindly as there were no clear directions and distance. 2) Water at the water station were warm, especially the 100-plus. 3) No toilet along the way except near BNM, which was nearing the end of the marathon. 4) When collecting BIB and CHIP, the FTAA staff were rude, not helpful. Its a far cry from the Singapore Marathon, where the organizers were helpful and ready to help. 5) Traffic was not controlled until all the runners had passed. Many times I was honked at by cars, and at some point had to wait while police stopped the cars. 6) Terrible finisher's t-shirt. Not only is it not wearable, but I'm a size M/L - not XXXL. What is the point? Isn't finishing a marathon considered an achievement? Please do something about the above, as it is a matter of national pride.

Terrible organization - two bathrooms in the whole race - running between cars - course not separated from open streets - hot drinks in the race stands - only one distance marker (wrongly positioned) - people sitting and standing right in the finish line Is there anything else that could be wrong?

Very good.

A friend and I traveled to KL to run the marathon on March 18, 2007. We thought it would be great to go overseas and run a marathon. I have completed 4 previous marathons. The course is hard and hilly, with a lot of running up and down ramps on the freeway. I found the water stations great, with plenty of water. The power drink supplied, however, was carbonated, so a little hard to handle. The organization of the event took a lot to be desired; we were told we would get transfers from the airport for traveling overseas, but this did not happen. The pre-race number pick up was hard to find and very disorganized. The temperature and humidity make this a difficult course; we had problems after finishing the race trying to cool down and find any shade, as all the tents were full of 10KM runners and half marathoners. The race had no toilets along the course and very few at the start line. I do believe there were only 3 small blocks of toilets for 8,000 runners. KL itself is a great spot and very affordable.

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.

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!

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.

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.

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.

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).

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.

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.

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.

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.

KL International Marathon, March 4, 2001 - Registration: location impossible to find for a stranger to KL; unfriendly staff, not helpful, unknowledgeable (on water/replenishment stops, aid stations, route map, etc.); race number printed on cloth bib (was it a kids' race?); too much bureaucracy. - Official 'Guidelines': printed on 4 flimsy pages which disintegrated in the rain; route map was illegible and useless (the Web-map was just as bad); some instructions were laughable: 'must wear official t-shirt', 'drinking at unofficial stations will not be entertained' - Check-In: Given a 'report card' to hand in at starting area - don't know the purpose when running no. bib would do; another bureaucratic fumble. - Check-Out: 'Luggage cards' were issued for checked-in belongings - don't know the purpose when running no. bib would do; would have had to carry it for 26 miles! I threw mine away. - Check Points: marathoners were supposed to be given two tokens on the course for hand-in at finish; this didn't happen, instead a piece of string/banner was tied round one's neck and collected at the finish...strange, maybe I could have hung myself if I didn't finish! - Transport: to use LRT, pay only 75% fare with running bib - where in hell am I to carry my Ringgits for the fare? - Replenishment Drink: I choked on the CARBONATED drink provided on the course; I think it was called Isotonic 100 and should be BANNED from races - get me some Gatorade! - Course: It was pitch-black on part of the course on Jalan Lapangan Terbang (near the old airport) and I tripped twice in potholes! Worse, the downtown traffic jams near Jalan Raja Laut and Jalan Raja Muda with fumes spewing out of cars, buses and trucks into the face of runners - I had seriously considered abandoning the race at this point - it was too dangerous. - Finish Area: couldn't find any replenishment drink which I needed in my dehydrated state; luckily, I had a bottle of saline solution in my checked-in baggage (when I found it). - Baggage Pick-up: had trouble finding it; when I did, it was unattended and I could have walked away with some nice stuff!

The finish point should be re-located to somewhere exciting instead of the 'dull & boring' finish at a carpark. Based on my previous KL runs I would say that the Dataran Merdeka would be an ideal location to provide for the final kick as this location is able to attract a larger public. Furthermore logistics would call for a more convenient finishing point than that of the 2001 race. Late publicity is another area that can be improved. Apart from these, my continued support is assured. P.S. Contact nos. of the race director have been changed as follows : tel-603-2072-3072/fax-603-2072-3959

I did the half marathon and I had a good time. The police were diligent in blocking out traffic and the folks distributing water at the water stations were encouraging. There were plenty of first aid stations and a school band and cheerleaders were 'performing' at the finishing line. Unfortunately, like many other runners, I took a long time locating my belongings after the run, as the bags were placed in an inconspicuous corner. I felt very welcome in the race from start to finish and might go back to KL for this race. To those used to running in crowds, please note that races in Singapore and Malaysia have much fewer participants. There is no 'crowd spirit'.

I actually ran the half marathon event in 2000 and 2001. So my comments would apply to the first 21KM of the race. The race starts from Dataran Merdeka in the heart of Kuala Lumpur and winds through city streets and several highways. Usually one to two lanes are blocked off for the run with police escort at several junctures. But I wasn't affected by the traffic per se. The ending at the base of the tallest building in the world (KLCC) is breathtaking end. The only gripe I have is the handling of the checked in materials - it took me at least one hour to retrieve my bag from the truck. Need more organization planning there..

Race starts at 5.30am to avoid the late morning heat and humidity. However, it did get hot by 8.00 am. There were about 450 runners. Course is on the roads of Kuala Lumpur. It is well organized. Water and time guides every 5km, and also water and sponges in between the 5km stops. By 8.00 a.m it does get very hot, so make sure you are well hydrated during the race. A really nice touch were the outdoor fans and coolers at the finish of the race. Not many spectators, but very friendly atmosphere.