KUALA LUMPUR – With the current disruption of LRT services and the monsoon season causing floods all over the Klang Valley, is it safe for the Kuala Lumpur Standard Chartered Marathon (KLSCM) 2022 to go on this Saturday or should the organisers postpone the event?
Gloria Ng – the director of the marathon’s organiser, Dirigo Events Sdn Bhd – has assured participants that mitigation plans are close to being finalised in case of unfavourable conditions.
“We are finalising the preventive measures, but it all depends on when and where it happens. It can happen in any area along the 42-km route, only then can we make the necessary decisions and act,” she told The Vibes.
She also said that there are other eventualities that could happen during the marathon – such as thunderstorms, which are just as serious as floods, but the organisers are well prepared regardless.
After a two-year hiatus due to the Covid-19 pandemic, the race makes its physical comeback after virtual runs were held in 2020 and 2021.
This year, the organisers are expecting over 34,000 participants, including at least 1,000 foreign participants, to take part.
She also mentioned that the organisers were also in contact with Prasarana Malaysia Bhd to find solutions for the LRT issues and ease the participants’ travel on race day.
“Every year we will work together with Prasarana to sponsor complimentary rides for the runners.
“The LRT stations will be operational earlier than their usual schedule as the marathon starts early (in the) morning.
“Since we were just aware of the LRT issues today, we will definitely find alternative solutions as quickly as possible,” she said.
These comments came after RapidKL announced the suspension of LRT services from today until November 15 due to malfunctions in its systems.
She also noted that organisers will ensure that if rain does occur during the marathon, the event’s crisis communication department will find an appropriate solution.
“The solutions will be based on the severity of the situation.
“We are also in contact with other stakeholders such as police, sponsors, as well as the Meteorological Department to evaluate the weather during the race.
“But it all comes down to the circumstances on race day,” she said.
Previously, Gloria had said the organisers had already put in place contingency plans in the event of heavy downpour and flash floods.
The organiser also requests that runners follow the event’s official social media page (@klscmarathon) for the latest updates on the race. – The Vibes November 9, 2022
