KUALA LUMPUR: Two-time Sea Games bronze medallist Muhaizar Mohamad clinched his sixth Malaysian men's open title at the Kuala Lumpur Standard Chartered Marathon (KLSCM) here today.
Muhaizar crossed the finish line of the 42-kilometre race at Dataran Merdeka, here, in two hours, 41 minutes and 17 seconds.
The 39-year-old, who previously won the title from 2015 to 2019, brushed aside the challenge from Haziq Hamzah, who came in second (2:41.38s), while Yeow Ni Jia rounded out the podium in 2:41.39.
Muhaizar credited his gruelling daily training for his return to the top.
Last year's champion S. Poo Vasanthan sat out due to injury.
"This year, I had more time to prepare, unlike last year when I had to focus on my job. Thank God, I am champion again," he told a post-race press conference.
Meanwhile, policewoman Noor Amelia Musa made amends for last year's runner-up finish, claiming her second Malaysian women's open title in 3:09.44s. She won it the first time in 2022.
Meanwhile, Kenya runners dominated the podium for both the men's and women's open categories.
Vincent Kiprono did not wait too long to make an instant impact in his first KLSCM race, winning it in 2:18.16.
Compatriots John Nzau Mwangangi (2:18.22s) and Kiprop Tonui (2:18.25s) finished second and third respectively.
Beatrice Jelagat Cherop successfully defended her women's open title by clocking 2:33.45s, followed by Sheila Jepkosgei Chesang (2:37.16s) and Truphena Chepchirchir (2:39.46s).
Earlier today, Youth and Sports Minister Hannah Yeoh flagged off the race, which saw Natural Resources and Environment Sustainability Minister Nik Nazmi Nik Ahmad and Investment, Trade and Industry Minister Tengku Datuk Seri Zafrul Tengku Abdul Aziz running in the half-marathon.
The two-day KLSCM 2024 set a new record this year, with 42,000 participants, surpassing last year's total of 40,000, including over 2,500 running tourists from 45 countries, marking a 72 per cent increase from 2023. – BERNAMA