STANDARD CHARTERED KL MARATHON OPENS REGISTRATION!

RM350,000 prize money beckons professionals, amateurs, families, kids
and charitable runners

Kuala Lumpur, 13 March 2009 – Ready! Set! Go! Registration for the Standard Chartered KL Marathon 2009 is now open to all Malaysians and runners across the world who have set their eyes on the RM350,000 total prize money allocated for the biggest and most rewarding international race to ever hit the country.

In conjunction with the launch of the official website today, running enthusiasts can now check out more information and officially enrol themselves in the marathon through several convenient and widely available channels. You could either register online at www.kl-marathon.com or pay in person at Standard Chartered Bank branches within the Klang Valley (soon to be nationwide), MSIG Insurance branches in the Klang Valley, and at the offices of the Malaysia Amateur Athletic Union and Federal Territory Amateur Athletic Association. .

The Malaysian public today had the opportunity to sign up at strategically-located registration counters within the Bukit Bintang vicinity. “We want to make it as easy as possible for people to sign up. In the coming weeks, registration will also be made available alongside fun promotional activities at roadshows to be held in the Klang Valley,” said Hemant Dua Director of Octagon Malaysia, the event organizers for the marathon. “We want to get the whole nation excited to run, and so far close to a thousand people have already registered, which is very encouraging,” he added.

One of the early birds who registered today was Julie Wong. “I have been running for more than ten years now, but the Standard Chartered KL Marathon 2009 will be my first attempt at a Full Marathon and I‟m really looking forward to it!” Another running enthusiast who also registered was Frank Chong who explained why he loves running. “I took up running about two years ago and I run for the personal satisfaction of discovering my own potential.”

Staying true to its theme “Run Your Race”, you can select your desired category from a wide range comprising the Full Marathon, Half Marathon, 10KM, Fun Run (5KM), and the Kids Dash in two different age groups - 6 to 9 years old & 10 to 12 years old. Entry is free for this category which, is in line with the Youth and Sports Ministry‟s vision of developing an active, healthy and energetic community starting with the youths. Malaysians can also do their bit for charity by choosing to register for „Run for a Cause‟ to raise funds for one of the five official Standard Chartered KL Marathon 2009 charities. And if you have your colleagues
joining you, opt for the Corporate Challenge where companies can compete as corporate teams while fostering camaderie and team spirit at the same time.

The Standard Chartered KL Marathon 2009 will undoubtedly put Malaysia on the global running map as international and local runners navigate a route covering beautiful and historical landmarks around the Klang Valley.

Hurry and log on now to register as the early bird period offers a lower registration fee.

The Standard Chartered KL Marathon 2009 is organised by Octagon, with Standard Chartered Bank as the Title Sponsors and MSIG Insurance Solutions as a Gold Sponsor. The marathon is endorsed by the Youth and Sports Ministry and the Kuala Lumpur City Hall, and sanctioned by the Malaysia Amateur Athletic Union (MAAU), International Association of Athletics Federations (IAAF), and the Association of International Marathons and Distance Races (AIMS).

For more details or to register, please log on to www.kl-marathon.com

~ The End ~

For media enquiries only, please contact:
Weber Shandwick Malaysia, at 03-7843 3100, or;
Alina Morais amorais@webershandwick.com (017 323 3078 / 03 7843 3125)
Norhayati Malek nmalek@webershandwick.com (012 713 2770 / 03 7843 3129)
Marc Ng marc5133@yahoo.com (019 319 6032)

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Standard Chartered – leading the way in Asia, Africa and the Middle East
Standard Chartered Bank Malaysia Berhad, a member of the Standard Chartered Group was established in Malaysia in 1875 and locally incorporated on 1 July 1994. As Malaysia‟s first bank, Standard Chartered leads the way through product innovation, consistent and strong growth performance and sustainability initiatives. It provides a comprehensive range of financial products and services including retail and wholesale banking for individuals, small and medium-sized enterprises, corporate and institutions through its network of 37 branches across Malaysia.

Standard Chartered Saadiq Berhad, its Islamic Banking subsidiary was established in November 2008. It offers a comprehensive range of Shariah-compliant products and services to individuals and corporates through its first Saadiq financial centre (branch) located in Taman Tun Dr Ismail, Kuala Lumpur.

Standard Chartered employs more than 5,000 employees in all its Malaysian operations.

Octagon
At Octagon, sports and entertainment are our passions. And it's been that way for nearly five decades. From a foundation in athlete representation dating to the 1960s to the emerging as one of the first agencies of its kind to offer strategic consulting, Octagon has been a thought leader and
agent for change in sports and entertainment content marketing. Octagon globally has over 900 employees in 18 countries and works with more than 500 of the world's top companies and organizations. Worldwide, Octagon manages more than 5,200 events, over 800 athletes and celebrities and $3 billion of investment in activation of sponsorships, ranging from entitlements of major properties to grassroots events.
Octagon in Malaysia is a division of CMGRP (MALAYSIA) SDN BHD a registered company under the laws of Malaysia. CMGRP (MALAYSIA) SDN BHD is a member of IPG (Interpublic Group) a company listed on the NYSE stock exchange and a communications giant globally. Octagon Asia Pacific network spans the world‟s most populous and dynamic region. Our regional headquarters are based in Beijing, and we have a growing network of offices in this region across 8 countries serving the sports community. We are committed to our growth and our goal is to assist the overall sports development in Malaysia.