F. E. Chicago Marathon approaches

JAKARTA: Far East Chicago marathon kicks off this Sunday at 2 a.m. in Labuan. It is the sixth year that the 42.2 kilometer event is to be held locally.

The marathon starts outside the Labuan district chief's residence and continues along a flat stretch of road along the Sunda Strait coastline to Anyer.

Support vehicles escort the participants along the way and help light their way.

After the long run, which lasts up to four hours, participants cool down in the spa at a Japanese massage parlor, in front of which the marathon ends.

Runners then sit down to a high protein meal of barbecued seafood at the spa complex amid the sounds of waves and swaying coconut trees. -JP