Hundreds join Malang race

Hundreds join Malang race

JAKARTA (JP): More than 300 athletes from 13 countries have
confirmed their entry in the international marathon to take place
in Malang, East Java, on April 16.

An official of the Malang sports authority, Mas Soemarto, said
yesterday that participants in the annual race would include
runners from Russia, England, the Netherlands, Ethiopia, China
and Australia.

"Athletes from three other countries have also expressed an
interest in joining the marathon championship," Sumarto was
quoted by Antara as saying. He did not identify the possible new
entrants, however.

National champion long-distance runners Eduardus Nabunome and
Ruwiyati will defend their titles in the men's and women's events
respectively.

Sumarto said a team from the International Marathon Sport
organization in Australia had recommended the track as suitable
for an international marathon, following a one-week study of the
course. The organizers are offering a US$1000 cash prize to any
runner who manages to set a new record. (amd).