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).