International runners to take part in Jakarta 10K

Moch. N. Kurniawan, The Jakarta Post, Jakarta

Runners from Kenya, Russia, Australia, Tanzania and Mexico will be among the participants in the 2005 Jakarta International 10K, to be held on June 26.

The 2004 runner up in men's division, Sulle Martin of Tanzania, with a best time of 28 minutes and 15.60 seconds, will be challenged by rivals Mitei Enock (27:43.93), Moses Kigen of Kenya (27:48) and Teodore Vega of Mexico (27:37).

In the women's division, Lidya Grigorieva of Russia (30:57), Gigi Asha of Ethiopia (21:48.31) and Leah Malot of Kenya (30:57) are among the standouts.

"The tournament committee informed me that we have 21 world top 50 runners who have confirmed their participation in the Jakarta 10K," Indonesian Amateur Athletics Association (PASI) secretary-general Tigor Tanjung told a news conference on Monday.

He added that 10 runners from Asia, including from Thailand, the Philippines, Pakistan and Kazakhstan, were also confirmed to take part in the event.

Nationally ranked runners like Jauhari Johan, Yakuza, Abdul Manan and Agus Prayogo in the men's division, and Triyaningsih, Ruwiyati and Supriati in the women's, would also compete, Tigor said.

The race is part of the capital's efforts to polish up its image and draw tourists, especially after the series of bombings in recent years.

"The event will show that Jakarta is a safe and conducive place to visit," said the head of the Jakarta Sports and Youth Affairs Agency, Taufik Yudi Mulyanto.

Registration, to be held from June 1 to June 22, could be conducted at the Dispora Jakarta office or its five branches in Jakarta, or the PASI secretariat in Senayan, Central Jakarta.

Men's and women's winners in the world elite class will each take home prize money of US$11,000. The men's and women's champions national level each receive Rp 15 million ($1,600).

The route, which is certified by the International Amateur Athletic Federation (IAAF), begins at the National Museum (Monas) through to the Semanggi flyover, before returning to Monas.