Jakarta 10K runners begin arriving

JAKARTA: Ten of the 21 international runners scheduled to take part in the Jakarta International 10K on Sunday have arrived in the capital to begin their preparations for the competition.

Kenyans Leah Mallot and Sammy Kipruto, runners-up at last year's Bali International 10K, said they liked their chances in Sunday's race.

Australian Olympic hopeful Sizey Bezebeh is in Jakarta and is one of the race favorites after recording the best time at this distance this year -- 27 minutes and 49 seconds.

Other runners who have already arrived are Darius R. Kruczkowski (Poland), Martin Sulle (Tanzania), Eduardo Buenavista (the Philippines), Susan J. Kurui (Kenya), Merima Denbora (Ethiopia), Haley McGregor (Australia) and Nina Rillstone (New Zealand).

About 21,000 runners are expected to take part in the race, which is offering a total of Rp 541 million (US$60,000) in cash prizes. -- JP