Latecomers can run along with 10K pack

The Jakarta Post, Jakarta

There is still a chance to run for city residents who missed the deadline to register for the Jakarta International 10K on Sunday.

Registration ended earlier this week, but organizers and an official from the Athletics Association of Indonesia (PASI) said on Friday that other interested runners should show up on Sunday.

"They won't be able to get an official number, but they can run along at the end of the pack," PASI secretary-general Tigor Tanjung said.

"Jose", an expatriate resident who called The Jakarta Post on Friday to inquire about the possibility of running along with several friends, was concerned heightened security fears of recent months would lead to latecomers being barred from running.

However, Tigor said nonregistered runners would not be denied the chance to compete. "We are not making our security that tight for those who want to run," he said.

The run will start at 6:30 a.m. at the National Monument (Monas) in Central Jakarta. The route includes the main streets of Jl. Thamrin and Jl. Sudirman, with runners turning at the Semanggi cloverleaf and finishing at Monas.

Organizers announced on Thursday that 25,500 people were registered in the open category, as well as the 32 international runners in the main event and 19 athletes in the national competition.

This year's number of entrants is 2,000 more than 2004's entrants.

The Jakarta International 10, which dates back to the first 10K held in Bali in 1987, is part of the city government's efforts to promote Jakarta as an inviting, hospitable place to visit.