Latecomers can run along with 10K pack

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.