Ruwiyati banned from half marathon

JAKARTA (JP): The Southeast Asian Games women's marathon gold medalist, Ruwiyati, from the Salatiga, Central Java-based Tiger Locomotive club has been banned from defending her Asia Pacific Nitoh Half Marathon title in Bali because she registered late.

"Ruwiyati's registration form was returned several days ago by the organizers," manager and coach Alwi Mugiyanto was quoted by Antara Monday, in reference to the Oct. 27 race.

It is the second time Ruwiyati has been excluded from a marathon. The 18-year-old runner was barred from defending her title in the 14th National Games last month as a new International Amateur Athletic Federation regulation does not allow a runner under the age of 20 to participate in marathons. (yan)