Noriko, 70, to run her 1,114th marathon at BIM
Published on: Thursday, April 28, 2016
Kota Kinabalu: Participants of the Borneo International Marathon (BIM) will have the chance to run the same course as veteran runner Noriko Sakota from Japan who will run her 1,114th marathon (42km) this Sunday (May 1).Noriko's best time is 3:32:07 set in 1998 at Gyeongiu Cherry Marathon Korea and will be among the 99 Japanese runners. Noriko's record is 15th in the World Megamarathon Ranking (achievers of 300 and above marathon finishes) and the third female in the list. The list is made up mostly of international runners ranging between 60 and 80 years old.ADVERTISEMENT Noriko, 70, ran her first marathon at the age of 46. Her first run was a 10km race during a holiday with friends. She said she continues to run to discover new places and meet the locals. Noriko, a pharmacist by profession, said via e-mail that she looks forward to the run."I have never been to Sabah but everybody said it is a wonderful place to visit. I know the weather is very hot there, so my target is to finish within seven hours." About 1,000 international runners are among the 8,500 who registered with 600 volunteers on the road. ADVERTISEMENT "We are pleased that BIM is getting more international attention. It is a tourism event that is held close to another tourism event, which is the Sabah Fest," Race Director Datuk Dr Heng Aik Cheng said."Next year is our 10th year and we are expecting BIM to be bigger."
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BIM is organised by Kinabalu Running Club and is sponsored by Sabah Tourism Board, Ministry of Youth and Sports, Gleneagles Kota Kinabalu, Little Italy, Suria Sabah, AirAsia Cargo, Revive, Milo, Medal Depot, Salonpas, Raintree Furnishing, 2XU, Soleus, Moma Water, Shangri-la Tanjung Aru and Shangri-la Rasa Ria Resorts, Hard Rock Cafe KK, KPJ Sabah Specialist Hospital, KPJ Damai Specialist Hospital, Hobbies, Gogo Sabah, Boon Creative Productions and Brooks.Stay up-to-date by following Daily Express’s Telegram channel.
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This charitable race is supported by City Hall, Royal Malaysian Police, Health Department, Fire Department and the Association of International Marathon and Distance Races (Aims). Race pack collection starts Thursday on the 6th floor of Suria Sabah between 10am and 6pm.