SCKLM 2014 TO INCLUDE ‘MR MONTY’ THE MONITOR LIZARD!

- Children’s book fictional character, ‘Mr Monty’ to run for Hospis Malaysia, a charity partner of Standard Chartered KL Marathon 2014

Kuala Lumpur, 2 September 2014 – The Standard Chartered KL Marathon 2014 will experience another highlight this year with the presence of ‘Mr Monty’, a fictional character in a children’s book by Gail Featherstone, wife of the former British High Commissioner, the late Simon Featherstone. Donning a 6ft. monitor lizard suit, ‘Mr Monty’ is set to take on the 5km Fun Run category on Race Day, 12th October 2014.

Gloria Ng, Director of Dirigo Events, owner and event organiser of the Standard Chartered KL Marathon 2014 said:

“Over the years, we have witnessed a number of highlights including runners in costumes. It is no easy feat, especially in the Malaysian weather coupled with the weight of the costume! As the Marathon organisers, we applaud the determination and creativity of the runners. These efforts are a good reflection of our tagline this year- Committed. Confident. Courageous.”

“Furthermore, giving back to society has always been our cause under the Run For A Reason programme. This is the second consecutive year we have Hospis Malaysia as our charity partner and we truly appreciate the organisation’s proactivity in making the Marathon more meaningful.”

Under Run For A Reason, runners who pledge to Hospis Malaysia will raise funds from the public. The funds raised by Hospis Malaysia under Run For A Reason will be channelled into patient services and training in palliative care. Proceeds from the sales of the children’s book ‘Mr Monty’s Treat’, also go to Hospis Malaysia.

“We are indeed thankful for the contributions by Standard Chartered KL Marathon and the British High Commission. Through their efforts, we are confident that more awareness can be focused on palliative care,” said Hospis Malaysia General Manager, Tham Su Ming.

Gail Featherstone, author of the book added, "It is good to see that ‘Mr Monty’ is keeping up the fitness campaign which he started by climbing Mount Kinabalu in May with his friends from the British High Commission. I wish him all the best for this latest challenge and his ongoing efforts to publicise the work of hospice care in general and children's palliative care in particular. Go ‘Mr Monty’!"

This year will be Standard Chartered KL Marathon’s sixth installation. Hospis Malaysia is a returning charity partner for the second year. Apart from it, other charity partners under the Run For A Reason programme include the Standard Chartered Foundation, The National Autism Society of Malaysia and the Malaysia Nature Society.

For more information on Standard Chartered KL Marathon and Run For A Reason, please visit www.kl-marathon.com or call +603 7886 1717.