SCKLM2013: PRE & POST RACE CARE

Standard Chartered Kuala Lumpur Marathon (SCKLM) is my favorite race and will remain at the top of my list. And this is one of the many reasons why SCKLM is The marathon to go for; Despite the many challenges in the logistic and massive traffic along the entire 42.195km, the organiser and the entire team have made every effort to ensure the race is safe for all besides the many other programs to keep the crowd entertain throughout the event day.

The crews remain on their foot for more than 24 hours and work round the clock and many stay awake for more than 36 hours till the last runner cross that finish line. And work is still not over yet.

Due to the haze in the month of June 2013, the marathon has been postponed to September 29, 2013. The organiser also provide a platform for participants to buy/sell/exchange race bibs due to the change as some may not be able to run the race due to other prior commitment. This is definitely a commendable effort on the organiser.

Given the extra month leading up to race day, SCKLM move one step further to collaborate with Document Based Care (DBC) Physiotherapy Centre since June to reinforce the importance of health & safety of the 33,000 runners. DBC Physiotherapy Centre is an innovation developed in Finland with over 14 years of experience in musculoskeletal  system especially in athletes.

Mark Williams, the official coach of Standard Chartered KL Marathon 2013 attended a consultancy session where he underwent a baseline assessment done by a qualified physiotherapist. 

The assessment includes a series of workout activities that will be evaluated according to DBC's protocol and patient's capability. The aim is to identify pain, limitation of movement, muscle strength and over-activity of muscles. Once the physical problem has been identified, the specialist will provide a clear diagnosis to reduce the risk of any identified injury.

"I am glad that I went for the assessment as I am now aware of my physical problems. Most of the injuries come about because runners haven't done enough body-strength work or runners over trained themselves. Runners are encouraged to undergo assessments as it helps to ensure flexibility, good upper body & lower body coordination to help avoid the risk of injuries," said Mark Williams.

This year, DBC Physiotherapy Centre will manage & provide physiotherapy services to all runners who will be participating in the Standard Chartered KL Marathon. A total of 10 physiotheraphy stations will be located at Dataran Merdeka for the runners and 4 stations for the elite athletes and winners of the Marathon. The Therapeutic Team will also be on site to offer services such as Kinesio Taping & PNF Technique to treat injuries or cramps. Most importantly, the team will be providing advice and treatment to runners to avoid further problems that may arise after running the race.

“Standard Chartered KL Marathon participants have been training very hard to ensure that they are fit to run and we don’t want their goals to be effected by preventable and treatable injuries. The Marathon is a major event to our running community and we hope that the pre and post-race assessments would help to reinforce the health and safety of the participants,” said Rainer Biemans, Project Director of the Standard Chartered KL Marathon.

Its less than a month to race day. Make sure you train, hydrate and eat well before the race day. 

See you at the Start line!