Myanmar is now less than two months away from runners taking to the streets of its stunning and diverse commercial capital for the Yoma Yangon International Marathon (YYIM) 2016, according to a press release on 23 November.
With the 18 December registration deadline in sight, public interest in the event is building and race slots are quickly being filled, with more than 3,500 registered - setting up the YYIM 2016 to be the largest yet.
To celebrate the upcoming marathon and educate runners on health and safety, joint organisers, Yoma Strategic (YOMA), First Myanmar Investment (FMI) and Yangon City Development Committee (YCDC), held the YYIM 2016 launch event on the ground floor of Hleden Center from 10:00 am to 8:30 pm on 23 November.
Participants were treated to performances by Charity Ambassador Lung Sitt Ja Moon (Ah Moon) and a surprise appearance from Sai Sai Khan Hlaing, warm-up demonstrations by Move Myanmar Gym and product showcases from Shiseido. Throughout the afternoon, marathon enthusiasts played 100PLUS games and revelled in the pre-marathon excitement.
To encourage Marathon sign-up, international and local runners who registered at the launch event were offered the special Early Bird discount rate. Additionally, Red Cross Myanmar shared tips on how to run the marathon safely. Similarto last year, the Red Cross will support the YYIM 2016 by providing health care and emergency first aid.
“As the YYIM 2016 quickly approaches and registration numbers grow we are delighted to see excitement from past marathon runners and new participants alike. From our social contribution to entertainment to race routes, with each passing year we strive to create a bigger and better event,” said U Nyan Min Soe, YYIM Project Manager, Yoma Strategic Holdings, Ltd. “Of course, we could not do this without the continued support of our sponsors, who provide vital services and fun experiences for runners and their friends and families on race day." Sponsors of the YYIM 2016 include 100PLUS, Mitsubishi and Shiseido.
Aligned with the charity theme of “Run for Children,” the philanthropic component introduced last year will again use the race as a platform to raise funds for Su Taung Pyae Youth Development Centre and Aung Za Bu Youth Development Centre. Returning from 2015, popular Myanmar singer and songwriter Sai Sai Kham Leng and singer Lung Sitt Ja Moon (Ah Moon) will act as Charity Ambassadors, as they mobilise their families, friends and fans to raise awareness of the selected charities.
Registration for the YYIM 2016 is open until 18 December 2015.
