Over 35,000 runners join Jakarta 10-km run

Updated：2007-06-18 From：Xinhuanet

JAKARTA, June 17 (Xinhua) -- More than 35,000 runners including foreign athletes from Kenya, Russia, China and so on participated in a 10 km-run through Jakarta, the capital of Indonesia on Sunday morning.

The match began at 6:30 a.m. local time, with professional runners and local marathon enthusiasts, senior and junior citizens running together.

"I took part in the marathon to celebrate my city's birthday and call on the public to do sports," Nurdin with over 70 years old said.

Because the enthusiasm of the public to join the run is very high, organizers have to limit the number of participants as the track will only be capable of accommodating 35,000 runners.

The winners of men's and women's elite category are Cheruiyot Korir and Sitienei Rita Jeptoo respectively who both come from Kenya.

Sunday's match is called A Run for Unity and is part of Jakarta's 480th anniversary celebrations.