Malaysia Women Marathon 2016 – Press Conference

Visit Selangor

On 19th January 2016, the Sponsors, Partners, Associates, Media, and invited Friends of Malaysia Women Marathon (MWM) gathered at IJM Taman Rimbayu showroom in Shah Alam for the official launching of the 4th installment of MWM 2016 which is sponsored by Selangor Tourism (represented by YB Elizabeth Wong) the Standing Committee of Youths and Sport (YB Amirudin Shari), and the Standing Committee of Women Development Affair (YB Daroyah Alwi).

The Half Marathon Sponsor was represented by Norlia Yusof, Chief Investment Officer of ETIQA Insurance Bhd.

Mr. Edward Chong, Managing Director of IJM Land represented the venue host for Race Entitlement Collection Pack.

The Official Media is NTV7. Newton Malaysia is the official shoes. Garmin is the official watch. Columbia Asia is the official hospital. Representatives from Prolintas, Shah Alam Town Municipality & Selangor Amateur Athletic Association were also present.

Pink Ribbon Event

There is no nobler cause than supporting the betterment of the lives of women in our country. Since its inception in 2013, the principal objective of Malaysia Women Marathon (MWM) is to inspire every woman to run together and strengthen the bonds of sisterhood. As Race Director, Karen Loh  points out, “In the world, there are only 4 women-only marathons, and we can be proud that Malaysia is one of them, beside Osaka, Yokohama and Nagoya Women Marathon.”.

Running Against Injustice

Even in today’s modern, advanced and globalised world, the old-age problem of discrimination and violence against women still haunts us. What is the point of giving Women the right to vote if there are still Women subjected to sexual discrimination in the workplace, and physical abuse at home. In reality, there is no quick-fix solution to gender inequality. However, we can all make a difference today if we can learn to understand, appreciate and respect the important roles that Women play in our society as mothers, wives, workers, entrepreneurs and leaders.

Malaysia Women Marathon is making a difference by, firstly, giving Women the opportunity to build their self-esteem and self-confidence through the positive impact of running. Secondly, MWM is elevating the social status of women by giving them an exclusive platform to demonstrate that women are physically and mentally tough enough to take on any difficult challenge such as running a daunting full marathon.

Men Wanted Too

The Men are encouraged to give support to the Women as a pacer or as part of the cheering squad. After all, there will be many women runners there who will be anxious about running their first 10km, 21km or 42km on the 6th March 2016, and to them, the difference between success and failure could be having their loved ones running alongside them or their family waiting at the finish line, waiting to give them a big hug. Success is always sweeter when we have someone with whom we can share it.

Spirit Of Togetherness

What makes MWM outstanding is the special way in which the participants are encouraged to train together, support each other and finally, run together.

Being part of the MWM Family means training together at the scheduled running clinics;  inspiring each other during the many running-related workshops and discussion forums planned on 4th & 5th March 2016; and most importantly, it is about knowing that a friend is always with you every step of your running journey.

Just look at the inspirational guest-speakers lined up:-

Global Mission

There is more at stake here than just running to beat your best time. I am not exaggerating when I say that by participating in MWM 2016, you are courageously helping our society to eradicate gender discrimination and send a strong message of unity and hope for a better world under the tagline – “Run Sisters, Run”.

In closing, as a running couple, my wife and I are eagerly looking forward to run in our second MWM together, and to try-out the new full marathon route. The only question left is whether I should run in a skirt…

For more information and to sign-up, click HERE.

About The Author

Gus is the Founder of Running Toons, and he is passionate about endurance sports. As a sports writer, he has contributed numerous insightful articles to The Star newspaper, Running Malaysia magazine, Cycling Malaysia magazine, Cycling Evolution magazine, Swim Bike Run magazine and more. LIKE Happy Runner and follow gusghani @Instagram.