​NEW EVENT – NBOS Run & Ride 2016

M Sports, Remember That Name

I am always on the lookout for new and interesting events to cover, and so, I signed-up for this inaugural fun two-in-one run or bike event which is the first of its kind to be held at the majestic Putrajaya International Convention Centre (PICC). The real deciding factor was to support my good buddy, Race Director Prem who has been instrumental in the success of BSN Putrajaya Night Marathon in the past, and now, this was to be his first event under his new company, M Sports.

On a side note, many event organisers nowadays do not have a clue what we, citizen runners, need, and they are predominantly occupied with maximising profits or with making a fast buck. Therefore, I always prefer to support one from our own running community and organisers who not only understand the runner’s psyche, but they genuinely want to give runners a memorable experience.

RD Prem (Right)

Race Kit Collection

One week prior to race day, I collected my bib at Viva Mall in Cheras with minimal fuss. Given Prem’s hands-on approach working style and his meticulous attention to detail, he was on-site hand to ensure his crew carried-out their assigned duties efficiently, and he helped handled any queries from the collecting runners.

Rewarding Race Day

The substantial cash prize allocated for the top 10 spots attracted many local elite runners, including our running star Sheela who was fresh from her half marathon national record-breaking run at the previous weekend’s Standard Chartered Kuala Lumpur Marathon 2016. I guess that I too would get out of bed for the chance to earn RM1,500 for 40 minutes work! I am a big fan of Sheela, by the way, and her presence and other runners of her high-caliber elevates the status of any event in which they join.

Many of the approximately 500 runners of the 11km category were still recovering from the SCKLM 2016, and they were still basking in the after-glow of such an enjoyable running experience. Unfortunately, the VVIP contingency was 15 minutes late to flag us off, but for such a short distance, I was not going to make an issue about it and spoil such a beautiful sunny morning.

Omar (L) and Lee (R)

Start Slow & Finish Strong

It was quite a while ago since, I ran barefoot, and so, I thought this was a good opportunity to give my running shoes a break and at the same time, I wanted to test my feet condition without the support offered by wearing shoes. Fortunately, the route was barefoot-friendly, and I managed to give my feet a good pain-free workout.

I was happy to run at a slow pace in the first half, and I spent some time running along Omar  ‘Monster Head’ as we compared running notes.

As soon as I hit the halfway U-turn mark, I started to increase my pace, and started to reel in some runners who were running out of gas. Overall, I was pleased with my cardio and the soles of my feet were holding up nicely. Unofficially, my time was close to 1 hour 15 minutes for the 11km distance, and it felt good to shake-off the stiffness and fatigue of the last weekend’s long marathon.

As I jubilantly crossed the finish line, I collected my cool medal and quickly snacked on the cream buns, curry puff and bananas provided. The mass of 2,000 11km and 5km finishers were sitting in groups, recuperating and enjoying each other’s company under a clear blue-sky.

I caught up with Happy Runner contest winner, Jia Wei 

who had enjoyed her recovery run before facing her next challenge, PJ Half Marathon on the following Sunday.

Jai Wei (Right)

I met fastest University 5,000m & 10,000m Runner, Soh Wai Ching, who came in 4th Place despite still recovering from the Singapore University Track Meet a few weeks ago. Come and Cheer On Wai Ching & our other upcoming track runners!

Good Value Pack

What makes this event a success – Great Venue, Nice Route, Helpful Marshals and Volunteers, Quality Medal, Timing Chip, Ample Water and Isotonic Drinks, Attractive Tee, Post-race Snack, Plenty Parking Space + Big Prize Money.

Watch ecstatic Citizen Runner Mr. Lee at the 11km Finish Line & 5km Fun Runners.

Surprise Guest Appearance

The crowd was entertained by a live performance by Rock Queen Ella, and we sang along to her popular ballads.

Special Acknowledgements

A big thank you to Prem, his Crew and M Sports for putting together a great show. I cannot wait to join more of their events in the near future as they continue to gain more practical experience.

Thank you to NBOS (National Blue Ocean Strategy), Putrajaya Municipality and Community, Brooks, and Event Partners.

Thank you to my Sponsors, N8 Sports Nutrition and Casio Exilim Malaysia.  

Congratulations to all the Winners, Community Recycle Charity Runner Edwin, and all the amazing participants.

Moral Of The Story

As I drove away from the venue smiling, I reminded myself that it’s not the hype and the size of running events that matters, but rather, a great event is determined by how well every runner is looked after in terms of giving them value-for-money running experience, proper facilities and 5-star service….how nice!

About The Author

Gus is the Founder of Running Toons and a HIIT Fitness Coach. As a freelance 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

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