​The Running Diva Pinktober Malaysia 2016 – Press Conference 

Organiser And Beneficiary

The Pullman Lakeside Putrajaya was the backdrop of the press conference for The Running Diva Pinktober Malaysia 2016 (TRDPM 2016), a combination of 10km and 3km running event which is organised by Superheroes Race event organiser, NM Galaxy, in collaboration with the Official Beneficiary, National Cancer Society Malaysia (NCSM).

What Is Running Diva?

As Race Director Ariff explained, “My friends and I were getting bored with the same old running events… and so, NM Galaxy came up with our first exciting Running Diva Series in March 2016, whereby 1,000 runners celebrated International Women’s Day by running at Universiti Malaya.”

In this second Pinktober series, which will be held on 23rd October 2016 at Putrajaya Aquatic Centre in Precinct 6, Ariff hopes that at least 2,500 runners will turn-up in order to enjoy a fun run like no other, and at the same time, the participants will be able to support the National Cancer Society Malaysia (NCSM) during October which is the international month for Breast Cancer Awareness. According to the NCSM Head of Cancer & Health Screening Clinic, Dr. Dalilah Kamaruddin, “1 out of 19 women are suffering from breast cancer which is the most common cause of cancer in women.”

Celebrating 50th Anniversary

NCSM offers the public a comprehensive and state-of-the-art health and cancer screening facilities at its headquarters in Kuala Lumpur such as mammograms for breast cancer, pap smear for ovarian cancer, and so forth. To help the public with the screening costs, NCSM offers some subsidised rates, as well as various screening packages. NCSM has branch offices in Johor, Sarawak, Perak, Negeri Sembilan, Penang and Melaka. Furthermore, NCSM has a care centre for children cancer patients situated in Hospital Kuala Lumpur. For more relevant information, please visit their website.

Cancer Is Indiscriminatory

Dr. Dalilah pointed-out ominously, “Every 12 minutes, a person is diagnosed with some form of cancer, and cancer does not discriminate against age, gender or race.”

It can happen to you or me without any warning.

She added, “Out of the total cancer patients, 55% are WOMEN and 45% are MEN.” Watch my EXCLUSIVE LIVE INTERVIEW Parts 1 and 2 with Dr. Dalilah as she explains why having cancer doesn’t have to be a “death sentence”, and how your participation in The Running Diva will support Breast Cancer Awareness campaign.

Surviving Cancer

The most poignant moment at the press conference was when Cancer Survivor and Event Ambassador Puan Zaiton Mohamad, who had come all the way from Johor with her husband Jimmy, shared her touching story with the audience of how she battled and survived cancer when in 2012, she was diagnosed with 3rd stage ovarian cancer. Zaiton explained how close she was to death as a result of having to undergo a major surgery and chemotherapy sessions. Zaiton recalled with sadness, “The doctors could not say if I would live or die, and many people had thought that I would not survive for long. However, my daughter’s bedside plea of ‘You can’t die, mummy’, gave me the will to battle through the unbearable pain.” Zaiton went to great lengths to understand her illness, and she credited her recovery to exercising, deep breathing, eating balanced meals, adequate sleep and adopting a stress-free life. Zaiton is making full use of her second chance in life as she continues her role as Music Lecturer, as well as a spokesperson for Cancer Patients and Survivors.

Watch my LIVE INTERVIEW with zealous Zaiton, and discover how she is helping countless Cancer Patients.

REGISTER NOW and be part of the global Breast Cancer movement!

Fast And Slow Runners Welcome

Timing Chip is available for 10km categories for those who aim for a podium finish or you may want to go for your Personal Best Time.

On the hand, the 3km category (without timing chip) are for the fun runners or newbies who prefer a more leisurely running pace, while enjoying the colourful Diva Running experience with thousands of other Pinktober Participants!

Young And Restless

Although, the minimum age for 10K is 18-years old and the minimum age for 3K is 4-years old,those who are under the required age limit, may still register by signing the waiver release form first.

Furthermore, parents are allowed to push their toddlers in strollers for the 3km category only at their own risk and responsibility.

Dress Like A Boss

Runners can dress in their best BLING BLING Diva Running Costume or you can simply purchase a specially made Tutu at TixTac website in order to add even more colour and spice to this exciting carnival.

Strength In Numbers

With the full co-operation of NM Galaxy, National Cancer Society Malaysia, Venue Partner Pullman Lakeside Putrajaya, The Co-Sponsors, The Police and all The Friends of Running Diva, we can help NCSM to “Educate, Care And Support” Cancer Patients and their Families by making this event a success.

Taking Group Photo 1 & 2.

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 for RUNNING UPDATES, Gus Rider for CYCLING NEWS, Gus Ghani for SPORTS INFOTAINMENT and FOLLOW gusghani @IG for LIFESTYLE.