GO FOR IT! FTKLAA Cross Country 2018 – Preview by Happy Runner
Editor’s Note
Running Blogger: Today, I attended the PRESS CONFERENCE of GO FOR IT! – FTKLAA Cross Country at Wisma OCM which was hosted by Federal Territory Kuala Lumpur Athletic Association (FTKLAA).
This year marks the 4th EDITION of such collaboration between Title Sponsor Sports Toto & Event Organiser FTKLAA with the support of DBKL which will be held at Lake Gardens KL on 29th April 2018.
My Mission: Apart from my usual gathering of useful event information, I wanted to see firsthand how FTKLAA represented and presented their OWN running events to the public and how were they coping with the MODERN EVOLUTION of the running game. The running scenario has changed significantly over the past 5 years – for better and worse – and it is easy for outdated running associations and companies to be left far behind by the highly COMPETITIVE and commercial-minded MARKET LEADERS to the extent of virtual extinction.
Frequent Visitor: At the start of my running days (circa 2011), I visited the FTKLAA office almost every other week in order to manually register for the many exciting races promoted by FTKLAA to the point that their staff would immediately recognised and acknowledged me during their races. However, as the years passed, my visits to the FTKLAA office gradually ceased because of two main reasons. Firstly, because the numbers of FTKLAA sanctioned running events were rapidly diminishing since 2012. Secondly, like many other internet-savvy runners, I was increasingly drawn to the many new and glamorous running events being promoted online by newly emerging running event companies.
I’m Back: So, you could say that today’s PC was like coming home to the ROOTS of my passion for running since I will always appreciate and respect FTKLAA for ESTABLISHING and SUPPORTING the running industry which is thriving today.
Fast & Furious: Although, I give much credit to the new gung-ho running organisers for their creativity, invention and innovation, it is sad to see FTKLAA relegated to the second division of commercial running events nowadays. Don’t get me wrong, the important FTKLAA duties of spotting and developing our talented athletes still remains but I am convinced that FTKLAA should also play a Key Role in UPHOLDING THE STANDARDS of the modern, community-based running market. How? That’s a topic for another discussion.
Ulterior Motive: Meantime, when I headed to today’s Press Conference, I was really looking for some positive signs that FTKLAA could once again be a main contender in the BUSTLING running arena. Was I disappointed, relieved or excited by my subsequent findings? Read on to FIND-OUT for yourself…
👏 CONGRATULATIONS! Sports Toto, FTKLAA and Sponsors on the launch of their 4th Edition at OCM Sports Museum & Hall of Fame, Wisma OCM, Jalan Hang Jebat, 50150 KL on 29th January 2018.
📸 PRESS CONFERENCE Of
GO FOR IT! – FTKLAA Cross Country 2018
Race Day: 29 April 2018
🏞️Venue: Taman Botani, Tasik Perdana, KL
🎩Honourable Guests | En. Karim President MAF (Absent), Mr. Leo & Datuk Vegi President & Secretary General FTKLAA respectively, Mr.Giam Communications Manager Sports Toto.
Organiser: FTKLAA
Title Sponsor: SPORTS TOTO
SPONSORS: 100Plus, Brooks, Nestlé, Berjaya Hotel, UFL, Sherif Tea, Starbucks, Watsons, AIG Insurance.
Maximum Runners: 2,000
⚡12 QUICK FACTS ABOUT Go For It!⚡
- Lake Gardens was the 1st FTKLAA Cross Country venue 32 years ago 😮
- Family & Fun Run Category introduced.
- Distances are 10km (Timing Chip), 6km (Timing Chip except Men/Women Junior) & 5km (Fun Run).
- RM11,100 Cash Awards For Top Runners. 💰
- All Finishers receive medal. 🏅
- E-Certificate with timing (except Fun Runners who will receive certificate without timing at the Finish Line).
- Participants will be entitled to Dri-Fit Tee, Light Breakfast, Goodie Bag, Bib Numbers, Certificate, and Insurance.
- Everyone will receive a UNIQUE SOUVENIR KEYCHAIN 🗝️
- Lucky Draws to be held after award ceremony 🎁
- Parents are allowed to bring their children for fun run and children below 7 years old do not need to register as they will not receive any entitlements like Tee, Medal, Goodie Bag, etc. 👨👨👧👦
- Flag Off is at 07:30 am ⏱️
- Race Kit Collection on 27 & 28 April 2018 (10am~6pm) at Mezzanine Floor, Wisma OCM, Jalan Hang Jebat, KL 👈
🚶WALK-IN REGISTRATION & more info
FTKLAA Office, 2nd Floor, Wisma OCM,
Jalan Hang Jebat, 50150 Kuala Lumpur
Tel:03-2715 2843 Email: sportftaaa@hotmail.com
📃Entry Forms can be downloaded www.ftklaa.com
💻 ONLINE REGISTRATION
➡️www.racexasia.com OR www.twentyfirstcenturysports.com
🔔 Registration Closing on 9th April 2018 or upon reaching 2,000 participants.
SPORTS TOTO
“Promoting a healthy lifestyle has been part of our corporate social responsibility efforts, hence we are happy that we are able to sponsor such a well-known event which has been held for over 30 years,” declared Sports Toto communication manager Guam Say Khoon.
He added “Having a cross country run in Kuala Lumpur, the busiest city in Malaysia makes the run a unique experience to running enthusiasts who seek a tougher challenge.”
📹 Watch my LIVE interview with Mr. Giam
➡️Part 1 (Gus Channel Season 1 Episode 10)
➡️Part 2 (Gus Channel Season 1 Episode 11)
Sports Toto is no stranger when it comes to their financial contribution to Malaysia Sports.
In fact, Sports Toto play a part in the development of national sports through substantial annual contributions to the National Sports Council.
⛹️🏃Moreover, at the community level, Sports Toto supports many reputable Sporting Events including Penang Bridge International Marathon, Sungai Petani Half Marathon, Ipoh Walk, Seremban Half Marathon, Kota Kinabalu Sutera Harbour 7k Charity Run, Kenny Rogers Roasters Chicken Run and Sports Toto High School Basketball Tournament.
🏃🍃 IS THIS REAL CROSS COUNTRY?
Mr. Leo (President of FTKLAA) admitted that only 30% of the route can be considered cross country terrain such semi-forest, parks up and down slopes, concrete staircase, cordon off grass paths and running around the lake twice.
According to Datuk Vegiyathuman, when the first FTKLAA Cross Country took place in Tasik Perdana KL (now known as Taman Botani Tasik Perdana) 32 years ago, there were many huge trees and no jogging track which was suitable for cross country event. However, the landscape has changed since then, but for the convenient and central location of Lake Gardens, FTKLAA has stuck to this iconic and beautiful KL venue.
DOES FTKLAA MATTER?
After listening to the enthusiasm for running in the voices of the FTKLAA leaders and their genuine intention to give ALL RUNNERS the best running experience with the help of the supportive Sponsors, I believe that FTKLAA deserve the support of the running community. Furthermore, I hope many more Event Organisers and Sponsors will start communicating and even collaborating more with our Running Custodian in order to jointly RAISE the standards of running events and thus, STRENGTHEN the fabric of our Running Base for future development of talents, as well as instill greater COMMUNITY SPIRIT among old, young, elite and weekend runners alike.
WHO SHOULD REGISTER?
✔️New Runners who want a MEMORABLE RUN.
✔️️ Elite & Regular Runners to remind themselves of their important RUNNING ROOTS.
✔️ Families who want to spend QUALITY TIME outdoors.
✔️ School Children who need a SAFE ENVIRONMENT to run in.
✔️ Anyone who like to partake in a HEALTHY COMMUNITY sports.
12 HAPPY RUNNING TIPS 👍
- Register early and bring along your family and friends for a great Sunday.
- Train and jog/run a minimum of 10km every week to prepare for this challenge.
- Don’t miss the kit collection days.
- Wear proper running shoes, not walking shoes.
- At some of the climbs, you may be required to queue for SAFETY, and don’t push other runners.
- Arrive at the venue, no later than 1 hour before flag off times.
- Park cars ONLY at designated parking zones such as at National Monument, Children Playground, Multi-level Car-Park (opposite Bukit Aman).
- Parents must take FULL RESPONSIBILITY of their children below 7 years throughout the event.
- Always respect and FOLLOW the guidance and instructions of the official marshals.
- Don’t stray off the marked course for own SAFETY.
- If you have any DOUBTS about your physical or medical condition, please CONSULT a doctor prior to joining any run.
- Always be respective of FELLOW runners and keep our ENVIRONMENT clean.
Some QUESTIONS & ANSWERS
Q: What Happens If GE14 Falls On Race Day?
A: Vote after the run, but don’t wear our event Tee to polling booth! (Editor’s Comment: A refreshing run before voting will clear your mind!)
Q: Are Foreign Runners Welcomed?
A: Yes, if they have a PR Status. (Editor’s Comment: This is to prevent serial professional runners living abroad sweeping all top prizes.)
Q: Why only take in 2,000 participants?
A: This is to ensure, there is no overcrowding at the race venue and for safety along the route. (Editor’s Comment: With less runners, the Event Crew can focus better on delivering a QUALITY RUNNING EXPERIENCE.) 🏞️🏃🍃
BLUE SKIES AHEAD
With running events becoming more profit-centred and more gimmicky, the time is right for FTKLAA to take up the middle ground and lift up those running events which are below par, as well as reign in those mega ones who have neglected the IMPORTANT Basic Needs of Runners in chasing for maximum profit$.
It is great to see FTKLAA making huge efforts in trying to update themselves and stay in touch with the major shifts in the modern spoken rules of the local running game.
SOCIAL MEDIA ACKNOWLEDGED
Being a Running Blogger, I was deeply encouraged by Datuk Vegiyathuman statement, “We have to thank and take note of the running bloggers CRITIQUE of running events which have significantly helped RAISE the standard of running events today”….
More LIVE VIDEOS coming!
*Disclaimer*
To the best of my knowledge, all of the information provided herein is accurate at the time of publishing and the views expressed are based on my own personal opinions and findings, and they don’t necessarily reflect the views of the Product Manufacturer, Event Organiser or any Third Party unless explicitly specified otherwise.
About The Author
Gus Ghani is the Founder of Running Toons and a HIIT Fitness Coach, and Magazine Columnist. He has contributed numerous insightful articles to The Star newspaper, Running Malaysia Magazine, and Cycling Malaysia Magazine. LIKE Happy Runner for RUNNING UPDATES, Gus Rider for CYCLING NEWS, Gus Ghani for SPORTS INFOTAINMENT and FOLLOW gusghani @IG for LIFESTYLE.
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I find useful for my assignment. thank you.
You’re most welcome