When I joined 10,000 Participants for Malaysia’s inaugural Spartan Race on the weekend of 10-10-2015, to coincide with the launch of Hari Sukan Negara, I was instantly captivated by this unique event which had challenged my body, mind and spirit.
To be a true Spartan, one needs not only some degree of physical strength, but equally important, one needs to display the important characteristic of every worthy Spartan, that of the ‘Spartan Grit’.
What Is The Spartan Grit?
Well, it consists of the following 4⃣ key principles :-
1⃣GET STRONGER
Well, it is about banding together with your fellow Spartans – family, friends and strangers – and overcoming the specially-made obstacles which are purposely built to test your mental and physical strength.
2⃣DIG DEEP
It’s about tapping into your inner strength and battling against the inner demons of self-doubt and fear. After completing the course, every Finisher is overcome by a powerful feeling of personal satisfaction and self-empowerment.
3⃣HELP OTHERS
It’s about unselfishly helping fellow Spartans who are in trouble, and making sure no one is left behind. This principle of brotherhood is what binds together the growing legions of Spartans across the globe in over 120 countries.
4⃣TRAINING FOR IT
Spartan Races, like any sport, you will need a basic level of fitness and some specialised skills to successfully complete the challenging obstacle course, and avoid unwanted injuries.
To help the Participants prepare for the upcoming Semenyih Sprint, Spartan Malaysia in partnership with ‘Rebel Boot Camp’ had organised a Mass Workout at Victoria Institution in the heart of Kuala Lumpur.
BRIEFING BY RACE DIRECTOR David Tully
Around 8am, 78 eager Spartans gathered on the playing field where RD Dave welcomed and gave us an update on the upcoming Semenyih Sprint. Interestingly, Dave mentioned that the Semenyih will have 4 water crossings, plus there will be a special area at the race venue for the exclusive use of Trifecta Finishers who will be given a distinguishing pin during race day registration.
Tough Trio
Then, Dave selected 3 die-hard Spartan fans for a Burpees Challenge, and afterwards, all 3 Challengers were rewarded with Spartan Malaysia goodie bag as prizes for their feisty efforts.
The Rebel Boot Camp Team, led by Senior Coach Jonathan, orchestrated a wonderful workout session which left us fully energised.
We started with a much needed 15 minutes warm-up drill to shake-off any Sunday morning sleepiness by jogging and stretching.
Then, we were grouped in Teams of 9 members, and for the next 90 minutes, each team executed 20 different exercises designed to work the total body under the instructions and watchful eyes of the 4 helpful Fitness Coaches.
We had one water-break in between the jumping, the crawling, and doing all the heart-pumping drills.
It was my first time meeting with the dedicated and jovial members of the Spartan Malaysia Team.
I took this opportunity to learn more about their exciting plans, and high aspirations for the Malaysia scene.
Shukor (Left) & Husin (Centre)
Finally, I met-up with FB Contest Winner Husin and his younger brother, Shukor, who both won a free slot each for Semenyih Sprint courtesy of Spartan Malaysia. Remembering how excited I was just prior to my first Spartan Race, I wished them a good start to their new Spartan Race experience come 12 March 2017.
Shamsul (L) & Gary (R)
Special shout-out goes to Spartan Newbies Shamsul, Munir and the fun-loving TTDI-gang who looked like they would all fit well into our ever growing Spartan Race Malaysia family.
Congratulations to all the Participants who sacrificed their Sunday sleep-in to workout. Come Race Day, remember that this totally new course will pose the same challenges to a first-timer, as it would an elite racer. 🍀Good Luck!
Race Director David Tully (Far Right)
🇲🇾Thank you to Spartan Malaysia for graciously allowing me to cover this event. I hope that you continue to successfully uphold the true Spartan Race traditions in sunny Malaysia for many, many more years to come🌞
Thank you to the Rebel Boot Camp Coaches who took pity on us, and cut us a little slack during the strenuous workout – You Rock💪
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 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.
🚴 Cycling Event | Mount Jerai Switchback Ride 2017
DATE | 02 April 2017 (Sunday)
VENUE | Mount Jerai, Kedah
DISTANCE | 20KM
BIKE TYPE | Road Bike & MTB
FLAG-OFF | 08:00am
ORGANISER | Nich Malaysia
👥TOTAL CYCLISTS | 500
DOUBLE YOUR PLEASURE with…
TWIN RUNNING EVENT | Mount Jerai Switchback Run 2017 on 1st April 2017!!
EDITOR’S NOTE
Admittedly, I have a soft spot for amazing Kedah and her gentile communities. Each time, I visit Kedah, the sight of Mount Jerai towering 1200m over the surrounding rice paddy fields, never fails to capture my imagination.
So, when I heard that Nich Malaysia was organising a run up Mount Jerai, the idea caught my attention. However, the thought of traveling all the way to Kedah for just a 12km run seemed like too much hard work.
Then, when I further learnt that on the very next day, Nich Malaysia was also organising a ride up Mount Jerai, my first thought was, “Now, that’s more like it!”. After that, I quickly signed-up for both back-to-back events as I was determined to make my first trip to Mount Jerai worthwhile and jam-packed with excitement.
Q1. Why Did You Decide To Hold A Back2Back Running & Cycling Event?
RD Isnie: “We are staging 2 different events over 2 days as we wanted to give the opportunity to both Runners and Cyclists to unite in a common challenge.”
Q2. What Are Your Primary Objectives Of Staging These 2 Events?
RD Isnie: “We decided to hold both events to comprehensively promote both cycling and running to locals and visitors, as well as highlight the spectacular Gunung Jerai.
Q3. What Makes This Venue Special?
RD Isnie: “Definitely, the steep switchbacks or hairpin route to the top.” (He said with a sinister grin.)
Q4. What Can Participants Look To?
RD Isnie: Participants will be able to run or cycle in a very shady, green, cooling and refreshing environment, besides the challenging journey up to the top.
Q5. What Kind Of People Should Join These Events?
RD Isnie: “We feel that this event should appeal to all runner and cyclist who love nature and new challenge, regardless if they are elites or amateurs.”
Q6. Will There Be Timing Chip For Both Events?
RD Isnie: “Only cycling🚴”
Q7. Where Do You Recommend To Stay For Outstation Participants?
RD Isnie: “The Regency Jerai is our Venue Partner, and there are also hotels and homestays available nearby to suit your budget.”
RACE KIT COLLECTION
🏤Where? Lobby of Museum Wan Mat Saman
⏳When? Friday, 31 March 2017, 10am-6pm and Saturday, 1 April 2017, 3pm-7pm
Recently, I invested in a Garmin GPS Running Watch (Forerunner 235) because I wanted a wrist-based heart rate monitor.
Keeping constant tabs on your heart condition could be the difference between Life and Death whenever you are exercising, and more so for Runners and Cyclists whose heart rate are often maxed-out.
For this tough hill climb 1,200m to the peak of Mount Jerai, I will maintain my heart rate below my recommended maximum threshold.
How To Calculate Your Maximum HR (Heart Rate)?
⌨Deduct your Age from 220 and multiply the figure by “0.9”.
For example, if you’re 30-years old, then your Recommend Maximum HR = (220-30) x 0.9
= 190 x 0.9 = 171 bpm (beat per minute).
Note that for a fit person, the Maximum HR Threshold could me more.
If unsure, stick to the recommended rate or consult your physician.
Did You Know?
Wan Man Saman Aqueduct or Terusan Wan Man Saman is the longest aqueduct in Malaysia. The total length is 36 km, connecting Sungai Kedah at Alor Star to Gurun in the south of Kedah. It was built between 1885 and 1896 at the order of Menteri Besar of Kedah at the time, Wan Mat Saman. The structure enables Kedah to boost its rice production and through it, enables Kedah to earn the nickname “Malaysia’s rice bowl”.
😄 Event Organiser promised to provide GPS Coordinates for Start Line & address for Museum Wan Mat Saman at the time of posting.
😄 No more rooms available at Regency Jerai.
*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 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.
🏃🗻Mount Jerai Switchback Run 2017 – Event Preview
EVENT REVIEW BY HAPPY RUNNER
🏃Running Event | Mount Jerai Switchback Run 2017
DATE | 01 April 2017 (Saturday)
VENUE | Mount Jerai, Kedah
DISTANCE | 12KM
TYPE | Road Race, Uphill
FLAG-OFF | 08:00am
ORGANISER | Nich Malaysia
👥TOTAL RUNNERS | 1,000
{TWIN CYCLING EVENT | Mount Jerai Switchback Ride 2017 on 2nd April 2017}
EDITOR’S NOTE
Admittedly, I have a soft spot for amazing Kedah and her gentile communities. Each time, I visit Kedah, the sight of Mount Jerai towering 1200m over the surrounding rice paddy fields, never fails to capture my imagination.
So, when I heard that Nich Malaysia was organising a run up Mount Jerai, the idea caught my attention. However, the thought of traveling all the way to Kedah for just a 12km run seemed like too much hard work.
Then, when I further learnt that on the very next day, Nich Malaysia was also organising a ride up Mount Jerai, my first thought was, “Now, that’s more like it!”. After that, I quickly signed-up for both back-to-back events as I was determined to make my first trip to Mount Jerai worthwhile and jam-packed with excitement.
Q1. Why Did You Decide To Hold A Back2Back Running & Cycling Event?
RD Isnie: “We are staging 2 different events over 2 days as we wanted to give the opportunity to both Runners and Cyclists to unite in a common challenge.”
Q2. What Are Your Primary Objectives Of Staging These 2 Events?
RD Isnie: “We decided to hold both events to comprehensively promote both cycling and running to locals and visitors, as well as highlight the spectacular Gunung Jerai.
Q3. What Makes This Venue Special?
RD Isnie: “Definitely, the steep switchbacks or hairpin route to the top.” (He said with a sinister grin.)
Q4. What Can Participants Look To?
RD Isnie: Participants will be able to run or cycle in a very shady, green, cooling and refreshing environment, besides the challenging journey up to the top.
Q5. What Kind Of People Should Join These Events?
RD Isnie: “We feel that this event should appeal to all runner and cyclist who love nature and new challenge, regardless if they are elites or amateurs.”
Q6. Will There Be Timing Chip For Both Events?
RD Isnie: “Only cycling🚴”
Q7. Where Do You Recommend To Stay For Outstation Participants?
RD Isnie: “The Regency Jerai is our Venue Partner, and there are also hotels and homestays available nearby to suit your budget.”
RACE KIT COLLECTION
🏤Where? Lobby of Museum Wan Mat Saman
⏳When? Friday, 31 March 2017, 10am-6pm and Saturday, 1 April 2017, 3pm-7pm
Recently, I invested in a Garmin GPS Running Watch (Forerunner 235) because I wanted a wrist-based heart rate monitor.
Keeping constant tabs on your heart condition could be the difference between Life and Death whenever you are exercising, and more so for Runners and Cyclists whose heart rate are often maxed-out.
For this tough hill climb 1,200m to the peak of Mount Jerai, I will maintain my heart rate below my recommended maximum threshold.
How To Calculate Your Maximum HR (Heart Rate)?
⌨Deduct your Age from 220 and multiply the figure by “0.9”.
For example, if you’re 30-years old, then your Recommend Maximum HR = (220-30) x 0.9
= 190 x 0.9 = 171 bpm (beat per minute).
Note that for a fit person, the Maximum HR Threshold could me more.
If unsure, stick to the recommended rate or consult your physician.
Did You Know?
Wan Man Saman Aqueduct or Terusan Wan Man Saman is the longest aqueduct in Malaysia. The total length is 36 km, connecting Sungai Kedah at Alor Star to Gurun in the south of Kedah. It was built between 1885 and 1896 at the order of Menteri Besar of Kedah at the time, Wan Mat Saman. The structure enables Kedah to boost its rice production and through it, enables Kedah to earn the nickname “Malaysia’s rice bowl”.
😄 Event Organiser promised to provide GPS Coordinates for Start Line & address for Museum Wan Mat Saman at the time of posting.
😄 No more rooms available at Regency Jerai.
*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 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.
Greetings Cyclists! After much anticipation, I can share with some exclusive and comprehensive report on the upcoming 4th Edition of this hugely popular Night Highway Ride.
If you have read my Race Review of last year’s amazing ride in The Star newspaper dated 21 May 2016, you would notice that I was very impressed by the quality of this event and the uniqueness of riding on a fully closed highway in the night. So, I was delighted to be invited to their Media Launch recently in order to find-out exactly what more could we expect this year.
TOP QUALITY RIDE
Since there is so much detailed information provided during the Media Launch, I have first summarised the key points for you :-
✔Event Organiser & Partners agreed to keep it a night ride which adds to its unique appeal.
✔ Excellent CSR platform to promote a healthy lifestyle and to nurture junior cyclists.
🔦🚧Fully Lit Highway & Total Road Closure
☑Two-Day Public Cycling Carnival (NEW)
☑Cycling Jersey will be made of quality material from Italy (NEW).
RHB Shimano Highway Ride @ LEKAS 2017 Set To Attract 4,000 Cyclists ‘A premier cycling event’ Kuala Lumpur, 17 February 2017 – The RHB Shimano Highway Ride @ LEKAS 2017 is set to receive a bigger turnout of more than 4,000 local and foreign cyclists. The 4th edition of the race has been scheduled for 15 April 2017. The event will showcase many exciting programmes and activities lined-up for participants and the public in a carnival-like atmosphere. The annual cycling event is held in collaboration with the RHB Banking Group, Shimano and Lebuhraya Kajang-Seremban Sdn Bhd (LEKAS Highway), a member of IJM Corporation Berhad’s Toll Division. The race is a premier cycling event in Malaysia with a unique experience in night cycling on a closed highway. The route starts and ends at the Kajang Selatan Toll Plaza, Lebuhraya Kajang Seremban E21 (LEKAS Highway). “The RHB Shimano Highway Ride attracted many cycling enthusiasts from 16 countries in the 2016 race, namely Singapore, U.S, U.K, Japan, China, Hong Kong, Finland, Germany, Cambodia and Indonesia. Over the years, we have seen a growing interest in participation, particularly due to the challenge and uniqueness a night cycling race offers on our closed-off highway. It will continue to be a much anticipated race in the sports calendar of the cycling communities.” said Albertt Leong, Race Director of GoSportz.
COMMUNITY REACH
“RHB is pleased to be part of the RHB Shimano Highway Ride @ LEKAS 2017, for the second consecutive year. Our participation is part of the Group’s commitment to promote healthy living among members of the public, our customers and our employees. In fact, we periodically hold cycling and recreational activities for our employees every year. This year RHB’s Affluent Banking Division is sponsoring 50 of its Premier customers to take part in this race, and we are confident that this event will contribute towards awareness on staying active and healthy,” said Norazzah Sulaiman, Group Chief Marketing & Communications Officer, RHB Banking Group. Shimano believes that the RHB Shimano Highway Ride @ LEKAS 2017 will fulfil its aims to create a unique, professional and safe event for all the participants. “Shimano’s value-creating philosophy is not only dedicated to the manufacturing of our products, but also to enriching and enhancing participants’ enjoyment of this year’s event. We will continue to contribute and support the cycling culture in Malaysia and we hope to garner greater support from the public in the years ahead.” said Aaron Wong, Assistant Manager of Shimano. Yap Pak How, Assistant General Manager of LEKAS Highway, said, “As a venue sponsor, LEKAS from IJM Toll Division provided the opportunity and platform for the cyclists to have safe ride on the highway by having 100% road closure during the last event in 2016. We are pleased to continue to provide an opportunity and platform for the cyclists to have a safe ride on our highway for the fourth time this year.” She also emphasised that IJM believes in maximising the opportunities of our younger generation. Thus, there is a special category for young riders to take part in the event.
👦👧NURTURE YOUNG TALENT
IJM Corporation Berhad continues to sponsor 500 participants under the Children’s and Teenagers’ categories of the race. IJM Land Berhad, a member of the IJM Group, sponsors 100 participants under the Young Adults’ category. Through the cycling event, parents, especially those who are participants, can also expose their children to the sports that they do. The sponsorships will help to nurture new talent and budding young riders as well as promote cycling as a sport for all.
🎉 CYCLING CARNIVAL FOR PUBLIC
The event will also feature a Cycling and Sports Carnival in conjunction with the Race Pack Collection, to be held on 14 and 15 April 2017. This is set to be the biggest cycling carnival in Malaysia. The admission to the carnival is free and open to the general public. Further information on the carnival will be made in the official website ( http://www.lekashighwayride.my ).
TEST RIDE
As part of the event, selected participants of the cycling event will be invited to take advantage of the pre-race cycling clinic for a test ride on a stretch of LEKAS Highway.
The clinic will be facilitated by specialists from the bikes, gear, fitting and accessories’ companies to help participants improve on safety and quality of group rides as well as to test out their cycling gadgets. Seats are limited and further announcements will be made in the official website to provide more details on the clinic.
GOVERNMENT SUPPORT
Meanwhile, LEKAS has obtained the necessary approvals from the relevant authorities such as the Ministry of Works (MOW), the Royal Malaysia Police (RMP) and Malaysia Highway Authority (MHA). Road closure and traffic management measures will start from 5.00pm on 15 April 2017 until 3.00am on 16 April 2017. Road closure information will be disseminated to the public through various media.
CATEGORIES
Categories for the 105km race are the ‘Elite’ (Pro-Cyclists, Continental Teams, State plus current and ex-National riders aged 18 years and above), ‘Open’ (men/women aged 22 years and above), ‘Veteran’ (men aged 45 years and above) and the ‘Corporate/Open Team’ (men/women aged 22 years and above).
REGISTRATION FEES
Fees for these categories are RM170 (for individual registration, RM150 early bird) or RM2,500 per corporate/open team. Categories for the 78km race are the ‘Open’ (men/women aged 22 years and above), ‘Veteran’ (men aged 45 years and above), and the ‘Young Adults’ (boys/girls between the ages of 17 and 21 years). Fees for these categories are RM160 (RM140 early bird). The 17km VIP category is by invitation only. For those who want to have some fun, there are the 12km Teens’ category (ages 13 to 16 years) and the 7km Children’s category (ages 10 to 12 years).
IJM SPONSORS JUNIOR CYCLISTS 👍👏
The categories for teens and children are fully sponsored by IJM, however, a RM20 refundable deposit per participant is required upon registration.
KOM CHALLENGE
Participants from the 105km and 78km ride categories have the privilege to join in the King of the Mountain Challenge, where the first cyclist in each category to reach the top of a 4km uphill stretch at the 30km mark of the route, will be crowned “King of the Mountain”.
REGISTRATION DEADLINE
Online registration for the race will close on 5 March 2017. The participant entitlement includes an event jersey/t-shirt, a goodie bag, a personalised bib number, a timing chip, a finisher medal, an e-certificate and refreshments. Please visit www.lekashighwayride.my for latest information on the Race Pack Collection.
MAIN SPONSORS
📹Puan Norazzah Sulaiman, Group Chief Marketing & Communications Officer Group, RHB Banking Group (3rd From Right)
Aaron in blue
📹Mr. Aaron Wong, Assistant Manager Shimano (2nd From Left)
📹Ms Yap Pak How, Assistant General Manager Lebuhraya Kajang-Seremban Sdn Bhd (LEKAS)
En Zainal Mohamed Secretary, Biro Cycling For For All Malaysia National Cycling Federation , MNCF 🚴(Far Right)
📹Mr. Albertt Leong, Race Director of Go Sportz Sdn Bhd
✔LEKAS SPEECH
Distinguished Guests and Media Representatives, Ladies and Gentlemen,
We are proud to bring back this prestige cycling event and make it as one of our annual Corporate Responsibility initiatives. As we in IJM believe that, Corporate Responsibility is an integral part of our business philosophy and corporate culture. As a venue sponsor Lebuhraya Kajang-Seremban (LEKAS) from IJM Toll Division had provided the opportunity and platform for the cyclists to have safe ride in the highway by having 100% road closure during the last event in 2016. We are pleased to continue to provide an opportunity and platform for the cyclists to have a safe ride in our highway for the fourth time this year. The event will be remained to be held in the night time, in order to maintain its uniqueness as the only highway night cycling event in Malaysia. It also will enable the cyclists to experience the freedom and safely ride at LEKAS.
Ladies and Gentlemen, LEKAS as co-organizer and venue sponsor has obtained the necessary approvals from the relevant authorities such as Ministry of Works, Royal Malaysia Police and Malaysia Highway Authority. Road closure and traffic management plan will start from 5.00 pm on 15 April 2017 until 3:00am on 16th April 2017. LEKAS expects a loss of approximately 50,000 vehicles in traffic volume. Road closure information will be disseminated to the public through various media.
Ladies and Gentlemen, In IJM we also believe that to maximize the opportunity of our younger generation. It is important to invest in children and teenager physical activities like cycling to ensure that they are healthy and well equipped to manage the critical life transitions ahead of them. As the previous three editions in 2013, 2014 and 2016, IJM Land Berhad, a member of the IJM Group, continues to sponsor 100 participants under the Young Adults’ category for the fourth consecutive year. Meanwhile, 500 participants in Children and Teenagers’ categories will be fully sponsored by our parents company IJM Corporation Berhad. Our commitment in sponsoring these two categories is to nurture new talent and budding young riders as well as promote cycling as a sport for all. Ladies and Gentlemen, Above all, I hope everybody that participates in this upcoming event will enjoy the night ride in LEKAS highway. Thank you👏
“A premier cycling event” ▶Good morning, ladies and gentlemen. My name is Aaron Wong in charge of regional marketing activities representing Shimano today. First of all, let me thank everyone here for taking the time to attend this press conference. Introduction to Shimano Besides manufacturing and supplying high quality bicycle components worldwide, Shimano has always been working to promote a healthy lifestyle and the enjoyment of nature through cycling. Cycling is an activity where you can keep fit, enjoy the beauty of nature and get to know more like minded friends all at the same time. It is also an activity you can get to enjoy with your loved ones. About RHB Shimano Highway Challenge @ Lekas Since the first Shimano Highway Challenge back in 2013, we’ve seen the event grow from strength to strength in the past few years. I would first like to take the opportunity to thank the various sponsors, stakeholders, media and most importantly the participants of the previous events. Last year’s event similarly was a great success and we have gathered numerous positive feedback that keeps us motivated to support the organization of another edition. At the same time, we’ve identified key areas in the race organization to improve on so that we can create a better experience for everyone this year. As always, we have 3 main objectives for the event: 1) An unique event experience We hope to provide participants with an unique opportunity which they can seldom get in their regular rides or training. The experience of cycling under the floodlights in the night on highway would definitely fulfill this criteria. 2) A professionally run event. As you may know there are currently many bicycle events taking place all over Malaysia. I would say participants are basically spoilt for choice of the events they choose to participate in. However not all events provide the same experience or value for money and this may dampen their enthusiasm for cycling. Through careful consultation and planning from all the stakeholders, we aim to give participants a pleasant and enriching experience in the RHB Shimano Highway Challenge 2017 @ Lekas. 3) A safe environment for cycling There will be full road closures for this event, so participants will not have to worry about vehicles while riding during the event. Medical staff and facilities will also be made available in case of any emergencies. We wish to give participants a stress-free ride and enjoy the ride as much as possible. With the 2017 RHB Shimano Highway Challenge @ Lekas, we once again aim to fulfill all our objectives of creating a unique, professional and safe event for participants. Shimano’s value-creating philosophy is not only dedicated to the manufacturing of our products, but also to enriching and enhancing participants’ enjoyment of this year’s event. We will continue to contribute and support the cycling culture in Malaysia and we hope to garner greater support from the public in the years ahead. I’m looking forward to seeing all of you again soon in April! Thank you for your attention. Please enjoy the rest of the activities!👏
✔ GoSportz Speech
Members of the media; Ladies and Gentlemen. A warm welcome to all of you to Ride @ LEKAS 2017. A warm welcome to all of you to the registration launch of the RHB Shimano Highway.
First of all, I would like to welcome back our venue sponsor, LEKAS Highway and title sponsors, RHB Banking Group and Shimano.
Thank you for your continued support and the confidence you have placed in GoSportz as your event organiser. We would like to assure you that we do not take this confidence for granted. We are committed to bringing cycling to the next level and make this race a premier cycling event in Malaysia and beyond.
The RHB Shimano Highway Ride in the 2016 race attracted many cycling enthusiasts from 16 countries namely Singapore, U.S, U.K, Japan, China, Hong Kong, Finland, Germany, Cambodia and Indonesia.
Over the years, we have seen a growing interest in participation, particularly due to the challenge and uniqueness a night cycling race offers on our closed-off highway.
LEKAS has ensured full road closure for the event, and provided a fully lighted up highway, making it a much desired cycling route that is safe but also challenging the limits of our riders👏
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 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.
Thanks to my buddy Dodo for my two free passes to watch the Throne Of Tigers at the 12,000-seater Stadium Negara.
Upon our arrival, we were led to the Super Fan Zone which was right next to the stage area where the Fighters would grandly enter the arena, before walking to the cage for their respective bout. For a huge MMA Fan like me, being so close to the action is a once-in-a-lifetime experience.
My First ONE Championship Outing
By pure coincidence, I picked-up two free ONE FC passes from the conspicuous street promoters for ONE Championship: Tigers of Asia (also known as ONE Championship 32) which was held on October 9, 2015 at the Putra Indoor Stadium in Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia. After watching so many MMA shows on television, that was the first time that I would see the fights live.
I recalled watching so many exciting bouts with as many 4 TKOs, 1 KO, and 2 submissions. It was a bloody and brutal affair, and the first title defence by Middleweight Champion Igor Svirid ended with the Champion getting his ass whipped good by the skillful Russian Contender, Vitaly Bigdash.
Unfortunately, our two most popular Malaysia Fighters, Peter Davies and Ann Osman were soundly defeated by their powerful opponents Adrian Pang (Australia) and Irina Mazepa (Russia) respectively. Fortunately, the other Malaysia Fighters EV Ting, The Subba Bros, Agilan and Merican all emerged victorious.
It’s Show Time!
MMA is made for great viewing because it’s an exciting and intense real-life drama which can conjure up many human emotions for the spectators, as well as the Fighters themselves.
Furthermore, when the Organiser add sexy ring girls, explosive fanfare, smoke bombs and snazzy special effects into the mix, we end-up with a highly entertaining night out.
The excitement always start when the Emcee introduces the Fighters for the next bout, and when a Fighter appears on stage for the first time, it’s the cue for the crowd to go wild. The ensuing loud cheer is the spectators way of telling the Fighter that we appreciate, respect and support them. In turn, the Fighter acknowledges the Fans by waving to the crowd and doing a little jiggle with their feet and some punching action as the spotlight shines squarely on them.
My wife and I was in the front row, leaning against the steel barrier, and we high-fived each fighter as they swaggered off the stage towards the fight cage. Being in the Super Fan Zone, we came face-to-face with our heroes, and we could see clearly the focus and intensity in those battle-ready faces.
Inside The Octagon
The Fight Cage is the epicentre of all the much anticipated action, and all eyes are transfixed on the two adversaries inside who are trying hard to knock each other’s heads off.
The sounds of the fighters whacking, punching and kicking each other was so brutally real that it even made the spectators flinch. Throughout the bout, we cheered, clapped, and sighed in synchronization with the action unfolding in the cage.
On this rare night, the boys in charge of wiping the cage floors in between each round were quite relieved to see very little blood spilled.
Fame And Anonymity
Like other professional athletes and sportsmen, MMA Fighters are not fighting purely for the money, but for the love of their chosen field. In reality, most fighters depend on ordinary jobs or lifeline careers for a steady income because there are too many competitors and too little prize-money and sponsorships on offer.
Like other professional athletes and sportsmen, MMA Fighters have to make huge personal sacrifices to continue training and maintain their elite fighter status. Only the few brave ones who really love MMA and have the unwavering confidence in their abilities will keep chasing their ultimate dream of winning a shiny Title Belt.
I have huge admiration and respect for those fighters who never give-up on their dream because what the Public don’t see is the countless hours of intense training clocked and the financial strain faced by the Fighters just to get the rare opportunity to compete at the top level.
Weighty Dilemma
To use a crude analogy, it takes considerable time and effort for a person to lose body weight, but, in contrast, it’s so fast and easy to put-on weight. So, the same uneven conditions apply to the Fighters who have to slog long and hard to reach the top, but all it takes is a split-second for them to fall all the way down to the bottom of the heap.
The only reason why I mentioned this sombre point is because there is talk about whether Malaysia’s fast-rising MMA star Agilan Thani, who is enjoying a 7-0 winning streak, should be given a title shot. The 21-year old fighter himself is adamant that he is deserving of that lucrative chance.
However, my fear is that Agilan doesn’t have enough fighting experience against top quality fighters, and a devastating loss in a very high profile bout could destroy his MMA reputation or at least, a huge loss at this delicate stage could really setback the youngster’s fighting career to a point from where it would make it really hard for him to bounce back.
Of course, my assessment could be totally wrong, and Agilan could soon find himself 1 fight away from a championship fight against the current ONE Championship Welterweight Top Dog BEN ASKREN who specialises in dominating & making all his opponents look second rate inside the Octagon, and his impressive record stands at 14-0.
Whatever the future holds for Agilan will ultimately depend on the decisions of ONE FC Bosses who is responsible for selecting the Fighters for the Fight Card which will match the aspirations of their growing organisation.
👊Fight Commentary – Shalorus knocked Ting early in the bout, but the 27-year-old talent came back up right away. Ting returned better in the second and third rounds, landing several leg kicks and one good flying knee, while Shalorus insisted on throwing wild punches.
After 15 minutes, two of the three judges scored the bout in Ting’s favor, moving his MMA record to 13-3 with four straight victories. Shalorus, on the other hand, drops to 2-2 inside the ONE Championship cage after his second straight defeat.
🇭🇰JEFF HUANG (CHINESE TAIPEI) / LOSS
🏆WELTERWEIGHT⏩Submission (R2)
👊Fight Commentary – In the second round of this co-main event, Agilan was in control in the front mount position. Jeff tried to avoid the blows by turning his back. Agilan pounced on this mistake and got a good chokehold on the 38-year old Taiwanese fighter who had to tap before he took a nap.
With this dominating performance, Agilan takes his perfect record to 7-0-0, and in post-fight Interview, he pleaded ONE FC to give him a chance to prove his title contender worthiness.
Agilan is a natural MMA fighter who has the right temperament and his all-round game shows huge potential for this 21-year old rising star. I am a big fan of this boy who carries with him the hope for Malaysia’s MMA future.
👊 Fight Commentary – Ann Osman brought the crowd to its feet with a takedown off a Vy Srey kick, and immediately rained punches down from side mount.
With 30 seconds left in the round, Osman transitioned to the full mount, posted with her right hand on her opponent, and thundered punishment onto the Cambodian’s face until the referee finally stopped the contest.
👊Fight Commentary – This was the classic grappler versus the stand-up fighter. Unfortunately for the Brazilian Herbet, Movlid was too strong and quick to be taken down, and the Russian scored more points in the exchange of punches to take a convincing win.
Pre-Fight Quote – Saiful admitted, “I’ve been out for over a year. I’m so eager to bounce back and get this win. But I know this will not be easy because I have a tough foe in front of me.”.
👊Fight Commentary – Saiful is an exciting & attacking fighter with great showmanship to rally the home crowd🇲🇾
Once Saiful’s knee connected with Bernard’s jaw, Saiful seized on a stunned Bernard and elbowed his way to a deserving TKO.
Merican prides himself in being an exhilarating competitor, who is willing to please the crowd by always seeking the highlight-reel finish.
👏HE CALLED IT RIGHT!
“For sure, it’s going to be a good fight. It will not go into the three judges’ hands for a decision. It will have a decisive finish,” he claimed.
🎧Fight Commentary – Tiffany couldn’t make good use of her reach advantage – Priscilla was only 155 cm, and Tiffany was 165 cm! Although, Priscilla put on a brave display and her backpedaling was frustrating Tiffany, Priscilla got tired and Tiffany finally made her pay with a barrage of hard punches to the face, and the Judges decisions were unanimous in favour of the bigger Singaporean lass.
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 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.
💪Spartan Race Malaysia, The Reebok Sprint 2017 – The Review
Event | Spartan Sprint
Date | 12 March 2017
Venue | Semenyih Eco Venture Resort
Type | 5km Route with 20+ Obstacles
Wave Flag-Off | From 7:30am onwards
Total Spartans | 6,000 approx.
Title Sponsor | Reebok
📝Editor’s Note
The history of Spartan Race Malaysia began auspiciously on 10-10-2015 (read about it HERE) to coincide with Malaysia’s first Hari Sukan Negara (National Sports Day). On Saturday and Sunday, a legion of 10,000 Spartans descended upon the Setia Alam venue in Shah Alam for Malaysia’s first taste of the world famous Spartan Obstacle Course.
This pioneering band of Malaysian Spartans, had to crawl, jump, climb, and run through all the Spartan trademark purpose-built obstacles under the searing heat. When we eventually crossed the finish line, our bodies were aching and muddy, and that made our victory celebrations so much sweeter.
Welcome To The Spartan Family
The most valuable lesson that the Spartan Race had taught us, was not about determining how strong we can be, but rather, it demonstrated how amazingly powerful we can be when we help one another in challenging situations.
What makes the Spartan Race popular in so many countries across different continents is the strong feeling of belonging and camaraderie among the Spartan family. Spartans are united in their quest to overcome a common obstacle, and new friendship is easily forged during their joint struggles. Most importantly, every Spartan enjoys the same status and privileges regardless of their socioeconomic status. In other words, it doesn’t matter if you are a Brain Surgeon or a School Janitor, all Spartans are equally important and they are all treated equally.
Malaysians, Are You Tough Enough?
Once again, Malaysians will have the chance to challenge the Sprint Course, as well as to unite with like-minded Spartans, and for the first timers, it is an ideal opportunity to be part of the big Spartan Family.
So, if you’re looking for a challenging and fun group activity to pursue with your gym buddies, your office colleagues, or perhaps you are looking for a new family bonding activity, then the Spartan Sprint is the right choice. At the same time, for those recreational athletes or sporting individuals who are fit and competitive, they can race in the Elite Category.
🌴Greener Pastures Beckon
Previously, the Spartan Race Sprint, Super and Beast were held in Shah Alam, Klang and Putrajaya respectively.
This time, the latest race venue at the Semenyih Eco Venture Resort will offer a mixed environment of fruit orchards, farmland, palm oil plantation, natural streams in one of Selangor’s favourite green belt.
Furthermore, a new venue offers the intriguing prospect of new route and new backdrop with its own unique characteristics to surprise and challenge us further.
We All Can Be Heroes
Come 12th March, we can temporarily forget our mundane lives and act-out our fantasy of being a Spartan Superhero marching courageously to battle amidst the famous Spartan battle cries of AROO, AROO, AROO!!!
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 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.
My first and last Dragon Back Run 2015 (25km) was a memorable experience and I regard its route as one of the toughest among local road races: You have to endure the never-ending rolling hills over 20k or 3 hours, but the sense of personal achievement afterwards is priceless.
The Event Owner Pacer Sports is one of the most experienced Running Event organiser around, and the Dragon Back Run is undoubtedly their showcase event. Its popularity stems from its challenging route, smooth operations, and a great breakfast buffet of nasi lemak, curry puffs, and fresh fruits waiting for the tired and hungry runners after the Finish Line! So, I am looking forward to reunite with the lung-busting dragon backs and to a rewarding time in Klang on 5th March 2017.
A Source Of Inspiration
The Dragon Back Run had inspired me to write an article entitled “Newton’s Law Of Running” in which I shared my tips on how to run hilly courses.
Excerpts
“In April, Swim Bike Run Malaysia magazine published my article entitled “Newton’s Law Of Running” in which I shared my tips on how to run hilly courses. The inspiration to write this piece came to me after I participated in the Dragon Back Run (25km) which was held on 11th January 2015 and featured the famous rolling hills of Jalan Paip, Meru & Puncak Alam. The article title was inspired by my favourite pair of Newton shoes which served me well during that run..”
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 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.
In 2016, IKEA opened its second mega furniture store in Cheras (which is the BIGGEST IKEA STORE with 42,000sqm) after the success of its first one in Mutiara Damansara.
On the second day of the Chinese New Year, my wife and I visited this new outlet for the first time to check it out.
What impressed me most was the in-house cafeteria which served great Swedish and Western Food to cater for the full house crowd of shoppers who must have been famished after browsing through what felt like the equivalent size of 10 football fields…
Viking Export
Imagine such a country with a population of only 10 million people have given us world famous brands like Ericsson, Volvo, Electrolux and IKEA!
Sweden’s economic strength lies in its Engineering Industry which accounts for 50% of its Output and Exports. Lesser known fact is that Sweden is the ninth-largest arms exporter in the world.
Gigantic Furniture Store
The history of IKEA in Malaysia started in 1996 with a retail outlet inside Bandar Utama shopping mall. In 2003, IKEA moved to its own store in Mutiara Damansara which was the largest IKEA store in Asia at that time. Then, in 2016, IKEA Cheras was born which is astonishingly 20% bigger than its predecessor.
Déjà-Vu Feeling
If you’ve visited the Mutiara Damansara store, then you would recognise the same floor layout in this new store from the basement parking right to the checkout counter. I’m sure that the regular IKEA shoppers could walk through both stores in their sleep😴🚶
Family Outing
Kids probably hate following their Parents for furniture shopping, but at IKEA, the children are in for a treat because there is a big play zone and happy meals to keep the kids preoccupied, while Mamas and Papas shop around. It’s very easy to spend 3 hours browsing and shopping without noticing the time because there is so much stuff to see and do.
Nordic Nosh
Basically, there are 3 food sections available :-
Snacks & Drinks serving hot dogs, desserts and coffee.
Mini mart selling Swedish foodstuff.
780-seat Cafeteria.
On that particular holiday, the whole place was packed to the brim with shoppers, and every service counter had a long queue.
Tag Team
While wifey scout for a table, I joined the queue at the cafeteria. Wow! There were plenty of appetising-looking dishes – shrimp salad, smoked salmon salad, grilled chicken salad, garden salad, chicken sandwich, smoked salmon sandwich, spare ribs, swedish beef and chicken meatballs, smoked salmon, mushroom soup, lotus leaf rice, almond pies, brownies, french fries, baked and mashed potatoes.
In the end, I ordered beef meatballs with mashed potatoes, lotus leaf rice and a side order of french fries.
The Nordic food tasted great and the price was very reasonable. In fact, I wouldn’t mind coming again just for the food, but definitely on a less busy day…
Burning Calories
We spent the next two hours browsing through the actual store; touching and testing many of the displayed furnitures. Don’t expect to see additional new designs here because the available items are the same as the one in Mutiara Damansara outlet. Though, there may have been more minor items and accessories to fill-up the extra floor space in Cheras. However, the key items remain the same in both stores.
Shopping Haven
Next to IKEA, I noticed that another new mega shopping mall called ‘My Uptown’ is nearing completion. Now, there is already a long queue of cars entering the IKEA parking basement. So, I imagine that the road traffic will be nightmarish once the new mega mall is opened. Nevermind, at least, you can fantasise about delicious Nordic Nosh to calm your rattled nerves….
Ingvar Kamprad founded IKEA in 1943 mostly as a mail order furniture company.
The furniture was sold in pieces and was meant to be assembled by the customers. The entire IKEA business concept was based on this desire to offer a wide range of well-designed, functional home furnishing products at prices so low that as many people as possible would be able to afford them.
The business concept is achieved by combining function, quality, design and value – always with sustainability in mind.
However, IKEA believes that its low prices must not be at the expense of people or the environment. It incorporates environmentally friendly efforts into its day-to-day business and continuously supports initiatives benefiting causes such as children and the environment.
In 1951, the first IKEA catalogue was published with only 68 pages. Seven years later, the first IKEA store opened in Sweden. To date, there are more than 366 IKEA stores in 47 countries, including 2 in Malaysia.
*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 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.
⏩KKB GLOW RUN 2017 – Preview & Contest by Happy Runner⏪
THE PIONEERS
📝The Event Review by Gus Ghani
EVENT | KKB GLOW RUN 2017
VENUE | MINI STADIUM KUALA KUBU BHARU
DATE | 25 MARCH 2017 (Saturday)
TIME | 9:00 PM
DISTANCE | 10 KM & 5 KM
EVENT ORGANISER | GREEN LEAF EVENT & MARKETING SERVICES
CO-ORGANISER | MAJLIS DAERAH HULU SELANGOR
💻EMAIL | info@myraceonline.com
☎PHONE | wafi: 019-5284410, yaya: 017-2908628
💼RACE KIT COLLECTION
DATE: 18th March & 19th March 2017
TIME: 10am~12pm & 2pm~5pm
VENUE: Kalumpang Resort & Training Centre Sales & Marketing office, No.37A Jalan Lawan Pedang 13/27, Seksyen 13, 40100 Shah Alam, Selangor
Editor’s Note
It’s Back! I had a blast at the inaugural Kuala Kubu Baru Glow Run 2016, and if the heavenly stars line up this year, I hope to return to the centre of Hulu Selangor, and repeat this lovely night run again in order to take a closer at the many subtleties of its route. In the darkness, it was easy to overlook one’s surroundings for better or for worse.
Yes, this is a night mission which can be thrilling and spooky at the same time. If my memory serves me right, the start and ending of the race in and around the stadium was well lit. However, as we proceeded to the housing area and Kampung vicinity, the lighting was dim, and in some parts, there was only the moonlight to guide us – how romantic!
Therefore, if you are unsure of your footing, I suggest you wear a headlamp to light up your path. The traffic police did a splendid job last year to ensure the few overzealous motorists were kept at bay.
This kind of quaint run would appeal to those no-fuss runners who like to find tranquility while they are running peaçefully on an unfamiliar route, and it won’t suit those who like their running events glitzy, overdressed and predictable…
TRY YOUR LUCK🍀
Courtesy of the Event Organiser, Green Leaf Event & Marketing Services, Happy Runner is holding an Online Contest to away 2 complimentary 10k running slots for Kuala Kubu Baru Glow Run 2017.
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 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 gusghani@IG for LIFESTYLE.
The Seventies is synonymous with Disco Fever, and of course, flared trousers👖
Hollywood produced unbeatable blockbuster movies like Jaws, Godfather, The Exorcist, and Star Wars🎥
The World said goodbye to Bing Crosby and Elvis, and said hello to the Sex Pistols, and the highest-selling album was Pink Floyd’s The Dark Side of the Moon (1973)🎸
In Sports, swimmer Mark Spitz set seven World Records and won a record seven gold medals at The 1972 Summer Olympics in Munich, Germany🏊
“That ’70s Run 2017” appealed to those who identified with and sorely missed the Seventies era. So, why not take a trip down memory lane and recapture some of those funky feelings by dressing-up in outlandish Seventies garb and dancing to Disco Inferno! What could be more fun!?
Funky Town
The Biz Walk event venue was transformed into a colourful Seventies scene with many fun-seekers dressed in pink tutus, polkadot skirts, colourful wigs, and knee-high rainbow socks.
I got hold of a psychedelic afro wig and bright yellow peace sign sunglasses from my friend Lily whose Company Summersault specialises in making all kinds of cool running costumes and props.
Gettin’ It On
We kicked off the morning with a group warming-up session. After a short safety briefing, Symphony Life Chairman Tan Sri Azman Yahya flagged off the groovy runners at 7:30am.
The morning air was crisp and the sky was blue, as we hit the tarmac roads of quiet Taman Tasik Prima residential neighborhood.
Run, Drink And Dance
There were two fun challenges at the 2.8km and 4.2km water stations. The simple challenge was to dance along with the dance performers to the unmistakable sounds of Seventies Disco beats. To keep the runners invigorated, each water station handed-out isotonic drinks and bananas, as well as the essential water.
Sparkling Spinning Medal
Upon reaching the Finish Arch, every runner was presented a rare spinning medal, a light snack pack and bottled drinking water. Also, we were given an additional Rm3 voucher to spend at the many food and drinks trucks and stalls available at the Mini Festival.
Healthy Family Entertainment
There were balloon-twisting clowns, soap bubbles, and face-painting to entertain the kids.
The crowd particularly had a good laugh watching the best dress finalists dance on stage before they were presented with their prizes.
The final act was the presentation of Lucky Draw prizes of a smartphone, a computer tablet, a bicycle and a flat screen TV to the Winners.
Good Value Fun
Amidst all the fun and laughter, there are many serious personal and social benefits gained from holding a community run.
These events encourage family bonding and foster communal goodwill, as well as promote a healthy lifestyle.
A Big Thank You To Symphony Life & Partners for hosting a thoroughly enjoyable outing for community and family runners.
Congratulations To Running Events for putting together a fun-filled event which successfully showcased the Slick Seventies.
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 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.
gusghani 