Media Release: Ethiopian Clean Sweep At Standard Chartered Dubai Marathon

(Dubai, UAE): It was yet another day of dominance for Ethiopian athletes at the Standard Chartered Dubai Marathon as little known Lemi Berhanu Hayle and the sublime Aselefech Mergia swept the board in the world’s richest marathon.

Just 20 years old, Berhanu left some of the biggest names in long distance running trailing and in warm weather conditions clocked a world leading time of 2:05:28 to win by 24 seconds from 2013 Dubai and Boston champion Lelisa Desisa. Deribe Robi completed an-all Ethiopian podium with a time of 2:06:06. Ethiopia’s superstar Kenenisa Bekele dropped out beyond the 30km mark, appearing to suffer from a leg injury.



In the women’s field, Aselefech Mergia celebrated her 30th birthday in style with a perfect comeback, winning the most thrilling finish in the history of the Standard Chartered Dubai Marathon.

The Ethiopian, who had taken time off competition to have a baby, returned to the marathon for the first time since the summer of 2012, winning in 2:20:02. In a duel right to the line, reigning World Half Marathon Champion Gladys Cherono was beaten by just one second on a superb marathon debut, while fellow Kenyan Lucy Kabuu was third in 2:20:21.



Held under the patronage of HH Sheikh Hamdan bin Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum, Crown Prince of Dubai and Chairman of the Dubai Sports Council, a record field of more than 25,000 runners entered the marathon, the 10km Road Race and the 4km Fun Run on a day that saw the event beamed to millions of homes across the world.

“I never would have thought that I could win this race,” said Berhanu, who collected his trophy from HH Sheikh Mansour bin Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum and Standard Chartered UAE CEO Mohsin Nathani. “It was my dream to do this in Dubai one day, but I didn’t expect it to happen this year. With around one kilometre to go, I sensed that I could win.”

He has now improved by more than five minutes and is unbeaten in two races. “If my federation selects me then I would really like to run the marathon in the World Championships in the summer,” added Berhanu, who said he had no idea what to do with the prize money of US$200,000. “I never thought about the money. I really don’t know what I will do with it.”



Meanwhile Dubai proved a tough marathon experience for Kenenisa Bekele. After winning his debut in Paris last April with 2:05:04 and finishing fourth in Chicago in 2:05:51, Dubai brought hope but ultimately frustration. Bekele ran in the lead group up to the 28km point but dropped back quickly and finally stopped shortly after 30km.

“Kenenisa suffered hamstring problems in both legs,” said his coach Renato Canova. “But I think the real problem is in his right Achilles tendon. At the end of November he had to reduce training because of this.

“A world record was never a realistic target, but a 2:04 time seemed realistic. When I saw him running today he did not look relaxed, he looked tight, which is why he developed hamstring problems.But I remain very confident for his future marathon carrier - I think he will do really well.”

The strongest women’s field ever in Dubai produced its own share of drama. Firstly the little known Tigist Tufa, Ethiopian-born and running for Bahrain, broke clear shortly after the start and maintained a daunting pace, leading a talented chasing group by a solid minute at 20km, which suggested a 2:18 finishing time.

But she paid the price in the end and was caught by the pack at 34km by a group comprising Aselefech, returning to racing after maternity and in search of a third Dubai title, fellow Ethiopians Aberu Kebede and Shure Demissie along with the Kenyan duo of Lucy Kabuu and 2014 World Half Marathon champion Gladys Cherono, who was making her debut at the distance.

Cherono has dangerous finishing speed over the shorter distances but it was Mergia who won a contest which ran right to the finish line, completing a hat-trick of Dubai titles by just one second.

“I told myself after having my daughter that I could win a marathon again,” she said. “We used the prize money from my first two wins in Dubai [2011 and 2012] to begin building a hotel back home, now we’ll be able to complete the job.”

In the 10km men’s event, victory went to Fikad Kibreab of Eritrea (29m:56s) with Habtom Welderufael - also from Eritrea - in second (29m:58s) and Morocco’s Ihya Ben Youssef in third (30m:18s). Ruqiya Alkhaja of the UAE took the women’s 10km title in 30m:47s, with Eritrea’s Rahma Abas second (37m:46s) and Latifa Essarokh of France in third (37m:47s).



The biggest event of its kind in the Middle East, the Standard Chartered Dubai Marathon drew a mixture of spectators, including Olympians Lord Sebastian Coe and Haile Gebrselassie, HE Mattar Al Tayer (Vice Chairman of the Dubai Sports Council), HE Saeed Hareb (General Secretary of the Dubai Sports Council) and Ahmad Al Kamali (UAE Athletics Federation President and IAAF Member).

In addition to Standard Chartered as title sponsor, the Standard Chartered Dubai Marathon is supported by the Dubai Sports Council, adidas, Dubai Eye 103.8FM, Sport 360, Masafi, Dubai Holding, Dubai Police and the RTA.

Media Release: Introducing adidas StellaSport: A Brand New Range For Action Girls

Kuala Lumpur, 22nd January 2015 - adidas StellaSport is a brand new adidas sports range aimed at a younger audience, under the creative direction of Stella McCartney. The range which launches this January, combines sport and style with bold branding, explosive colours and fresh prints; redefining sportswear with a brand new approach for the age group.

Designed for the action girl, adidas StellaSport comprises of apparel, footwear and accessories that can be worn from the gym to the city streets yet introducing sports performance technologies. The range includes everything from kit bag essentials to standout statement silhouettes.



Stella McCartney, Creative Director for adidas StellaSport comments:

“The adidas StellaSport girl is young, current and vibrant, looking to make a statement and stand out - we wanted to bring that to life within the collection and fuse performance with style to create - performance pop.”

Unexpected colour blocking features in sporty tanks, bras and tights which are all designed with fast drying climaliteTM fabric ensuring ultimate comfort and everyday wearability; punctuated with modern signature prints and statement silhouettes like the onesie and trainkini.



adidas StellaSport footwear features open mesh uppers for increased ventilation and inbuilt sock liners for a more comfortable fit. The range is completed by a selection of sporty accessories including logo trucker caps, knee high gym socks and pop colour backpacks.



The Spring/Summer adidas StellaSport range is available from February 2nd at the adidas Sports Performance Outlets at Pavilion, Sunway Pyramid and Genting Highlands.

For more photos of the campaign and products, please click HERE.

Media Release: Ironman 70.3 Putrajaya - Craig Alexander announced as Event Ambassador

MELBOURNE/PUTRAJAYA (January 20, 2015) IRONMAN® legend Australia’s Craig Alexander has signed on as the event ambassador for IRONMAN 70.3® Putrajaya for the second year running. The event is supported by Malaysia Major Events (MME) a division of Malaysia Convention & Exhibition Bureau (MyCEB), an agency under the Ministry of Tourism and Culture, Malaysia (MoTAC).

Alexander is looking forward to the 2015 edition of the race, after enjoying the time he spent in Malaysia last year.
“I really loved my time in Putrajaya, it was a great event. I was amazed for a first year event the sort of response it got was fantastic,” he said. “The area has a burgeoning triathlon community that was in need of a race and now they have a good one.”

After a career that’s required him to spend half his year racing in North America, Alexander is excited by the growth of IRONMAN® events in the Asia Pacific region, and what that means for his travel schedule.

“There are so many races in the Asia Pacific region now you can pretty much race an entire season and base yourself at home,” he said. “My son Austin starts school in a few weeks so our plan this year is to spend 70 to 80 per cent of our time based at home,”



More than 1400 competitors are expected to be on the start line for IRONMAN 70.3® Putrajaya, on April 5. The IRONMAN 70.3® Putrajaya is an event not to be missed and athletes are urged to take advantage of the special entry fee before a price increase after January 31st.

Athletes can participate as individual competitors or join as a team to compete alongside some of the world’s fittest endurance athletes. Starting from the iconic Millennium Monument, the one lap swim course is situated in the man made, sheltered canals of Putrajaya Lake.

The iconic Tuanku Mizan Zainal Abidin Mosque, or commonly known as the Iron Mosque, is the perfect backdrop for swimmers to complete the out and back course. Out onto the bike and cyclists leave transition and head south past some of the City’s most stunning architecture.

The cyclists will complete 2 loops of the 45km route along the winding road networks with smooth road surfaces that result in a very fast bike segment times.

The two lap run course around the Core Island, encapsulates the best of Putrajaya including its natural landscapes and modern architecture.

More information can be obtained from www.ironmanputrajaya.com

Siaran Media: Astro Bella Anjur Kempen ‘Astro Bella Jom Kurus’

Kuala Lumpur, 13 Januari 2015 – Menyahut seruan kerajaan menerusi kempen Fit Malaysia, Astro Bella bakal menganjurkan sebuah inisiatif kempen kesihatan dan kecergasan, Astro Bella Jom Kurus. Bertujuan menyebarkan kepentingan mengamalkan kehidupan yang sihat dan sejahtera, sasaran utama kempen ini adalah untuk mengurangkan kadar obesiti di kalangan wanita sekaligus meningkatkan keyakinan diri mereka.

Menerusi kempen yang bermula pertengahan Januari sehingga awal Februari ini, Astro Bella akan menyiarkan tips kesihatan dan kecergasan dan program-program istimewa seperti Recepies of Diet Diaries, Aizat Pecah Rahsia, Zon Aktif dan lain-lain pada 8 Februari. Kemuncak kempen ini adalah program Astro Bella Jom Kurus bersama Kevin Zahri di Lost World of Tambun pada 9 dan 10 Februari ini. Untuk menyertai program ini, Astro Bella menganjurkan peraduan secara online dengan syarat dan terma di www.astrogempak.com.my/astrobella dan menerusi radio SINAR fm.



Program Astro Bella Jom Kurus ini bakal dikendalikan pakar kecergasan dan kesihatan, Kevin Zahri serta mendapat sokongan padu daripada Sunway Lost World of Tambun, Perak sebagai penaja lokasi dan KTM-ETS sebagai penaja pengangkutan. Radio SINAR fm turut menyokong sebagai stesen radio rasmi program Jom Kurus ini.

Selain Kevin Zahri, program ini turut diserikan dengan kehadiran Shalma Ainaa dari Hlive dan penampilan Feeya Iskandar, penyampai radio SINAR fm.

Program ini terbuka kepada wanita yang berumur 18 tahun ke atas dan mempunyai BMI melebihi 25. Pelbagai aktiviti menarik akan diadakan seperti ceramah motivasi dan bimbingan kecergasan, cabaran mini bootcamp, spa retreat dan pengembaraan ke Gua Datuk.

Pengurus Saluran Astro Bella, Natasha Hashim berkata, “Program yang akan berlangsung selama dua hari ini diharapkan mampu memberikan motivasi dan mewujudkan kesedaran kepada golongan sasaran ini untuk mengamalkan kehidupan yang sihat seterusnya mengurangkan potensi untuk menghidap penyakit kronik yang berbahaya.

Bermula dengan sokongan yang diberikan kepada larian MAKNA Founder’s Night Run, ‘Astro Bella Runs With Makna’ sempena Kempen Barah Payu Dara pada November lalu, kami di Astro Bella akan terus komited dan menyokong mempromosikan amalan kehidupan sihat dan sejahtera di kalangan masyarakat terutamanya kepada golongan wanita seperti ini.”



Jangan ketinggalan mengikuti kempen Astro Bella Jom Kurus dan rebutlah peluang memenangi program retreat selama 2 hari 1 malam di Lost World of Tambun, Perak beserta pelbagai aktiviti-aktiviti menarik. Untuk maklumat lanjut, layari www.astrogempak.com.my/astrobella. Teruskan sokongan anda dan dapatkan perkembangan terkini di media sosial dengan #astrobellajomkurus

Larian Spektra Universiti Malaya 2015

What? UM Spektra Run 2015

When? 26 April 2015 (Sunday)

Where? University of Malaya, Kuala Lumpur

Who? Organised by Kolej Kediaman Tuanku Bahiyah, University of Malaya

How far? 5km

How much? RM45

How to register? Online registration is available at myraceonline.com starting from 15 Dec 2014.

Need more details? Click LIKE https://www.facebook.com/LarianSpektra

Runwitme Says: The run is formerly known as The Colour Run. Due to advice form the advice from the UM Legal Department, they have changed the name to Larian Spektra, Universiti Malaya.

Each runner is entitled to event T-shirt, goodie bags, certificate and finisher medals. All proceeds will go to selected charity bodies.

TKC Walk-A-Run Carnival @ Putrajaya

What? TKC Walk-A-Run Carnival

When? 15 February 2015 (sunday) 7:00am

Where? Kompleks Sukan Air, Precinct 6, Putrajaya

Who? Organised by The Malay Girls' College/ Tunku Kurshiah College Old Girls association

Why? To raise funds for the benefit of atheltic and sports development facilities in the newly recolated school in Bandar Enstek, Nilai.

How far? 5km (Flag off for 5km runners followed by 5 km walkers 10 minutes late)

How much? RM50 for individual, RM200 for team

How to register? Click http://tkccarnival.wix.com/tkcwalkaruncarnival

Runwitme Says: Datin Seri Hajah Rosmah Mansor, the wife of the present Prime minister who is also a TKC alumna is the patron for the event. We wonder if she is going to run/ walk with us? Insert wink here.

The first 1000 participants are entitled to a Lifeline ID wrist band.

Prizes are awarded to:
Top 3 fastest individual (men & women categories) and team
Top 3 best dressed individual and team
Top 3 best selfie
Top 3 best wefie

Press Release: Muhibah Walk: Youths of Malaysia To Walk For Unity

Kuala Lumpur, 8th December 2014– In January 2015, a group of vibrant youths are organising the Muhibah Walk to promote national unity. At 5pm on 17th January 2015 at Dataran PJ (Padang Timur), thousands of youths from all walks of life, irrespective of race or religious belief will take on the walk to celebrate the Malaysian spirit and to also promote a nation of faces without races.

Organised by the Movement, a youth wing under the NGO, Vision 2 Transform, the Muhibah walk is said to be in line with Malaysia’s vision to create a harmonious and united country.

“Muhibah walk is our visionary way to unite Malaysians of all races. It provides us a platform to bring Malaysians from all walks of life, young and old, to showcase that our hearts and souls connect with one another as Malaysians.

Our diversity is our strength and it is something we can share and embrace. On a personal level, a community level, and a national level, we want to showcase that we can break down all divides and truly be a nation of faces without races,” Janell Bani explained.

According to the organisers, before the walk, participants will gather at the field to sing the national anthem, “Negaraku”, as an expression of respect for sovereignty, national unity, pride and love for the nation before the campaign begins.

She further explained that after the walk, there will be a fun-filled carnival atmosphere with local and upcoming bands performing while families with children will be treated and thrilled with bouncy castles, face-painting and clowns to bring joy and colour to the event. Through the medium of music and arts, the program can allow us to embrace diversity, create a strong sense of community and promote unity. The event will end only at 11pm.

On the topic of national unity, Vice President of Vision 2 Transform, Cyrus Gomez says that, “People’s hearts are all the same. The colour of the skin may be different, but the colour of the heart is the same.” He emphasised that the event is a non-religious and non-political event, hoping that Malaysians from all walks of life can come together for a time of celebration.

“Youths can come together and strategize on this Muhibah Walk platform where they can connect, share and help to build the dreams and aspirations of one another. Muhibah Walk is so relevant because young people are going beyond race and religion to launch something significant to them that they always feel inside their hearts, something beyond. They have the energy to make it happen,” added Gomez.

The organising team have also come up with a promotional video with interviews from prominent leaders and celebrities of Malaysia, like Datin Paduka Marina Mahathir, Dato’ Ambiga Sreenivasan and even Miss Universe Malaysia, Deborah Henry, to name a few. Their full interview can also be found in the official Facebook page.

Everyone is encouraged to join the Muhibah Walk. For all who are interested to come for the walk, they can visit:
www.muhibahwalk.org/registration.

According to the organisers, participants will need to pay a confirmation payment of RM 10. All paid participants will receive an official Muhibah Walk T-Shirt and other Malaysian merchandises. More information can be found on www.facebook.com/muhibahwalk or www.muhibahwalk.org

Have you sign up for IRONMAN 70.3 Putrajaya?

Event Name: IRONMAN 70.3 Putrajaya
Date: Sunday, 5 April 2015
Time: 7AM
Venue: Millennium Monument Putrajaya Lake, Precinct 2, Putrajaya
Course: Swim - 1.9KM / Bike - 90KM / Run - 21.1KM

Prize Money: Top 5 winners for Pro Athlete Category. 1st, 2nd and 3rd place trophies for Age Group Categories and teams.

IRONMAN 70.3 World Championship Qualifying Race: 30 qualifying slots to the 2015 IRONMAN 70.3 World Championship in Zell am See-Kaprun, SalzburgerLand, Austria.

General Entries: Individual and Team

Minimum Age: All athletes must be 18 years of age or older on race day

Individual Fees: USD265 (Regular Entry before 31 January 2015)
USD295 (Late Entry after 31 January 2015)

Team Entry Fees: USD320 (Regular Entry before 31 January 2015)
USD360 (Late Entry after 31 January 2015)

* Entry Fees are subject to 6% Malaysia GST + 6% Active Administration Fee

Online Entries Close: Entries close at 5.00pm (MYT), Friday 6 March 2015 - if maximums are not reached earlier.

To register, please click below link http://ap.ironman.com/triathlon/events/asiapac/ironman-70.3/putrajaya/register.aspx#axzz3OmNmuqFS

Contact: malaysia@ironman.com
For more information, visit www.ironmanputrajaya.com

Check out the 2014 IRONMAN 70.3 Putrajaya Highlights Clip: