News: Energizer Thanks Race Participants for Overwhelming Response

(L-R) Organising committee members Calvin Tan, Zaini Sulaiman, Vincent Yap and Chow Yin Chun of Energizer Malaysia celebrate all 5,000 registrations in this year's Energizer Night Race

Energizer Night Race regains runners’ support for third instalment at Sepang International Circuit

KUALA LUMPUR, 16 March 2012 – The Energizer Night Race 2012 has achieved its targeted number of participants within only three weeks of its launch, promising a night running event that will re-inspire participants and consumers with a new theme – “For a Brighter World”.

Since the official launch on the 15th of February, a total of 5,000 places in all categories were filled by the 6th of March in an amazing display of participant support since last year’s event. The original closing date was set for the 23rd of March.

Mike Foong, Managing Director of Energizer Malaysia Sdn Bhd said, “We are truly humbled by the enthusiastic response showed by all registrations this year. Although there are still many who would like to participate in the race, we will cap registrations at our targeted number in order to ensure a safe and enjoyable run for all.”

“We at Energizer Malaysia recognise how we can do better than before and deliver a sporting event that embodies our aspirations and corporate responsibility. We sincerely thank all parties for their support and input since last year’s race and look forward to a better and improved Energizer Night Race 2012 that truly brings Energizer’s That’s Positivenergy campaign to life,” Foong added.

The Energizer Night Race 2012 is Energizer Malaysia’s third night running event, and has been held annually since the inaugural night race at Cyberjaya in 2010. This year’s race will be held at the Sepang International Circuit on the 21st of April this year and will see runners from three categories – 42km, 15.5km and 5.5km – competing on the iconic Sepang International Circuit racetrack in part or in its entirety.

In the spirit of the That’s Positivenergy campaign, this year’s race sees Energizer partnering with the Malaysian District of Kiwanis, an international not-for-profit organisation well-known for its established initiatives such as the Kiwanis Down Syndrome Foundation and the Service Leadership Program (SLP), an international youth development program that provides leadership training for young people.

Under the partnership, Energizer will be contributing RM10 per successful race registration to children with disabilities and learning difficulties as well as children development and learning programs by Kiwanis Malaysia, totalling RM50,000 from the 5,000 participants.

Foong said, “To allow participants themselves to make a difference in the lives of children all throughout Malaysia, we put 12 special bib numbers up for auction where all proceeds will go to Kiwanis Malaysia’s programmes for children. Thanks to the generosity of our runners, bids closed on the 7th of March and we are proud to add an additional RM5,700 to the charity fund.”

Energizer Malaysia will also enhance the contribution by aiming to raise another RM210,000 through the sales of Energizer products from March to May this year, where every pack sold contributes 30 sen to Kiwanis Malaysia. In an added act of generosity, Energizer’s key distributors and business partners have pledged additional amounts that now puts the total charity contribution target at an impressive RM345,000.

The various fund-raising initiatives will benefit Kiwanis Malaysia’s 20 permanent Kiwanis Centres that serve and educate children and youths living with disabilities, as well as Kiwanis’ Going to School with Kiwanis programme that equips primary schoolchildren from poor families with a dictionary to inspire them to excel in school.

To prepare participants for the race, Energizer Malaysia has announced a running clinic at Taman Rimba Kiara Taman Tun Dr Ismail in Kuala Lumpur on the 31st of March for up to 100 participants, together with youth from Kiwanis Malaysia’s leadership development and school programmes.

The Energizer Night Race is part of a global series of races that was first launched in South Africa in 2007, and has since been held in North America, Latin America, Europe and Asia. The series’ new theme of “For a Brighter World” reflects a global partnership between Energizer and OneMillionLights.org to bring safe and clean solar lighting to people around the world who do not have access to electricity. Energizer’s worldwide operations are pledging to donate 11 million hours of light on behalf of all the registered runners worldwide.

For the Energizer Night Race in Malaysia this year, Twenty-First Century Sports Sdn Bhd has been appointed as the race organiser and director after considering feedback from previous participants as well as the company’s experience and track record. Twenty First Century Sports is a sports event specialist with an expertise in major road races and marathons, especially night races.

While registrations are now closed, the public are still welcome to come along to the Energizer Night Race as spectators for the one-of-a-kind night running event to be held at Sepang International Circuit. Visitors and supporters can expect grandstand seating to cheer runners on and a family-friendly carnival from 6pm until late on race day.

Foong concluded, “We strongly urge participants, our trade partners and consumers to support the Energizer Night Race and the life-changing opportunities it will provide for children throughout Malaysia, giving them the power for a brighter future.”

More information on the Energizer Night Race can be found by visiting the website at www.energizernightrace.com.my, and updates for the race are available on Facebook at www.facebook.com/EnergizerNightRaceMalaysia.

Source: Press release issued for Energizer Malaysia Sdn Bhd by Essence Communications.