Bye Bye Energizer Night Race!

We were heartbroken when we saw this message posted by Energizer Night Race (ENR) on our wall. Energizer decided to "close The Energizer Night Race on a high note" this year, according to a statement by the Managing Director, Mike Foong.

We have been covering this race since its inaugural edition at Cyber Jaya in 2010, before moving to a grander place - The Sepang International Circuit in 2011 and 2012. ENR hit the low point in 2011 with some major hiccups in the organization. Energizer Malaysia have since refunded all the participation fees as well as the goodies for all the runners who took part that year. Mike Foong even organised a run and feedback session to hear the the problems faced straight from the runners themselves.

They bounced back in 2012 with a great race!

But well, all good things must come to an end. So, I guess like it or not, we have to bid farewell to this one of a kind night race! Thank you for the wonderful journey these three year with Energizer headlights lighting our paths.

The original message can be read HERE.

Press Release: Malakoff-UTM Eco Run 2012 Returns With Big, Green Impact

1,300 Students And Athletes Come Together To Spread Environmental Awareness

Skudai, Johor, 26 November 2012 – Malakoff Corporation Berhad (Malakoff) in partnership with Universiti Teknologi Malaysia (UTM) has successfully organised its second Eco Run 2012 which saw the participation of 1,300 athletes coming together in support for a green cause.



Organised for the second consecutive year, the Malakoff-UTM Eco Run is a unique sporting event aimed at promoting a healthy and active lifestyle while advocating the importance of environmental conservation among students and the public. In conjunction with the event, a host of fun-filled outdoor initiatives were lined up on the eve of the race, including futsal and mountain bike fun ride.



Speaking about the event, Zainal Abidin Jalil, the Chief Executive Officer of Malakoff said, “Malakoff is an ardent supporter of both sporting and environmental conservation efforts and I am pleased that the Eco Run is a unique combination in support of both. We will continue to champion meaningful initiatives such as the Eco Run as part of our flagship Corporate Social Responsibility platform – the Malakoff Community Partnerships.”



“Malakoff is truly humbled with the encouraging support that the race has garnered by both athletes and environmental enthusiasts. I am also excited to see students of UTM being actively involved in contributing to the Run’s success,” he added.

The Malakoff-UTM Eco Run was opened in five main categories including, the Men’s and Women’s Open Category (20km), Men’s and Women’s Veteran Category (15km), Men’s and Women’s Campus Category for students and staff (15km), Men’s and Women’s Youth Category (10km) as well as the Men’s and Women’s Fun Run Category (5km).




First to cross the finish line in the Men’s Campus Category for Students was Gan Shih Chau representing UTM, finishing the race in 55 minutes. Also beaming with joy was another athlete from UTM, Noor Aini Mohd Tajuddin, the champion for the Women’s Campus Category for Students, clocking in at 83 minutes. All participants were presented with a certificate of participation while the winners in each category were also awarded with a grand prize worth up to RM1,000.



Professor Datuk Dr. Mohd Tajudin Ninggal, the Deputy Vice Chancellor, Student Affairs and Alumni of UTM expressed his gratitude towards Malakoff’s continuous support. He said, “In addition to the healthy and green values promoted during the race, the initiative is also well in line with our commitment to promote UTM as a prime location in the region for sporting events.”

“We definitely look forward to collaborate with Malakoff again in other meaningful projects in the future,” he added.



For full results and photos of Malakoff-UTM Eco Run 2012, please visit www.malakoff.com.my and www.facebook.com/Malakoff.MCP

Photos: Larian Hijrah 1434H (2012) @ Masjid Negara

The one and only road race that starts from the National Mosque or Masjid Negara, Larian Hijrah 1434H is organised in conjunction of the Maal Hijrah (Islamic New Year) celebration.



The run was flagged off by YB Mejar Jeneral Dato’ Seri Jamil Khir Bin Baharom ( Minister in the Prime Minister's Department)



The theme for the celebration this year is “Wasatiyyah Tonggak Kesatuan Ummah”. How many of you know the meaning of Wasatiyyah?



Well, we personally do not know what Wasatiyyah is all about but we did asked around. Some said Wasatiyyah is moderation. A friend of mine defines “Wassatiyah” as the balance in life now and for hereafter. Enjoying life without breaking any Islam rules.

So, I guess the theme can be loosely translated as “Moderation is the pillar of unity among Islam community”. Please correct us if we are wrong. :)

In Arabic, Wasat, has three meanings - to be moderate, to be in the middle, and to be the best.



Enough of language lesson, LOL!

Let’s get back to the run. According to the press release, 3,000 runners of all races and nationalities has signed up for the race this morning. We are not surprised since the race is free of charge and each runner received a free T-shirt and goodies bag.



We noticed something different with this run event. Majority of the women runners are wearing head covers or tudung. This shows that wearing tudung is not a hindrance to leading an active life by participating in sports. :)



Terbaiklah! Not everyday you get to see aweks running in baju kurung! LOL!



The run took runners around the vicinity of Pusat Islam Malaysia which is quite hilly!



Wah...lajunya...



Chaiyok! Chaiyok!



Start them young, eh?



We love this fun bunch running in their traditional costumes. (Insert peace sign here)



More photos (239 pcs) available at http://www.facebook.com/celebrunner. Do show us some love by clicking LIKE on our page and feel free to like, tag and share the photos.

Exclusive: How Chris Dalton & Ning Baizura Made the Best Out of Their Trip Despite the Cancellation of ING NYC Marathon 2012

This year's New York City marathon was cancelled in the aftermath of the super storm Sandy. The marathon is the largest in the world, with more than 47,000 runners - about 20,000 of them from overseas - registered to take part this year. Avid runner, hubby and manager of R&B Songstress Ning Baizura, Chris Dalton talked to us about his trip New York for the now cancelled ING New York Marathon.



How did you prepare for the NYC Marathon?

It would have been so my third marathon this year, KL and River Jungle Run being the previous two. So they were my warm up. I know I could put a PB in NYM, so I focused everything towards that. I was running twice to three times a week; 20k at weekends, plus twice in the gym and weights to build up my strength.
I even did the Mt Kinabalu Climbathon. I finished it. It was the hardest event I have taken place in. I did it to give me some altitude training and boost my body's ability to push the limit. I think a marathon is easier than that race!

What was your expectation?

Not sure really. Excitement, adrenaline, crazy crowds, a PB. I have spoken to many runners who had done it. They told me there is no other marathon like it. The route and the crowd make a huge difference, plus the sheer numbers of runners, 47000 of them. Never will I have run with that many people!



We heard you were running for charity. Tell us more?

I was raising money for Make A Wish Malaysia. Ning is one of their ambassadors. They grant terminally ill children their last wish. It is a heart-felt cause.

When did you know the marathon was cancelled?

The Friday night before around 7pm.



What was your feeling and your reaction then?

Half expected to land on Wednesday in NY and find out they had called it off. It wasn't so all the talk was to donate money to the victims of Sandy and run for recovery of the city. The media didn't like it and wanted to target the marathon. The New York Post was especially out spoken. It was the media and then subsequent peer pressure from citizens of New York that got it cancelled.

Logistically it could still go ahead. No one spoke out about the Knicks games that same night, which had 10,000 fans turn up and then the New York Giants game which went ahead on marathon day. That had 80,000 fans turn up. So could it have happened, sure it could just like the rest of the major sporting events that weekend. NYRR just totally mishandled it. I think the Knicks and Giants game should have been called off too.



How did Ning take the news of the cancellation?

She was upset of course, but not much she can do.

How did you make the best out of the trip despite the cancellation?

I still ran in Central Park on the Sunday morning, along with 10000 other runners. Lots of spectators turned up. The atmosphere was electric. If that was 10% of what the real race is like, i was gutted but still happy to be out there.

Some runners still did the full run. I only did 10K as we decided to do other things that day. It was crisp morning so good for sight-seeing. Later in the week I did a timed 10K and 21K run in central park. The temperature was low around 12 deg. I did two personal best, beating my previous PB times by 8 minutes for each run. I would have loved to see how much I could have taken off the full length.



How did the trip go overall?

We went for a holiday too. So we had planned to spend 12 days in NY. We made the best of it and still had a great time!




Are you planning to do NYC marathon next year?

If they give me an automatic entry, sure I will be there next year. I had a taste of it, now I want the full cake!

What is your next race?

Singapore half 2nd Dec 2012.

Note: Photos are courtesy of Chris Dalton.

Penang Bridge International Marathon 2012 Birthday 10K Race Report

There are two reasons why this year’s Penang Bridge International Marathon (PBIM) means so much to me. First, it fell on my birthday – 18 November and second, it would be our last time running on this bridge because starting next year, PBIM will be held on the new bridge from Batu Maung. PBIM has a special place in my heart it was where I got my first finisher medal way back in 2000, when I first started running.



Work in progress. To be continued.



























For more PBIM photos, please visit http://facebook.com/celebrunner. 179 photos are waiting for you. :)

Press Release: Allianz Penang Bridge International Marathon Gears Up For The Last Run On The Current Bridge

Allianz Penang Bridge International Marathon (“APBIM”) creates another milestone as it gears up towards the last run on the current Penang Bridge before it moves to the new bridge next year. More than 34,000 participants have registered to run on the current bridge, which will take place on 18 November 2012.

“We at Allianz hope to provide a positive platform for everyone to join us to promote a healthy lifestyle and balanced living among Malaysians and others alike as the title sponsor of APBIM for two consecutive years,” said Jens Reisch, CEO of Allianz Life Insurance Malaysia Berhad.

“This year we are excited to welcome more than 34,000 participants; a great leap from the total 27,500 participants we had last year. At the same time, participation from the Allianz Running Community consisting of Allianz employees, agents and business partners from Malaysia, Indonesia, Singapore and Germany has also increased to over 1,200. The growth in numbers portrays the success of the event and we at Allianz are happy to reach out and share the message of leading a healthy lifestyle to as many people as possible,” added Reisch.

The marathon has four main categories which are the Full Marathon, Half Marathon, 10K and Fun Run. Running clinics were held at various locations for the participants to prepare themselves prior to the run. This year, there will also be some difference in the setup of Allianz booths at the marathon site, now to be placed at two locations side by side. Site A which is accessible to all categories, will have five different booths which includes a banana giveaway booth, a photowall booth, a message wall booth and a booth which provides displays of Allianz’s sponsoring activities in the Paralympic and Formula One sporting events.

While Site B, is only accessible to Full Marathon participants where they will be treated with a leg massage, breakfast and a place to rest. The addition of Site B this year is to provide a more comfortable area for the Full Marathon runners. “I encourage everyone to visit our booths. One of the main attractions last year was Allianz’s photowall and this year we have a similar initiative to add more fun to the event. Marathon goers are also encouraged to write their experience on the message wall prepared. This is in line with our One Campaign activity where we would like to reach out, share and learn from each other’s experience,” added Reisch.

Allianz has also embarked in a Customer Campaign this year to thank customers who have registered for APBIM. All Allianz customers who have registered for the marathon can redeem a mystery gift at the APBIM collection centre at Queensbay Mall, Penang by just filling up a simple form and presenting it to the Allianz booth located at the mall between10am to 6pm, from 16 to 17 November 2012.

“We have a total of 4,580 Allianz Malaysia customers who have registered for the marathon. This small gesture of a gift token is our way of saying thank you to our customers who support our initiatives to promote a healthy lifestyle through this run,” added Reisch.

Besides the special mystery gift for customers, Allianz is also once again extending a Personal Accident insurance coverage for all participants of APBIM as a responsible insurer to ensure the safety of the participants.

For more information, please visit http://www.penangmarathon.gov.my or www.facebook.com/AllianzMalaysia. Alternatively, call 016- 411 0000 for further inquiries.

Exclusive: Interview with Datuk Yasmin Yusuff (Emcee for Terry Fox Run Kuala Lumpur)

DATUK Yasmin Yusuff is one of Malaysia’s most well-known faces and voices. My earliest recollection of her is in the TV series OPAH by channel RTM1 some twenty years ago. She played a gorgeous Minah Salleh, Jessica who is married to one of Opah’s sons. I remember listening to her on the radio too when I was still a student. Her trademark chirpy “Goooood morning, good morning, good morning!” would brighten up anyone’s morning!

She represented Malaysia at the Miss Universe 1978 competition in Acapulco, Mexico, where she won third prize for Best National Dress. Today she is still keeping busy doing voice-overs, acting, emceeing and producing musical such as Cuci the Musical and Lat Kampung Boy the Musical.

Apart from all that, she also does pro bono jobs for cancer awareness or fund-raising events. Terry Fox Run is one of them. She has been the emcee for the KL edition of Terry Fox run as long as we could remember.

Here’s a brief chat with her after someone took away her microphone at Padang Merbok last Sunday.

How long have you been involved in Terry Fox Run?
I don’t remember. It’s been going on umpteenth years. It’s definitely more than 10. Maybe I missed about 4 when I was doing something out station. But it's nothing compared to this. I like the fact that with the social media today, even if you don’t come, you can still publicize the event and get people to come over. I like what someone wrote on the FB page of Terry Fox Run KL - “I can’t run but I will buy the t shirt”. That was really cool.

What make you come back year after year?
First of all, it is a big international event. I like to be associated with it. I’m already doing so many things for cancer charity. Terry Fox Run is my first in term of emcee-ing. It was so small then. Regent used to put on the spread, the pastries and coffee. But you can’t do that now because the huge number of people.
It makes you feel really good when you see it growing every year; more and more people from all walks of life and races joining.
I kinda have a loyalty to it. And I love the T-shirt. I’m really here because of the free T-shirt. *Laugh*

Who is Terry Fox to you?
Terry Fox is somebody who went above and beyond to find a cure for cancer. What he did was far out, so huge and impactful. For me, I’m just doing my little bit for the cause. It is really not a movement or a brand but still one boy who did so much for cancer research. Imagine that he is still alive and he could see this! So amazing, you know.

What is your next charity event?
I have a Hospis dinner in December. I’m not gonna accept anymore this year. This year, I have done the Estée Lauder Breast Cancer Awareness Campaign Gala Dinner, Relay for Life where I had a celebrity team, an old DJ 90's night fundraising for a home in Rawang for mentally handicapped and Dignity for Children Foundation dinner for assisted living for autistic young adults.

Are you coming back for next year’s Terry Fox Run?
They will kill me if I don’t. *laugh out loud*

Follow Yasmin Yusuff on Twitter -> https://twitter.com/yyusuff

Photos: Terry Fox Run 2012 Kuala Lumpur

This year marks the 32nd anniversary of the Terry Fox Run on November 11th 2012, in Padang Merbok KL.

Terry Fox was 18 years old in 1977 when he was diagnosed with bone cancer. His right leg was amputated above the knee. Whilst in the hospital, Terry was so moved by the suffering of cancer patients, particularly children, that he resolved to run across Canada (a distance of 8,500 kilometers) to raise money for cancer research.

He called his journey the “Marathon of Hope”. Terry Fox, an amputee, ran a marathon (42 kilometers) a day for 143 consecutive days - a total distance of 5,373 kilometers. At that stage, Terry was forced to abandon his run as the cancer spread to his lungs. Terry Fox died a few months later at the age of 21.

Before he died, he knew that a fund-raising event would be held each year, with the same objectives as the Marathon of Hope - to help find a cure for cancer.



Since 1981, the Terry Fox Run has raised more than 550 million Canadian dollars in aid of cancer research around the world. The Terry Fox Foundation requires that the funds raised be used for cancer research in the country where the Run is held.

The beneficiary this year will be the Cancer Research Initiatives Foundation (CARIF). CARIF is the first independent, non-profit cancer research organization in Malaysia.



The Facebook page of Terry Fox Run KL is very interactive this year. Instead of just updates, fans get to submit the reasons why they are running the Terry Fox Run.

Some of the lucky ones got their reasons incorporated into Facebook cover photos.

Some of the even luckier ones made it to the photo wall at the run this morning!



We also saw the introduction of the Team Terry Fox special T-Shirt - in red.

Not everyone can wear this red Tee. Only those who have fought and won the battle against cancer are qualified enough to wear it, like our fellow runner, ultramarathoner, CARIF ambassador, cancer survivor, Frank Chong.



Check out Frank's blog HERE.



Look who we bumped into at the run – Amir Muhammad, movie maker, writer and publisher. He automatically gave us the celebrunner pose without asking. Thank you so much, Amir! Heheh!



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