Press Release: Malakoff Penang Run 2013

MALAKOFF PENANG RUN 2013 ATTRACTS RECORD 2,500 PARTICIPANTS

Racers Blaze Through Penang’s Heritage Trail For Attractive Prizes

17 March 2013, Padang Kota Lama, Penang– Malakoff Corporation Berhad (Malakoff) successfully organized its “Run with Family and Friends” Malakoff 17km and 7km, Penang Run 2013 (Malakoff Penang Run) attracting a record 2,500 athletes, witnessed by cheering supporters as runners revelled in the sheer thrill of finishing the event with a chance of grabbing attractive product vouchers worth a total of RM18,000.



Sponsored by Malakoff for the sixth consecutive year, the Malakoff Penang Run is an annual initiative under the Company’s flagship CSR platform – the Malakoff Community Partnerships. The “Run with Family and Friends” challenge is organised by Pacesetters Athletic Club while being supported by the Penang State Government, the Penang State Sports Council, the Penang Island Municipal Council and the Department of Environment Malaysia.

Flagging off the race, Yang Berhormat Puan Lydia Ong Kok Fooi, Chairman of Penang State Youth, and Sports and Women, Family and Community Development Committee said, “The Penang State Government is proud to be part of the iconic Malakoff Penang Run as it is in line with our commitment to foster unity and promote healthier lifestyles amongst all Malaysian citizens, young and old.”



“We hope to roll out more exciting sporting initiatives to add to the vibrant sporting scene in Penang, with the continued support by private corporations such as Malakoff and the local community,” she added.



Malakoff Penang Run 2013 saw Ruburn Kummar racing through the finish line first in 57 minutes 37 seconds and won the Men’s Open 17km category. Meanwhile, Tan Zijill clocked in at 1 hour 21 minutes 20 seconds to finish first in the Women’s Open category. Baskaran A/L Kuppusam and Ng Sun Nee were crowned winners in the Men’s and Women’s Veteran’s category along with Khor Ngee Leong and Tan Chin Fong in the Men’s and Women’s Senior Veteran’s category respectively.



In the shorter 7km Fun Run categories, youngsters Lee Wen Jun and Balzer Thizbe Page from Canada, emerged victoriously in the Men’s and Women’s Junior in 7km Fun Run taking home placing medals for their efforts.

As a testimony of its popularity, the Malakoff Penang Run attracted participants from all over Malaysia as well as the expatriate community from 21 countries including Australia, Germany, Indonesia, Singapore, Taiwan, United Kingdom and the United States of America.

Speaking about the event, Zainal Abidin Jalil, the Chief Executive Officer of Malakoff said, “I am proud that the Malakoff Penang Run has grown from small beginnings to be one of most anticipated events in the Northern Region. Malakoff is very pleased with the overwhelming turnout from the people of Penang and wider afield, and shall remain committed to the Malakoff Penang Run in the years to come.”

He also indicated that the Run was a success owing to the support by the various parties involved. He added, “I would like to express my sincere appreciation to the Penang State Government as well as the various local agencies involved for their cooperation.”

The number of participants in the Malakoff Penang Run continued to soar since the inaugural race in 2008. The event started with a modest beginning in 2008 with 450 runners and has gradually grown and attracted close to 1,500 athletes in 2012. In 2013, the number almost doubled to a record 2,500 participants.

Ng Sun Nee, 40, who maintained a blistering pace to win the 17km Women’s Veteran category for four consecutive years said, “Joining the Malakoff Penang Run has been an annual ritual for the last five years and like the previous editions, it was a great race! The weather was pleasant and so was the atmosphere. I am glad that my family and friends are here to participate as well as to boost my morale and competitive spirit.”

Commenting on her target for the next Malakoff Penang Run, she said “I will definitely continue to train myself in order to outperform my current record and defend my title again next year.”

First time participant, Syamil Aiman, 14, who finished second in the Junior Fun Run Category, remarked, “I was anxious and eager at the same time to be running alongside with the experienced runners. However, I am excited to be able to outpace them and finish top five. It shows that everything is possible as long as we keep our focus on the goal.”

Apart from the Malakoff Penang Run, the Company will also be championing other sporting events in Malaysia this year such as the Malakoff Duathlon University Series, Malakoff Kuala Lumpur Run, Malakoff Powerman Asian Duathlon Championships and Malakoff Interstate Fellowship Ride.




(Above)The top five winners of the 17km Men's Open. They received product vouchers worth a total of RM3,000 and a finisher's medal each.



(Above) Women in the Veteren Category during the prize giving ceremony. Defending champion, Ng Sun Nee once again clinched her title for the fourth consecutive year



(Above) The top five finishers from the 7km Men's Junior Categories

For full results and photos of Malakoff 17km and 7km, Penang Run 2013, please visit www.malakoffrun.com.my. You may also visit www.facebook.com/Malakoff.MCP to learn more about Malakoff’s other sporting initiatives.