Recap: Unforgettable Moments in Malaysia’s Running Scene 2015

As another year draws to a close, let's have a look back at what's brought us here. The good, the bad and the ugly in the Malaysia’s running landscape in 2015 as seen from our hazy eyes. Heheh! Were there other notable highlights of the year apart from the haze and more haze? Let’s have a look.


1. The haze that won’t go away
The incessant land burning from Indonesia has robbed us two of the most important marathon events in Malaysia, not to mention a series of other shorter runs. They were eithr postponsed or cancelled all together. Standard Chartered KL Marathon decided to call it off after the API reading shot through the roof on the eve of the run. Two weeks later, the Putrajaya Night Marathon suffered the same fate. It was the worst year for running! (Insert coughing sound effect here).



2. Hari Sukan Negara
The brainchild of Youth and Sports Minister Khairy Jamaluddin, trying to get 3 million Malaysia off the couch and on their feet on 10 October. We love the idea of all Malaysian coming together to becoming a sporting nation but on the other hand why cramp all nice events into a day? We have like over 15 running events nationwide. Could have been better if they are spread over a month or something!



3. #KeepTheDate #SCKLM4Oct
Some people said it was hijack. Some people said it was a robbery. But whatever your mom called it, we were not very happy with the sudden date change of the Standard Chartered KL Marathon from 4 Oct (Sunday) to 10 Oct (Saturday), so that it would coincide with Hari Sukan Negara. With the help of the running MP, Dr. Ong Kian Meng, we staged a protest at Taman Botani Perdana to bring the date back to 4 October and we won! But the victory didn’t taste as sweet because the marathon was cancelled due to haze! Hurm…



4. Car-free Morning X2
Kudos for Kuala Lumpur City Council, DBKL on the Car Free Morning initiative in 2014. It got better in 2015 because the frequency is increased to twice a month. City-dwellers like you and me get to run, jog, walk, cycle, rollerblade, roller skate, skateboard, handcycle etc at peace in the city centre. INFO: https://www.facebook.com/carfreemorning

A photo posted by runwitme (@runwitme) on Jan 7, 2015 at 8:14pm PST

5. Malaysia International Marathon. NOT!
It was launched with much fanfare (complete with a theme song) in January only to be cancelled due to some internal problems in The Olympic Council of Malaysia (OCM). The controversial Malaysian International Marathon (MIM) 2015 was planned at the Batu Kawan Stadium in Penang on May 23-24 as part of OCM's 60th anniversary celebrations. Read more about it HERE and HERE.

A video posted by runwitme (@runwitme) on Jan 29, 2015 at 7:49am PST

6. Under Armour arrived on our shore
The wait was over! The first store of the American sports label, Under Armour opened its door at KL’s leading landmark and shopping destination – Suria KLCC. Before the year is over, three more outlets opened at Pavilion, Sunway Pyramid and Mid Valley, making it one of the fastest growing sport brands in Malaysia!

A video posted by runwitme (@runwitme) on Jan 31, 2015 at 1:37pm PST

7. Nike’s Half Marathon Upgrade
A field of 8,000 athletes raced toward their personal bests at Nike’s We Run Kuala Lumpur 21K. For the first time, the race featured a 21K distance, making it one of three cities to host a half-marathon distance in the global Nike We Run Race Series, which aims to inspire athletes to push themselves beyond their limits and unleash their potential.



8. The Glow Debacle
OMG! We have not heard so many problems with a run before! And Glow 5.5km didn’t come cheap. At Rm101 (standard price) for a 5.5km run, it was definitely one of the most expensive runs in Malaysia. It was postponed to 16 May 2015 from 18 April 2015. Then the venue changed from KL Tower to Dataran Merdeka and then to Setia City Alam! And that were just the start of a slew of problems from technical glitches, Groupon problem, shuttle bus issue and cheap medal leaving thousands of angry runners. We hope all those demanded for refund go their money back! Read more about the grouches HERE.

A video posted by runwitme (@runwitme) on Jul 31, 2015 at 12:53pm PDT

9. Run Like A Werewolf
Move over zombies. On Friday, July 31st, 2015, Asia’s first ever werewolf-themed urban obstacle night race took Putrajaya by storm, leading over 2,000 participants through a series challenging hurdles over a 10km route. BloodRunner 2015 is the brainchild of local experiential agency, Switch Strategies Sdn Bhd, and is endorsed by Malaysia Major Events, an agency under the Ministry of Tourism and Culture Malaysia.


10. Adidas The Official Apparel for SCKLM
Adidas, the world’s top sports brand has became the Official Apparel partner for the Standard Chartered KL Marathon 2015, supplying the authorised marathon racing top. Tailored to suit for the marathon, the licensed merchandise range included the Fall/Winter 2015 Supernova Glide BOOST running shoes series, the ‘run’ ClimaLite® top for men and women, a limited edition cap as well as a handy water bottle by adidas. Too bad the marathon was cancelled. (Insert a loud wail here).



11. Reebok Spartan Race Debuts in Malaysia
Reebok Spartan Race, the world’s leading obstacle race finally debut in Malaysia as one of the flagship events of the inaugural National Sports Day on 10 October. Obstacle course racing is now the fastest growing participatory sport in the world, which is reflected in Malaysia with organisers, Total Sports Asia (TSA) and Spartan Race Inc, opening up a second day of racing on 11 October due to demand.



12. Out from the haze, into the rain storm
It was a very unfortunate evening for Puma Night Run participants. The run was cancelled mid-way of the run due to heavy rain and thunderstorm. The rain storm sent runners running helter-skelter for cover. The start/ finish arch collapsed due to the storm and fell on a runner. Thank God, he was not seriously injured. For the convenience of the runners, PUMA Malaysia promised to send the medal and other entitlement pack to runners who did not managed to collect them that evening.



13. Beware of Scammers
Police are seeking a 29-year-old man believed to be the organiser of the Borneo Mud Challenge race that failed to take place on 27 September despite fees collected from participants. Kota Kinabalu police chief Assistant Commissioner M. Chandra said police are looking for a Jonathan John Jipil, from Kampung Potoki, Lok Kawi, Penampang, who became uncontactable after the event fell through. A total of 29 police reports have been lodged at various districts, involving some 153 people and RM20,267 in paid fees, with others, including international visitors, who have yet to make reports. Read more HERE.






14. Dubious Race Cancellation/ Postponement
There are a few road races that were cancelled without any solid reasons after money has exchanged hands. Short of being a scam, these race organisers decided to cancel the run at the last minute leaving runners hanging. . We wish to highlight it here and we urged those affected to lodge a police report if the refund due was not done. We as runners must know our rights as paying customers. Let's stand united to weed out bad race organisers. Rungasm, HRDF Half Marathon and Man United Supporters Peace Run, you are on our blacklist.





16. Till Running Do Us Apart
Our heart bleed when we heard about the unfortunate news. Two deaths were reported during running events in 2015. As runners, we should take responsibility of our own health and educate ourselves on how to run safely. Never, never run if you are feeling unwell. Check out safety tips from, fitness guru Dave Nuku HERE.



17. No Color Run
The run dubbed The Happiest 5K On The Planet did not materialised in 2015 after a successful run the year before. The Color Run is a five-kilometer, un-timed race in which thousands of participants, or “Color Runners”, are doused from head to toe in different coloured powder at each kilometer. It was supposed to be held mid September this year. We heard the main sponsor pulled out after an unrelated incident in Taiwan where 500 people were injured when flammable powder exploded in midair in a theme park. Read about the Taiwan incident HERE and HERE.


18. The Age of Ultron
What is Ultron? We asked the CEO of Ultron. Her reply was simple. It is an abbreviation for Ultra Marathon. Basically, they want to produce apparels for active people who like to go the distance (literally or figuratively). Ultron has been very supportive of local races, sponsoring the running apparels made with their Microdry materials. Located at Nu Sentral, the Ultron retail outlet was officially launched on 20 December, giving runners like us a new destination for affordable trendy sportwear. INFO: http://ultron.club/

So there. 18 memorable moments in the Malaysia's running scene last year as seen from our eyes. We would love to hear your experience too. Do leave your comments.

HAPPY NEW YEAR 2016!

Save the Date: Standard Chartered KL Marathon 2016 will be on 7 August 2016

#‎SCKLM2016‬

Save The Date: 7 August 2016 (Sunday)

Venue: Dataran Merdeka, Kuala Lumpur.

Entry Fees: http://www.kl-marathon.com/registration/entry-fees/

Online registration will commence in March 2016

Adele - Hello Parody (Hella Cravings) Lyrics

Hahah! One of the best parodies of Adele's megahit, Hello. Husband and wife Dustin and Genevieve Ahkuoi put their impressive pipes (and hatred towards exercise) to use in this hilarious Adele parody, renamed "Hello (Hella Cravings)."

Adele - Hello Parody

Hello, it’s me.
I’ve avoided you forever while consuming calories.
I love donuts..
Mac and cheese.
They say kale has antioxidants but I’m anti leafy greens.

Hello, can you save me?
I’m in calisthenics dreaming about Netflix and Mickey D’s.
When I was younger
These jeans used to fit me,
Now my booty’s got them bursting at the seams.

There’s more circumference
To my gut
And no gap between my thighs.

Hello cravings for some fries.
I did one push-up and I cried.
And my glutes are shaking
Every time that I lunge
And this gluten free bread
Tastes just like a sponge.

Hella pizza late at night
I keep saying just one more slice.
And I feel so
HANGRY
Breakfast, dinner and lunch
And the ice cream truck is the only reason I run anymore.

Hello CrossFit fanatic.
I know what you’re gonna say
I ‘ll get addicted once I’m at it
and I know you mean well
But if you shout at me
just one more time
I might commence to snapping.

It’s no secret that Zumba class
Is the last thing on my mind.

Hello stationary bike
That’s not fat my body’s crying.
Emotional scarring
With every squat that I’ve done
And this veggie smoothie
Makes me wanna throw up.

Hello wine and bagel bites.
Krispy Kreme gives me life.
and I feel so HANGRY
Breakfast, dinner and lunch
And the ice cream truck
is the only reason I run
Anymore...

Giveaway: THE WAVE Special Screening Movie Tickets

THE WAVE
It has happened before, it will happens again.

For many years mountain pass of above the scenic narrow Norwegian pose as a potential danger of collapsing. A geologist was assigned to study and take security measure of the potential catastrophe from happening. However the nightmare became reality when part of the mountain falls out and creates an 85 meter high violent tsunami.

Release date 31 Dec 2015
Language: English
Genre: Disaster
Director: Roar Uthaug
Casts: Kristoffer Joner, Thomas Bo Larsen, Ane Dahl Torp





The generous people at RAM Entertainment is giving 20 lucky readers of this blog two tickets each to watch "THE WAVE" Special Preview Screening.

THE WAVE Screening
Date: 29 Dec 2015 (Tuesday)
Venue: GSC Mid Valley
Time: 9.00 pm
Ticket Redemption starts from 8.00pm – 8.45pm at RAM Counter at Cinema Foyer.

Here's how you can get your hands on the tickets. Just send an email to runwitme@gmail.com with the subject "THE WAVE" not later than tomorrow 29 DECEMBER (Tuesday) 10am. Winner will be contacted via email by 12pm on the same day. Do include your FULL NAME, IC Number and Phone number. Tickets will be given out on first come, first serve basis.

Engineers For MAKNA Run 2016 @ University Tenaga Nasional (UNITEN), Putrajaya Campus

What? Engineers For MAKNA Run 2016

When? 17 January 2016 (Sunday) 7:15am

Where? University Tenaga Nasional (UNITEN), Putrajaya Campus

Why? To raise funds for cancer patients in collaboration with Majlis Kanser Nasional (MAKNA).

Who? Organised by Society of Ingénieur UNITEN (IEM – SIR UNITEN), Student Chapter, University Tenaga Nasional

How far/ How much? 12km (RM40)/ 5km (RM25)

How to register? Click HERE.

Need more info? Click LIKE -> www.facebook.com/unitenmaknarun

Runwitme Says: This is a themed colour run, where you will get bombarded with coloured powder along the run. Be prepared to have lots of fun and laughter.

Pangkor International Run 2016

What? Pangkor International Run 2016

When? 10 April 2016 (Sunday) 6:30am

Where? Opposite Pangkor Coral Bay Resort

Who? Organised by Kelab Olahraga Pangkor

How far?/ How much? 15km (RM80), 10km (RM50), 5 & 3km (RM20)

How to register? Click HERE.

Runwitme Says: According to the organisers, you will get to enjoy a scenic loop on the shores of Pangkor Island. The run will start in front of Coral Bay Resort and end at Arena Pangkor.

Merry Christmas 2015

Santa’s jaunt is underway
A marathon that lasts night and day
Running from roof to roof
Don’t believe it?
Here’s the proof
Piles of presents waiting, it’s true!
His race is run, now it’s over to you.

MERRY CHRISTMAS!

SCORE Cupid Run 2016: Glass Slipper Trail

What? SCORE Cupid Run 2016: Glass Slipper Trail

Where? Kepong Metropolitan Park KL

When? 14 February 2016, 7am – 11am

How far? 4km

How much? RM85

How to register? Click http://www.score.my/events/score-cupid-run-2016/

Runwitme Says: Back for yet another fairytale adventure, SCORE Cupid Run 2016 is a 4 km fun run open to all aged 12 years and above to be held at Kepong Metropolitan Park, KL on 14 February 2016, 7am onwards.

SCORE Cupid Run aims to encourage more people to take up running – professional runner, running enthusiast, or fun run fans alike. By infusing endearing fairytales themes, the run provides an exciting, recreational platform for a convenient and great cardiovascular exercise.

Runners of all ages and backgrounds will enjoy the activities at the 4 pit stops – Cinder, Fairy Godmother, Pumpkin Ride, and The Dance – the Glass Slipper Trail has to offer. They include balloon and tutu giveaways, a “fairy godmother” granting wishes, photo-worthy deco, as well as some dancing activities.

With an expected 5,000 runners encompassing friends, family, running buddies and groups, partners and/or spouses, loved ones, and individuals searching for their perfect fit, male and female participants will each receive a unique for-him and for-her finisher medal upon completing the run.

Media Release: MPI Generali Celebrates Countdown with Sponsors and Partners

Kuala Lumpur, 10 December 2016 - MPI Generali Insurans Berhad held a 30 Days Countdown Cocktail for its annual community run at Pacific Regency Hotel yesterday. Run sponsors and partners as well as members of the media packed Cristallo Restaurant to build momentum for MPI Generali Run 2016, the fifth run organised by the general insurer.

The attendees were treated to a retrospective catwalk that featured all five runner Tshirts that had been printed for the Run, each corresponding to one of the five colour blocks in the Run logo. Sponsors and partners were formally recognised for their support of the Run in an appreciation plaque presentation ceremony. Some of these sponsors have been with the Run since its debut in 2012.

The new MPI Generali CEO Mr Oliver Tan shared his enthusiasm about the upcoming Run in his welcome address: “We have attracted many supporters with or without running background, colleagues, corporations, and sponsors and partners like yourselves. Through these five years, we have established a base of loyal followers, and we want to show our appreciation of their loyalty with MPI Generali Run 2016.



“It is going to be bigger, bolder and brighter. This is the Run where the fun comes in family sizes. We want our followers to make it their family day. We want you to make it your family day.”

The list of sponsors and partners for MPI Generali Run 2016 includes New Balance (Official Apparel), Revive Isotonic (Official Isotonic), Pacific Regency (Hotel Partner), Running Malaysia (Media Partner – Magazine), Gleneagles Kuala Lumpur (Medical Partner), Affin Hwang Capital, BP Healthcare Group, Mamee, Sworke, Magnum, Nestlé Fitnesse, Nestlé Milo, Pilatique, Garmin, KT Tape, Leong Adjustment Sdn. Bhd., Massimo, Penyelarasan Angkasa Sdn Bhd, Simply Juice and Sugar Kid Malaysia.

The token of appreciation for donors of the third Project Good Deeds was also unveiled at the cocktail: the Pandanus bookmark. Made from pandanus leaves, the bookmark bears the weave patterns based on the indigenous Mah Meri latch weaving of a traditional pouch.



The amount of work that goes into the making of one bookmark gives the token a special touch. Donors will receive the bookmark in acknowledgment of their donation of sports shoes and T-shirts to Project Good Deeds, which is set to benefit another four Orang Asli kampungs this time.

The past six beneficiaries of Project Good Deeds are Kampung Orang Asli Bakok, Kampung Orang Asli Bukit Damar, Kampung Orang Asli Bukit Jenuk, Kampung Orang Asli Sungai Lalang, Kampung Orang Asli Sungai Mai and Kampung Orang Asli Ulu Yam.

The present Project Good Deeds will benefit Kampung Orang Ali Air Terentang, Kampung Orang Asli Bukit Baja, Kampung Orang Asli Tanjung Rampai and Kampung Orang Asli Ulu Tual Pos Sinderut.

Collection for Project Good Deeds will be made as per the following schedule. More info HERE.



What does the Organiser have in store for the community in MPI Generali Run 2017? The Organising Committee assured supporters and followers of the Run that they would be the first to know once plans could be finalised.

If you are interested in becoming a sponsor, partner or corporate supporter of future MPI Generali Runs, kindly get in touch with Natalie Hau at +603 2034 9888 Ext: 7807 or or natalie_hau@mpigenerali.com.

Media Release: adidas Originals by KANYE WEST YEEZY BOOST 350 Tan

Kuala Lumpur, 22nd December - Following the unprecedented global anticipation of the YEEZY BOOST 350 released in a white, black and gray colorway - Kanye West and adidas Originals will conclude this eventful year with another release of the already iconic style in a tan version.

The shoe marks the sixth footwear model launched in the historic partnership between West and adidas. The lo-top YEEZY BOOST 350 in tan features uppers composed of tonal Primeknit: a break-through material developed using adidas’ most advanced digital engineering techniques to fit like a second skin. Color-coordinated outsoles leverage adidas BOOST™’s highly responsive properties to offer an unparalleled level of comfort, performance, and style.

The YEEZY BOOST 350 combines the forward-thinking technologies of adidas with a classic aesthetic and represents a bold new design ideal.

Fans can get a pair by obtaining a ballot starting December 27th 10am at the adidas Originals Concept Store in Pavilion, Kuala Lumpur up till 28th December 10pm to stand a chance to purchase the YEEZY BOOST 350 on it's launch date on 29th December. With only 400 ballot tags available, the draw will take place at the main entrance of Pavilion Kuala Lumpur at 12pm on 29th December.

The YEEZY BOOST 350 in tan retails at RM850 available from December 29th 2015 exclusively at the adidas Originals Concept Store in Pavilion, Kuala Lumpur.

www.adidas.com/KANYE

#YEEZYBOOST
#adidasOriginals
#adidasMY
@adidasOriginals

For more photos of the YEEZY BOOST 350 Tan, click HERE.

10 Reasons Why We Want To Run #MyBuddiesRun Again Next Year

Hot on the heel of success of Larian Sehati Sejiwa in Padang Merbok last August, MyNic Berhad, (the Malaysian registrar of .my domains) organised yet another roaring road race. This time it was in Cyberjaya, the town that aspires to be the Silicon Valley of Malaysia.

Having ran the 10km event last Sunday, we enjoyed the run tremendously and can’t wait for the next edition of the run. Here’s 10 reasons why…

1) It's a refreshing break from the usual route.
Sick of the usual Dataran Merdeka or Dataran Putrajaya loop? Cyberjaya provides a little escape from routine. The start point is a stone's throw from D Pulze shopping mall and Tune Hotel. We checked into a hotel 100m from the start point (Z Hotel) the night before the race. It was sort of a run-cation not too far from home.

A video posted by runwitme (@runwitme) on Dec 19, 2015 at 5:01pm PST

2) Excellent distance markers
Distance marker at every km. Not everybody has GPS to calculate how many more km to endure before the finish line. (Insert panting sound effect here)




3) Nice Compressport Tee.
Love the simple design. Quality material from CStriking green on black. Sponsor logos are kept to a minimum which is good for repeat wearing. We usually send those t-shirts which are stamped by too many sponsor logos to H&M for recycling. Heheh!

A video posted by runwitme (@runwitme) on Dec 19, 2015 at 5:25pm PST

4) Good traffic control
The traffic police officers, RELA and crew did a good job in controlling the traffic. Anyway, there are not many cars on a Sunday morning here because Cyberjaya is not a residential area. So, we more or less have escaped the honking or cursing of impatient drivers.




5) Adequate water stations
We think the organisers were spoiling the runners, There were three (3) water stations serving both water and isotonic drink along the 10km route. We could survive with just one but better more than less, right? We also like the fact that they took the effort to chill the drink. Nothing taste bad like a warm cup of isotonic drink. Oh yes, portable toilets were available near the water stations.

A video posted by runwitme (@runwitme) on Dec 19, 2015 at 5:28pm PST

6) Freshly fried bihun
No...We do not get to eat this halfway of the run. Heheh! Only at the end of the run. Freshly fried rice vermicelli (bihun) with fresh ingredients, right in front of you eyes. Perfect to refuel after slogging 10km on the tarmac.

A video posted by runwitme (@runwitme) on Dec 21, 2015 at 5:45am PST

7) Star-studded entertainment
Just the right amount of entertainment while waiting for the technical people to compile and verify the results for the prize giving ceremony. Awi Rafael, Aia Illusi, Amyra Rosli and more did a good job! (Insert two thumbs up here)

A video posted by runwitme (@runwitme) on Dec 21, 2015 at 5:49am PST

8) Masked Fun Run
What is more fun than running with your buddies wearing some alter-ego masks and then take home some prizes? Spotted Darth Vaders (yes, plural), Stormtroopers, Thor, Ironman etc.




9) Awesome lucky draw prizes
The prizes were really worth staying back for. Five bicycles, three motorbikes and two Perodua Axia cars! Too bad we didn't win any of the prizes but one of our running friends did go home with a car! We jelly! :P Congrats Yew Ting!




10) Big beautiful finisher medal



All in all, it was a very well organised run. We truly enjoyed it. Perhaps next year we will do the 5km Masked Fun Run. We missed all the fun this year!!



There is another running event coming in Cyberjaya in Jan. Check it out at https://www.facebook.com/cyberjayamarathon/ or http://cyberview.com.my/events-and-media/events/twincity-marathon-2016/

Giveaway: IP MAN 3 Special Screening Movie Tickets

IP MAN 3
After the worldwide box office success of Ip Man 1 & 2, Producer Raymond Wong with Director Wilson Yip and original production crew is back together with martial art artistes Donnie Yen and other original casts in the continuing biopic of legendary Wing Chun Master, Ip Man. who late in life became Bruce Lee’s mentor. This final installment will also starred the legendary champion Mike Tyson.

Release date 24 Dec 2015
Language: Cantonese
Genre: Martial Arts
Director: Wilson Yip
Casts: Donnie Yen, Lynn Hung, Zhang Jin, Patrick Tam, Mike Tyson







The generous people at Lotus Five Star is giving 10 lucky readers of this blog two tickets each to watch "IP MAN 3" Special Preview Screening.





IP MAN 3 Screening
Date: 23 Dec 2015 (Wed)
Venue: GSC Quill City Mall
Time: 9.00pm
Ticket Redemption starts from 8.00pm – 8.45pm at RAM Counter at Cinema Foyer.

Here's how you can win. Answer this simple question

Who is the famous boxer starring in IP MAN 3?

The 10 readers will win a pair of tickets each. Send your entry via email to runwitme@gmail.com with the subject "IP MAN 3" not later than tomorrow 22 DECEMBER (Tuesday) 11pm. Winner will be contacted via email. Do include your FULL NAME, IC Number and Phone number.

Media Release: Tirfi Tsegaye Gunning FOr Second Women's Crown At Standard Chartered Dubai Marathon

Dubai (UAE): Former champion Tirfi Tsegaye Beyene - winner of the 2014 Berlin Marathon - will be looking for a successful return to the Middle East when she joins a powerful women’s line-up for the 2016 Standard Chartered Dubai Marathon.

The 31 year-old from Arsi in Ethiopia won her first Standard Chartered Dubai Marathon title in a time of 2h:23m:23s back in 2013 and has confirmed she will return for the 16th staging of the Middle East’s biggest mass participation sporting event on January 22.

Like all of the elites heading for the IAAF Gold Label race - held under the patronage of HH Sheikh Hamdan bin Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum, Crown Prince of Dubai, and staged under the aegis of the Dubai Sports Council - Tsegaye will be gunning for a fast time with national selection a major priority in Olympic year.

With marathon wins in Dubai (2013), Berlin (2014), Paris (2012), Porto (2008), Tokyo (2014) and a personal best of 2h:20m:18s to her name, Tsegaye will again be one of the favourites over what will yet again be another fast course in the UAE.

“The demand to compete in Dubai remains as high as ever but it is always pleasing to welcome back former winners of the event,” said Standard Chartered Dubai Marathon Event Director Peter Connerton.

“The course is always flat and fast, which is a major factor in an Olympic year as the athletes target Rio 2016. “Since winning in Dubai, Tsegaye has enjoyed a very successful spell, including back-to-back marathon wins in Tokyo and Berlin in the space of seven months so we expect her to be a key figure in next month’s race.”



With other elites vying for places on the starting line for the world’s richest marathon, event organisers have a tough task putting together a field that will maintain the Standard Chartered Dubai Marathon’s place as one of the premier events on the world marathon calendar.

The first and only race in history to have the top five men finish under 2h:05m and the first to have three women complete the course in sub-2h:20m, the Standard Chartered Dubai Marathon also has a reputation for forging new stars with two of the last three men’s winners being marathon debutants.

General Co-ordinator, IAAF Council Member and UAE Athletics Federation President Ahmed Al Kamali added: “The records over the past five years are there for all to see and underline the incredible strength in depth and overall quality throughout the elite field at the Standard Chartered Dubai Marathon.

“But while we are focused on providing a world-class event for the elites, we are equally determined to provide the best marathon experience for amateur runners as well as those who simply like to get outdoors and join us for the Fun Run. The whole day embraces sport and the UAE community, while delivering a world-class event for athletics’ finest long distance runners.”

While the elites will line up with ambitious amateurs for the traditional marathon distance of 42.195km, places are still available in the popular 10km event and the 4km Fun Run. Runners looking to sign up can do so by registering through the official website www.dubaimarathon.org.

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

Media Release: Two-Time London Winner Kebede Set For Debut In Standard Chartered Dubai Marathon 2016

Dubai (UAE): Olympic medalist and twice a winner of the London Marathon Ethiopia’s Tsegaye Kebede will be one of the elite athletes to watch when the 2016 Standard Chartered Dubai Marathon gets underway on January 22.

Kebede, winner of the London Marathon in both 2010 and 2013, will make his debut in the world’s richest marathon when he adds Dubai to a running CV that boasts podium success at some of the biggest events in long distance running. As well as wins in London, Kebede has also won the Chicago, Paris and Fukuoka marathons and comes to the UAE for what will be a key race as elite athletes chase Olympic qualification for Rio 2016.

Held under the patronage of HH Sheikh Hamdan bin Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum, Crown Prince of Dubai, and staged under the aegis of the Dubai Sports Council, the Standard Chartered Dubai Marathon will see Kebede take on a course firmly established as one of the fastest in the world.

Although one of the smallest athletes in any elite field, Kebede has been one of the most consistent marathon runners of the past few years. As well as marathon titles in the US, Japan, UK and France, he won marathon bronze at the Beijing Olympics as well as a bronze medal at the World Championships in Berlin.

Since making his marathon debut in Amsterdam in 2007, the diminutive Ethiopian moved through the gears finishing second behind Samuel Wanjiru in the 2009 London Marathon and two years later taking third place in the 2011 New York City Marathon.

Although Ethiopia did not send Kebede to the London Olympics in 2012, he kept up his training regime resulting in a new personal best of 2h:04m:38s and victory in the Chicago Marathon.

After taking fourth at the World Championships in Moscow, he also secured victory in the Men's 2012-2013 World Marathon Majors series by taking second place in the 2013 New York City Marathon.

“Tsegaye Kebede has been one of the most prominent and consistent marathon runners over the past few years so we are delighted he has chosen to run in the Standard Chartered Dubai Marathon in Olympic year,” said Event Director Peter Connerton.

“As well as two wins in London, he has two top three places in New York to his name so he could prove to be a real threat to the Dubai course record next month. The demand from athletes to get a fast time under the belts early in the year means we are seeing a huge amount of interest in running in Dubai on January 22 and we are currently finalising our elite line-ups in both the men and the women’s event.”

As well as the traditional marathon distance of 42.195km, athletes will also be able to compete in the popular 10km event or the 4km Fun Run by registering through the official website www.dubaimarathon.org. In addition to Standard Chartered as title sponsor, the Dubai Marathon is supported by the Dubai Sports Council, adidas, Dubai Eye 103.8FM, Sport 360, Dubai Holding, Dubai Police and the RTA.

Asics Foot ID Available Now at Asics Running Specialty Store in 1 Utama

ASICS, a true sport performance brand, announces the opening of its new running specialty store in 1 Utama, Malaysia.



This specialized premium boutique with the proprietary ASICS FOOT ID is the fourth mono brand store in Malaysia, marking a significant milestone for ASICS in the Malaysian retail scene. The store offers the latest range of ASICS footwear, apparel, and accessories, including court shoes such as GEL-COURT CONTROL for badminton. ASICS' aspirational philosophy of "Mix Up Your Run" is empowering runners to embrace every conceivable terrain to up the ante in running excellence, going beyond treadmills and asphalts, and on to dry streets, mud paths, forest trails, snow, ice, or the snow-capped mountains.

Mr. Kenji Oh, ASICS Asia Marketing Director for South East Asia was present to address the media at the launch on 17 December 2015.



To nurture a growing interest in the pursuit of running excellence, the new store features the technologically-advanced ASICS FOOT ID System, with staff on site to perform the analysis, the first in Malaysia.



According to Andy Neo, ASICS Assistant Manager for Education & Training, ASICS FOOT ID is a destination area of the ASICS store offering TWO type of foot measurements - static and dynamic, including foot shape analysis and gait cycle analysis.



ASICS FOOT ID static measures the foot shape and ASICS FOOT ID dynamic analyzes the consumer's gait while running. It helps runners find the most suitable shoes to draw the last ounce of performance out of them.

We were privileged to witness a demo of the AISCS FOOT ID by one of the fastest long distance runners in Malaysia and ASICS ambassador, Edan Syah. Basically there a six steps in the ASICS FOOT ID.

STEP 1 - Registration

Fill up a simple form with info that may help the ASICS staff to get to know you better. The test is approximately 30 minutes and it is available daily. Last call at 8:30pm.




Step 2 - Prepare for Foot Analysis

Take of your shoes. Special anatomical markers are places on your foot. Three on each foot.



Step 3 - Static Foot Analysis

Your foot is scanned and examined on screen. There are 4 lasers and 8 cameras in this device to capture the 3D profile of your foot down to the millimeter. Stay real still. Seven measurements are taken on each foot including foot length, ball girth, instep & arch height, the heel's width & angle and toe angle.



Step 4 - Prepare For Gait Analysis

Put your socks on. The staff will provide you a pair of test shoes. The test shoes are neutal and specially designed with markers for accurate movement analysis.



Step 5 - Gait Analysis

Your running style will be captured using a high performance video placed at the back of the treadmill. You can watch how your foot land as you run in slow-mo later on. Click picture to watch the video.

A video posted by runwitme (@runwitme) on Dec 17, 2015 at 9:57am PST

Step 6 - Results

The ASICS staff will recommend the ideal ASICS running shoes for your needs. This is now where you prepare your wallet. Heheh! Click picture to watch the video.

A video posted by runwitme (@runwitme) on Dec 17, 2015 at 10:03am PST

What we like about ASICS Foot ID is the comprehensive analysis of the feet, both static and dynamic using the latest technology. You can see how you run on the video gait analysis - eg. heel strike and foot rotation during the run. The analysis uses software to calculate and give good indication of the foot's stability during the high dynamic heel-to-toe movement to gauge the individual gait type - neutral, underpronator or overpronator.

The best fit shoe recommendation is based on facts and accurate measurement rather than opinions or estimates.



We have done the ASICS FOOT ID. It turned out to be that our left and right foot are different slightly. Left is more neutral while the right is over-pronated. We also found out that our left foot is wider than the right. From the analysis, the ASIC staff has recommended a pair of stability shoes for us - the Asics GT-2000 3 LITE-SHOW. Check out how it reflect the light! Perfect for the night run. :)



Go check it out ASICS Foot ID yourself. The Asics Store is located S302, 2nd Floor, 1 Utama Shopping Centre. (Opposite Food Republic). Open daily 10am-10pm.

For more info, please call 012-4986412 or visit www.asics.com.sg

Acknowledgement: Thank you Asics Asia and Prestige Sports Sdn. Bhd, ASICS distributor in Malaysia for the invite to this exclusive event.