LANGKAWI, 4 June 2016 – More than 300 participants sweated it out as they climbed the 4287 steps at Tangga Helang Seribu Kenangan (Steps of Thousand Memories) and ran 15km to the finishing line during the BDB Langkawi Climb and Run 2016 here today. The event started at 7am and the runners were flagged –off in 4 waves by Kedah Tourism Executive Committee chairman, Dato‟ Hj. Rawi bin Abdul Hamid and Bina Darulaman‟s Group Managing Director, Dato‟ Izham Yusoff.
Winner of the inaugural race in the Women‟s Open category, Tahira Najmunisaa, 27 commented “this is a very unique race, combining climbing of steps and running. With proper training anyone can attempt this. I am very happy that the event is well-organised and hopes to come back next year.”
Elana Balan, 28, a tourist from Russia saw the promotion of the race on the flight on the way to Malaysia, decided to travel from Penang and run the race for fun. She said, “This race is challenging but I am glad I came to Langkawi to run this (BDB Climb and Run Langkawi 2016) and experience the beauty of the island. The scenery along the steps and on top of Gunung Raya is simply breath-taking, and I can‟t wait to go back to Russia to tell my friends and family about this experience.”
Winner of the Men‟s Open category, a TLDM personnel based in Lumut, his win at BDB Climb and Run 2016 is his 10th win in the span of 6 months. “The greatest challenge for me is the discipline to climb the 4,287 steps to the height of 781 meters above sea level.” Robert Baxter, 29, a South African national working in Kuala Lumpur won the 2nd runner-up in Men‟s Open category commented, “the route is well-marked with helpful event marshalls.
The view along the route is beautiful and I really enjoyed the challenging course.” Winners of both the Men‟s Open and Women‟s Open category brought home RM1500 cash, a pair of Oakley sports sunglasses and cash vouchers from sports brand, Brooks. Supplementary categories „King and Queen of the Steps‟ saw the participants who completed the steps in the fastest time bringing home domestic flight tickets from Firefly plus a pair of Oakley sports sunglasses each.
Prizes were presented by BDB Group Managing Director, Dato‟ Izham Bin Yusoff. Bina Darulaman Berhad (BDB) is the title sponsor for the BDB Langkawi Climb and Run 2016. Brooks, Oakley, and Firefly are partners for the event, while Geo Park Inn in Kuah, Langkawi is the official accommodation partner.
“We are pleased with the results of the BDB Langkawi Climb and Run as the energy level was high throughout the morning. It was an exhilarating experience to see all of the participants making a beeline up the stairs of Tangga Helang Seribu Kenangan. This event is unique as runners get to enjoy climbing and running in the lush rain forest surrounded by nature” said Dato‟ Izham Bin Yusoff, BDB Group Managing Director.
The BDB Langkawi Climb and Run is the first in a series of events under the BDB Triple Challenge 2016. The BDB Triple Challenge 2016 aims to attract running, climbing, and fitness enthusiasts both locally and internationally to experience the lush attractions Kedah has to offer while partaking in a world class event.
In addition to the BDB Langkawi Climb and Run, the BDB Extreme Jitra, happening on 10 September 2016, and the BDB Marathon Jitra, happening on 26 November, will see participants running, climbing, and going through obstacles in the heart of Kedah. “The success of the BDB Langkawi Climb and Run paved the way for the remaining events under the BDB Triple Challenge 2016 series. We hope that the participants will also join us in September as we have planned several exciting challenges for the BDB Extreme Jitra. And do not forget to explore the beauty Kedah has to offer,” exclaimed Dato‟ Izham.
As part of the Discover Kedah 2016 campaign, a plethora of activities has been planned throughout the year in addition to the BDB Triple Challenge 2016. Several local fruits festivals, arts and cultural outreach programmes and festivals, motorsports events and traditional games festival are just amongst the activities that will surely attract visitors and tourists from both locally and internationally.
“Kedah has a rich culture and a very prominent history as one of the oldest civilization in Southeast Asia. There are countless of untapped assets and areas with very high potential hence we are very pleased with BDB for coming forward and organising the BDB Triple Challenge 2016.
We hope that other companies will follow suit and organise other sustainable tourism activities to further promote Kedah as a tourism hub especially in conjunction with the Discover Kedah 2016 campaign,” commented Kedah Tourism Executive Committee chairman, Dato‟ Hj. Rawi bin Abdul Hamid. The BDB Triple Challenge 2016 is expected to boost Kedah‟s tourism, economic growth, and provide further opportunities for local businesses as well as the small and medium enterprises (SMEs) in Kedah.
It is the first event organised by Minds@work, with Bina Darulaman as the title sponsor. Bina Darulaman Berhad (BDB) is an investment holding company responsible for the development of township, construction, road works, quarry, golf, and leisure via its subsidiaries in Kedah.
Incorporated on 7 February 1995, BDB has been a key player in Kedah‟s development contributing to many landmark achievements such as Bandar Darulaman, Trans Eastern Kedah Interland Highway (TEKIH), Langkawi International Airport, and Darulaman Golf and Country Club.
More information on the BDB Triple Challenge 2016 is available at www.facebook.com/bdbtriplechallenge2016 and to register for Extreme Jitra 206 and Marathon Jitra 2016, head over to www.hooha.asia
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