Parkrun, the global running movement has finally arrived on our shores. Originated from the UK, the 5K timed run is organized by enthusiastic volunteers for runners like me and you. Malaysia is the 20th country in the world, and the second in Asia after Singapore to have a parkrun.
It was launched last Saturday at the Taman Rekreasi Pudu Ulu with 129 runners, the 5th largest opening day parkrun for a parkrun country in the World. Only Namibia, Ireland, Norway and Swaziland had larger numbers on their respective opening day!
If you are new to parkrun, here are 10 things you should know before your first parkrun in Malaysia.
1. It's Free
No entry charge. You just have to turn up and run!
2. It's held every Saturday
EVERY SATURDAY at 7.30am. The first event was held on April 14, 2018 (launch date). Then, followed by 21 April, 28 April and so on...
3. Location - Taman Rekreasi Pudu Ulu
The first parkrun event in Malaysia will take place in Taman Pudu Ulu. The park's address is as follows Jalan Pudu Hulu, Taman Pertama, 55300 Kuala Lumpur, Wilayah Persekutuan Kuala Lumpur. The MEETING POINT is the huge white tent in the middle of the park. To identify, the volunteers will be wearing ORANGE VESTS with the parkrun wording on them.
There is ample parking space. The park is also accessible by MRT/ LRT - Maluri Station.
4. Distance - 5km
Run it fast or walk it slow, the total distance of a parkrun is always 5km, all over the world. Run for your own enjoyment. Please come along and join in whatever your pace!
5. It's timed
You have to register for a barcode here parkrun.my/register
Print and bring your barcode to the run. The parkrun will start at SHARP 7.30am. Times are according to gun time. If a runner arrives later than 7.30am, he/she will not have her time recorded and may not be allowed to participate in the run/walk.
You will receive an email detailing your time as well as the number of parkruns you have participated in. You will usually receive this by the Saturday afternoon. Alternatively, results could be accessed here http://www.parkrun.my/tamanpuduulu/results/latestresults/
6. If you are new, come early for the briefing.
At 7.20am SHARP, Run Briefing will be conducted by the Run Directors. Runners are advised to be present during the Briefing to understand the concept of parkrun and be aware of any risk or safety announcement for the run.
There will be signs along the run route as well as marshals will be placed at key areas along the run route. The Run Briefing will also cover the run route and information regarding the route can also be found at http://www.parkrun.my/tamanpuduulu/course/
7. Kids-friendly
You can have a Barcode from 4 years of age. But all children under 11 years old must run within arms reach of their parent/guardian. Start them young!
8. It is entirely organised by volunteers.
You can easily spot them in their bright orange vest. These heroes give up their Saturday mornings so people like you can have a good run around for free. A round of applause for them. Some of the core volunteers are trained in CPR. You can volunteer too!
9. There are free t-shirts
Adults who run 50 parkruns get a t-shirt. From then on there are more t-shirts to collect for doing 100, 250 and 500 parkruns. And they’re all free. For children (under 19 year old), there is a free t-shirt for doing just 10 parkruns. This is great motivation for encouraging the young ones to stay active. Volunteer also get t-shirt after volunteering 25 times.
10. Come for the run, stay for the makan.
After the run, participants are encouraged to meet at Restoran Havva for breakfast or tea/coffee. For foreign visitors, you could try our traditional Malaysian breakfast of Nasi Lemak or Roti Canai with Teh Tarik as its beverage. The volunteers will walk to the restaurant when the run/walk has ended.
For more information about parkrun Malaysia, do visit/ follow:
https://www.parkrun.my/
https://www.facebook.com/parkrunMY/
https://www.facebook.com/groups/407199019653035/
https://www.facebook.com/tamanpuduuluparkrun/
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