Press Release: 1Malaysia Kuala Lumpur Heritage Xplorace 2013

AN EPIC RACE ACROSS THE CITY OFFERS CASH PRIZE RM20,000 FOR WINNERS

KUALA LUMPUR: 550 contestants will venture through the throng hustle and bustle of Kuala Lumpur, across distinctive alleyways, crowded streets and under ground to reign as champions and claim the RM20,000 cash prize. The 1Malaysia Kuala Lumpur Heritage Xplorace 2013 is back for the 3rd consecutive time this February 23, 2013 organized by Menara Kuala Lumpur (KL Tower), Jabatan Warisan Negara and Kuala Lumpur City Hall (DBKL).



This amazing race which will take place in a 15 kilometers radius from KL Tower, would not only pose challenges that would rely on physical prowess solely but would also require problem solving skills, a sense of general knowledge on KL and a sharp wit. There are 13 checkpoints scattered across the city, all of which would be places of historical importance and heritage.

For the first time in the 1Malaysia KL Heritage Xplorace, the use of public transportations such as LRT Trens, Monorail Trens, Taxis and Buses are allowed in this adventure across Kuala Lumpur concrete jungle. This adventure will take players into busy streets and under skyscrapers of Kuala Lumpur as they can walk, run or take the underground LRT in getting to the checkpoints.



Imagine the possibilities of venturing through busy streets, distinctive KL alleys and iconic KL landmarks in this journey, solving puzzles and ‘salvaging’ treasures to reign as the Champion and claim the cash prizes in this urban adventure. This way we hope the participants will have a different perspective towards this city as they are able to see Kuala Lumpur’s wonders from the eyes of tourists. This journey will take them to exotic and charming places most of us Malaysians never knew existed in Kuala Lumpur.

“The main purpose of this race is to promote if not introduce to Malaysians, the places of great history and heritage that Kuala Lumpur is so wealthy of. We also realize our responsibility to inculcate the values of patriotism and improve the collective self image of Malaysians especially the youths. In our busy daily schedule, most of us here in Kuala Lumpur do not fully appreciate these heritage sites near to us. It seems tourists have a deeper admiration of these places that are not only unique and but also precious”, the Y.Bhg. Dato’ Zuraidah Hj. Md. Said, CEO of KL Tower said in a press conference today.



We’re so proud over the positive response we’re getting from Malaysians from diverse creed, religion, background, age and race. Thanks to these wonderful treasure hunters, our target to fill in the participation of 250 team limit has been accomplished in such a short time. We are very grateful to our event partners like Jabatan Warisan Negara, DBKL, MAXIS, Prasarana Berhad, Visit KL, FAMA, Telekom Malaysia, Muzium Telekom, 100Plus, Celebrity Fitness, MILO, Adabi, Media Hiburan, Gardenia Bakeries, HI-TOP TEA and Perniagaan Mohamed; for their support and contributions in making this race a success”, Dato’ Zuraidah added.

KL Tower have received the assistance of Jabatan Warisan Negara in the research and planning works involved for this race like identifying places of interest and formulating quests and riddles. Jabatan Warisan Negara is a government organization under the Ministry of Information, Communication and Culture which holds the responsibility of guarding and preserving national heritage as stated in the National Heritage Act 2005.



Those who seek to win this 1Malaysia KL Heritage Xplorace would be pleased to know of the exciting prizes waiting for them. The Champion would receive a shared cash prize of RM1,500 and Samsung Galaxy Note 10.1 per person; whereas the 1st Runner Up would receive a shared cash prize of RM1000 and Samsung SIII per person; the 2nd Runner Up would receive a shared cash prize of RM750 and Samsung SIII Mini per person.

This 1Malaysia Kuala Lumpur Heritage Xplorace 2013 is open to individuals aged 13 years old and above while every minor must be paired with an adult per team. The first 250 teams registered were eligible to compete and each team must have a maximum of two players. For the entry fee, the management has decided to charge a fair amount of RM70 per team.

Every participants will receive the Official 1Malaysia Kuala Lumpur Heritage Xplorace 2013 T-Shirt, Participation Certificate from KL Tower and also goodies from MAXIS, Celebrity Fitness, Milo, 100Plus, Adabi, Gardenia dan other sponsors.

Source: official Press Release from Menara KL. Photo by: runwitme.

Photos: Chap Ayam Relay Fun Run 2013 Winners & Results

The question is no longer about why the chicken cross the street but which chicken team ran the fastest and set the streets ablaze in the Chap Ayam Relay Fun Run at Padang Merbok. Each team of three ran a combined distance of 9km in this one of a kind race organised by The Chap Ayam Runners group.

Mixed Category

3rd Pacemakers Malaysia 2.0 C08 (11:34/32:20/37:25)


2nd Ayam Pencen C25 (10:17/21:25/36:15)


1st Ayam Terbang C38 (10:31/21:51/33:28)

Women Category

3rd Pacemakers Malaysia Lady Gagak B02 (15:36/31:15/48:42)


2nd Madagascar 4 B03 (15:32/32:32/48:34)


1st HRC B06 (14:55/30:06/44:50)

Men Category

3rd - Pacemakers Malaysia Limited Edition 1.1 A62 (11:08/23:32/35:56)


2nd - HRC All Boyz A41 (12:02/24:15/35:34)


1st - Pacemaker Malaysia Limited Edition 1.0 A09 (11:05/22:17/34:00)

Last but not least, the best dressed chicken goes to...



More photos at http://www.facebook.com/celebrunner

Westin Hotels & Resorts in Malaysia Introduce New Balance Gear Lending Program

Do you know that the five-star Westin Kuala Lumpur works hard to anticipate active guests’ needs – the WestinWORKOUT® Gym has state-of-the-art equipment as well as offering wellness and relaxation training sessions?

For running freaks, you can join the RunWestin™, a complimentary running program led by the Running Concierge, which takes you on scenic, guided morning runs three times a week to the Kuala Lumpur City Centre Park.

Recently, The Westin Kuala Lumpur and also The Westin Langkawi Resort & Spa introduced a new wellness feature following the success of the global roll-out of the brand’s gear lending program with sport giant, New Balance.

For the launch, The Westin have roped in a few local celebrities like Reshmonu, Xandria Ooi and Sarimah Ibrahim who ran the KL's RunWestin™ 5km route with media reps and guests on that fine morning.



After the 5km RunWestin™ session, we were treated with a spread from the SuperFoodsRx™ menus, known to be rich in phytonutrients.



A "new-balanced diet"? Heheh!



Those were indeed yummy cookies. :)

Below pic: Chef Garth Welsh, Director of Kitchens; Reshmonu; Sarimah Ibrahim; Xandria Ooi; Hratch Khatchanian, General Manager of The Westin Kuala Lumpur and Ronald Ramesh, Director of Rooms



The idea for this program came from a simple insight. Guests find it difficult to maintain a regular exercise routine while travelling. While staying fit is important, workout shoes and clothes are the first to go when travelers have to make the "carry-on sacrifice." So, to solve this dilemma, Westin have developed the gear lending program with New Balance: making the latest New Balance shoes and apparel available for guest during their stay for a nominal fee of RM15!



How does it work?

Guests simply dial ServiceExpress and request their size and the workout gear is conveniently delivered to their room.



Shoes come with disposable insoles and brand new socks which they can keep and apparel is provided fresh and clean - laundered after each guest's stay. Upon departure, guests simply leave the items in the bag they were delivered in their room.



In the coming months, the hotels will also introduce a variety of men's and women's New Balance apparel including shorts and shirts for men and shorts, capri pants, shirts and sport bras for women.

Looks like Reshmonu is happy with his NB gear! ;)



Guests travelling for a major athletic event, such as a marathon will enjoy wellness amenities including turn-down gifts with performance/ fuel goodies for the race and "good luck" wake up calls.

For more info about the above services by Westin Hotels & Resorts, check out www.westin.com
or like their Facebook at http://www.facebook.com/westin.kl

Wanna see more photos from the launch? Head over to our FB page HERE.

Video: Nestle Fitnesse Malaysia Women Marathon 2013 - Press Conference

We are proud to witness history in the making - the launch of the inaugural Nestle Fitnesse Malaysia Women Marathon. One of a kind. The first all women full marathon event in Malaysia and perhaps this region.The media conference was held on 5 February 2013 at i-gallery @ i-City, Shah Alam Malaysia.

The marathon is scheduled to take place at i-City, Shah Alam on 7 April 2013.

Check out the highlight of the press con on the video including info on Kathrine Switzer, six pack hunks cheer squad among others.



Message from running legend, Kathrine Switzer who will be flagging off the Malaysia Women Marathon. Read more HERE.



Message from "Couple On The Run" who will be conducting some running workshop prior to the Malaysia Women Marathon. FYI, In 2008 Sue and Andrew O'Brien became known as the “Couple on the Run” when, side by side, they ran 8 marathons in 8 countries in 8 weeks together. Awww....How sweet! :)



Last but not least, here's a message from Race Director, Karen Loh herself, to all of you blog readers!



Head over to http://mwm.my if you have decided to take the jump. All 42.195km of girl powered tarmac pounding session. Heheh!

p/s Do check out the photos from the Nestle Fitnesse Malaysia Women Marathon Press ConferenceHERE.

Press Release: The 6th Borneo International Marathon 2013

KOTA KINABALU: The 6th Borneo International Marathon 2013 targets 5,000 runners, said Datuk Peter Pang, Minister of Youth and Sports at the official launch. The Marathon will be organized by Kinabalu Running Club (KRC).

"The race is scheduled for Sunday, 5 May 2013. Online registrations started on 1 November. We had quite a number of eager runners who signed up at the stroke of midnight! This is a good sign. It will be a great run for Sabah and I am sure we can all look forward to a much bigger and more exciting event next year.

Participation in 2012 was about 3,600 runners, 1,200 more runners than 2011. In 2013, we are targeting 5,000 runners. We expect more schools to participate in the race, especially in the 10KM category. This is something the students can really look forward to. We will have prizes especially for them," said Dr Heng Aik Cheng, KRC President and Marathon Race Director.



Heng said KRC hopes to tap on Sabah's hugely undiscovered pool of athletes through races like BIM. "KRC will sponsor the top Sabahan man and woman from this year's race to participate in one international race so that they can be exposed and compete against international runners. Who knows maybe a Sabahan can send the Africans a run for their money? We want to inspire more Sabahan youths to take up their athletic passion to another level," he said.



"Sabah's first marathon was held in 1984. This event must continue and be one of Sabah's flagship sporting events and attract more international participants. It will serve to promote Sabah as an ideal international sports tourism destination," said Datuk Peter Pang.

Dubbed "The Beautiful Run", the Borneo International Marathon passes through the city and many of Kota Kinabalu's interesting tourist sights. Runners will have the opportunity to participate in a Full Marathon (42.2KM), Half Marathon (21.1KM) and 10KM. The marathon is held to coincide with the cultural month of May, where Sabah Fest is usually held.

The Beautiful Run
The Borneo International Marathon has raised more than RM127, 000 for local charities since its inaugural event in 2008. Nominated charities for 2013 are Seri Mengasih Centre, Emmanuel Homes Kudat, Borneo Child Aid Society, HUTAN (Orang Utan Research & Conservation), Befrienders and Mercy Malaysia. Sponsors for the event are currently being finalised.

For more info click http://borneomarathon.com/

The Greatest Wealth Is Health Run 2013

What? Larian Amal 'The Greatest Wealth Is Health'

When? 16 Feb 2013, Saturday, 6:30 am

Where? Dewan Seri Sarjana, Uniten Kajang

Who? Organised by Program Persediaan Untuk Pelajar Cemerlang (PPES)

How far? 6km

How much? RM 10 only!

How to register? Click HERE.

Runwitme Says:FYI, the PPES students from Uniten are required to do community services. They are planning to do community services to orphanage homes, orang asli and many more on upcoming May. Besides asking for sponsors, they organize this charity event to collect funds.

First Look: Brooks Half Marathon Mini Trophies

Are these cute or what?

Instead of a finisher medal, every finisher of Brooks Half Marathon will get to bring home one of these babies. Gold for 21km, silver for 10km and Bronze for 5km. Each about 3-4 inches tall.

Thanks Brooks Malaysia for the image.

Press Release: MAKNA Founder's Run 2013

RUN THE MILES, FUND THE SMILES

Wednesday 6th February 2013 –The countdown to the first ever MAKNA founder’s run has begun with a mere 52 days before the flag off this maiden run. MAKNA has received a favourable response from the public which has prompted the team to extend the early bird discounted rates to the 15th of February 2013.

With the run capable of accommodating to a total of 5000 participants, more people are encouraged to participate in this run which will be a fantastic way to keep fit while advocating cancer awareness.

An array of people are expected on the day, from celebrities to cancer survivors, their caretakers and the general public all partaking in this event for a very good cause: taking the first step towards eradicating cancer. Scheduled to flag off the race alongside the president and founder of MAKNA is Malaysian born supermodel, Amber Chia. A beauty with a charitable heart, she has pledged to run the miles and also took it upon herself to raise a substantial amount of money to benefit the cancer patients under MAKNA’s care.



Founded in 1994, this run will also be an event to mark MAKNA’s 19th year of existence. Through that duration MAKNA has extended its arms to close to 150,000 cancer patients be it assisting them physically or financially.

An apt tagline “A Dream, A Reality, A Legacy” was chosen to reflect MAKNA’s humble beginnings which was a dream, to its peak of being the number one cancer organisation in Malaysia, and lastly the founder Dato’ Mohd Farid Ariffin’s strong legacy he wishes to leave behind. When Dato’ Farid founded MAKNA, he did his best to make his vision a reality; to ensure that every person affected by this illness is given the rights to treatment immaterial of their social status, class, or creed. Today, his vision makes up the very foundation of MAKNA, with it helping over 4,000 cancer stricken patients annually.

President and founder of MAKNA, Dato’ Farid Mohd Ariffin said “There is an extraordinary sense of coming together for the common good in this event, and that is quite unique. It is great to see people of all walks of lives giving their time for a cause so important it can potentially save thousands of lives”. “Not only do they feel the satisfaction of helping a person in need but they also get to do so while working on keeping their bodies in healthy physical shape” he added.

More corporate sponsors have come forward to contribute and make this event a successful one. Among those who have pledged to provide their incalculable support are Sportive, 100plus, Asics, Milo, PFC, Gardenia, AirAsia Foundation, Celebrity Fitness, Station One, Pathlab, Healthy Beauty Mall, Restyle, 3Thirds, Men's Health, Shape, iNPublishers & Creative Home X.

There will be a total of 7 different categories open to the public. From the conventional Men’s open (12km), Men’s Veteran (12km), Women’s Open (12km), Women’s Veteran (12km), Men’s Open (7km), and Women’s Open (7km) to the unconventional Fun Run which encourages participants to dress up in their wackiest ensemble. In short, there is a category available for almost every age group.

A total of RM 14,000 in cash prizes to be awarded on the day of the event and 2 return tickets to ANY ASEAN destination of choice by AirAsia Foundation up for grabs among others.
All in all, this will be a fulfilling day knowing that each individual who participated have directly made a difference in the fight against cancer.

For more info, click http://maknafoundersrun.com/

Source: MAKNA official press release.

Unboxing: adidas Originals Superstar II CNY - New Shoes to Usher Snake Year!

One of the "must have" items for Chinese New Year (CNY) is new clothes. I still remember how excited I was waking up on CNY morning to wear new shirt, pants and shoes when I was small. Even though, I have all grown up, I still well.., get excited to receive new clothes for CNY. But the difference is, I some times, wear the clothes or shoes even before the CNY. LOL!



Check out my Snake Year's get-up. LOL!



A pair of adidas Originals Superstar II CNY (Limited Edition)



Very Chinese, eh? This is a round "jade" tag, attached to the shoe with a braided red rope.



A "jade" lace jewel with Chinese Snake character on each shoe.



Can you see the golden snake skin prints on the shoes?



Nothing snakey about the sole though. :)



The "snakes" are in the luxurious jacquard satin footbed. Heheh! Auspiciously knotted to resembles lots of number "8" - the lucky number for most Chinese.



All ready to go "pai neen" with my new shoes.



Note: The adidas Originals Superstar II – Year of the Snake limited edition sneakers are priced at RM340 and are also available in red at adidas Originals outlets in Suria KLCC (Level 3) / Pavilion KL (Level 4), MidValley Megamall (Ground Floor) / Lot 10 (Ground Floor).

CONG XI FA CAI!

Photos & Video: Larian FAMEMAS 1Malaysia 2013

This fun run was organised by FAMEMAS (pronounced fame-mas, rhymes with famous) Supporters Club Malaysia, the only official Sports Supporters Club in Malaysia, endorsed by the Olympic Council of Malaysia (OCM).



Over 200 runners took part in this sold out event.



Despite being small-scaled, a few elite runners turned up to support the run at Stadium Mini, Majlis Sukan Negara, Bukit Jalil.



The runners get the chance to run on the track of the stadium, twice. Once at the start and at the end of the run.



Here are the winners.

Women 7km

Champion Tan Khai Jou 39.59
Runner-up Janice Wan 42.25
2nd Runner-up Brenda Leong 42.38

Men 7km

Champion Venugopal 24.35
Runner-up Jothpal Singh 27.05
2nd Runner-up Muhd Fazly 27.47



For a mere RM20 registration fee, each finisher took home this colourful medal, a finisher's cert, an oversized tee shirt and a goodie bag. I think Famemas is spoiling the runners too much! Heheh!



The event was flagged off by Prof Dr Abdul Wahab Dato Kosai, Board member of MySihat (Lembaga Promosi Kesihatan Malaysia), Health Ministry. Check out the video below.



For more info about FAMEMAS, please visit http://www.famemas.blogspot.com/

To see more photos from Famemas 1Malaysia Fun Run, check out our FB album (320 photos) HERE.

FTAAA Event Calendar 2013

The most active athletic association in Malaysia, the Federal Territory Amateur Athletic Association (Persatuan Olahraga Amatur Wilayah Persekutuan) has released its 2013 event calendar. We are going insane to see so many new races are in store for us runners. So, mark your calendars now!

2013 FTAAA Calendar

Feb 3: Malaysian Athletic Federation (MAF) Walk Circuit at Taman Botani, Tasik Perdana

Feb 16: FTAA Under Distance at the MSN Track in Bukit Jalil

Feb 24: Global Humanity Run at Taman Tasik Titiwangsa.

Feb 26: National Cross Country in KL (Feb 26).

March 3: 1st FTAA All Comers Meet at MSN Track

March 9: FTAA Under-12 Meet at Sri Permaisuri Track, KL

April 6: FTAA Under-15 Meet at Sri Permaisuri Track, KL

April 20: Malaysian GP1 Run at KL

April 21: World Kidney Day Run at Putrajaya

April 27-28: FTAA Junior Meet at Sri Permaisuri Track, KL

May 1: Larian Tanggathon at Batu Caves

May 18-23: MSSM Meet in Kuantan, Pahang

May 26: Help University MAPCU Organ Donation Run in Padang Merbok, KL

June 2: National Hepta and Decathlon Events at KL

June 15: 2nd FTAA All Comers Meet at MSN Track

June 22-23: National Junior Closed Championship at KL

June 23: Olympic Day Run at Padang Merbok, KL

June 30: Standard Chartered Marathon at Dataran Merdeka

Sept 7: Malaysian GP 2 Run at KL

Sept 28-29: FTAA State Meet at MSN Track

Oct 19-20: National Championship at KL

Oct 28: FTAA Road Relay in KL

Nov 10: World Diabetes Day Run/Walk at Padang Merbok

Reference: http://www.ftaaa.org.my/

KL Tower Sunrise Towerthon Challenge 2013

Note: There is an error in the photo above. The day should be SUNDAY.

What? KL Tower International Night Sunrise Towerthon Challenge 2013

When? 19 May 2013, Sunday, 5:00am

Where? Menara Kuala Lumpur/ KL Tower

Who? Organised by Menara Kuala Lumpur

How? Register HERE.

Runwitme says: After a series of Night Towerthon, this year marks the first time it is held at SUNRISE. It's at 5 friggin am! LOL! Be prepared to wake your legs up for the 2058 steps of the 421 meters tall tower! :D

SP Half Marathon 2013 @ Sungai Petani, Kedah

What? SP Half Marathon 2013

Where? Dataran Zero, Sungai Petani, Kedah

When? 14 September 2013 (Saturday) 5:30am - 11am

Who? Organised by Kelab Sukan Generasi Kejayaan Ria

How far? 21, 12, 5 & 3km

How to get more info? Click HERE.

Let's rock SP!



Runwitme Says: Online registration will be available starting March 1st. At the mean time, check out our last year coverage of SP Half Marathon HERE.