Invitation to 29th Year Pacesetters Annual Dinner 2013

Pacesetters Annual Dinner is finally here. Calling all PACM members and the running community to join us for this annual event which is not only loaded with food, but also door gifts, joy, laughter, drama, songs, and many more.

What? 29th Year Pacesetters Annual Dinner 2013

When? 13 April 2013 (Saturday); 6:00pm

Where? Klang Executive club

Theme? The Movie Night

Do purchase your tickets earlier as we have limit the number of table this year to make it exclusive for the participants.

Details as follows :

PACM active members only : RM$50 per pax
Public, Friends and Relatives : RM$70 per pax
Running Group / Society : RM$600 per table

For individual ticket purchase only, please contact our Admin, Ms. Wendy Soo [03-7971 9766 or 017 288 8802], meanwhile

For per table purchase (which is only available for running group), you may contact me (Dannie Choong/019-2255587).

We will acknowledged these individual running group that purchase the table from PACM during the dinner.

Join the Facebook Event Page for updates HERE.

The Viper Challenge 2013 @ Sepang International Circuit

What? Viper Challenge 2013

When? 17-18 August 2013

Where? Sepang International Circuit

Who? Organised by Original Bootcamp Sdn. Bhd.

How far? 20km

How to register? http://viperchallenge.com/




Viper challenge is a 20km challenge course, filled with man-made obstacles that will challenge both heart and spirit. It is Asia's perennial obstacle challenge, like no other. Designed to take you out of your comfort zone, you enter the challenge either as an individual warrior or as part of a team... Whichever way you enter, you will finish understanding that only teamwork will get you across the line, without it you are unlikely to succeed. Viper Challenge is set to be one of Malaysia’s most exciting events for 2013.

Make yourself apart of History and become a victim of Malaysia's Largest EVER Obstacle course! Don't be fooled... THIS IS NOT A RACE! Completing this challenge will be the ULTIMATE ACHIEVEMENT! You WILL go down in history being faced with obstacles you have never even dreamed of! This is NOT for the lazy & weak population... It is for those TOUGH at heart wanting to put their mind and body through the ULTIMATE CHALLENGE! If you're game enough, you will put yourself to the test and hope you won't fail! FORGET FEAR, WORRY ABOUT ADDICTION!!!!!

The Inaugural Viper Challenge event is set to take place at Sepang International Circuit on 17th & 18th August 2013. You now have the chance to participate in Asia’s largest obstacle based running event. Whether you choose to do the Saturday or Sunday event or participate as a team or individual , we guarantee you will leave the Viper Arena having had a WHOLE LOT OF FUN!

Viper Challenge is based on a wave format, which means only 500 participants will be released into the Viper arena every 30min.



Participants can expect to complete all obstacles between 3-4 hours. We will endeavor to do our best to match you and your team to your ideal start time. All start times will be final and emailed 6 weeks before the event. If you sign up as part of a team you will be starting the event at the same time as your Viper team mates.

Obstacles: JUMP PLATFORM, DUSTY TRENCH CRAWL, BARB WIRE CRAWL, THROUGH TUBE, M WALL, CONTAINER CLIMB, ICE JUMP, HILL SLIDE, OVER UNDER WALLS, TYRE RUN, BARS OVER WATER, LOG JUMPS, TRENCH CRAWL, ON THE WIRE, TRENCH POOL, BALANCE BEAM, PYRAMID TREE, CORRUGATED TUNNEL, INCLINE WALL, CARGO NET etc.

Viper Challenge obstacles are designed in Australia and built onsite to create one of the most unique obstacles based events Asia has ever seen. Check what's in store when you participate in Viper Challenge.

Director of the Obstacle Designs Ben Young, from Australia will be building and constructing all the obstacles 12 weeks priors to the event with his team of 3 design specialist from Australia along 12 local craftsmen which will take over 500 man hours to put all aspects of the course together.

THE RACE IS EVERYTHING ELSE BUT A PIECE OF CAKE. HEHEH!



Check out the video here!

adidas BOOST™ Pre-launch @ adidas Malaysia HQ

Thank you adidas Malaysia for inviting us to its HQ in Damansara Perdana to witness the pre-launch of the latest running shoes with a break-through technology called "Boost."

We are quite excited to see the real thing after having seen the teaser video presentation on YouTube where a steel ball is dropped onto concrete, a sheet of EVA, and a sheet of BOOST. The rebound from the BOOST is significantly higher and longer lasting than off the other surfaces. See video HERE.



It was a intimate session as opposed to a brouhaha event with launch gimmicks etc where a small group of media reps were introduced to a new way to run - Energy Boost. Part of a new adidas segment called Energy Running, the shoe features BOOST™, a revolutionary cushioning technology which provides the highest energy return in the running industry.



The Energy Boost is unlike traditional shoes that use EVA in their midsoles, substituting BOOST, a revolutionary cushioning technology which provides the highest energy return in the running industry.

BOOST™ combines performance benefits that have been contradictory in the past: soft cushioning and responsiveness work together at last to give runners a running experience unlike any other.



Adidas Malaysia Trade Marketing Assistant Manager, Ethan Ng walked us through the foundation of the BOOST™ innovation which is centred on its cushioning material.

Based on a groundbreaking development process created by adidas partner BASF, the world's leading chemical company, solid granular material (TPU) is literally blown up and turned into thousands of small energy capsules which make up the footwear’s distinctive midsole.

With their unique cell structure, these capsules store and unleash energy more efficiently in every stride. Tests conducted by the adidas Innovation Team show that the highly durable material found only in Energy Boost products provides the highest energy return in the running industry.

“adidas helps make athletes better. With our new Boost foam, we are addressing a fundamental insight: everyone wants more energy. Whether you're running a marathon, training for an upcoming season or just trying to get back in shape, our revolutionary Boost cushioning foam provides the highest energy return in any running products,” says Bryan Gee, Brand Manager of adidas Malaysia, “Energy Boost will reset the running industry and pave the way for all future performance footwear.”

Fay Hokulani volunteered herself to demonstrate the bounciness of the new Boost cushion foam. Basically, she dropped a steel ball on different types of surface – Styrofoam, EVA or Ethylene-Vinyl Acetate (which is the material used in about 95 percent of all running shoes) and Boost. Click play.



The new cushioning material not only provides the highest energy return in the industry, it also holds its performance in almost any condition at unparalleled levels. The adidas Innovation Team tested how the BOOST™ foam material reacted in a variety of temperatures compared to standard EVA foam commonly used in most running shoes.

These tests revealed that, when taken from +40 to -20 degrees Celsius, BOOST™ foam is three times more temperature-resistant than standard EVA material, providing a more consistent run.

The innovation goes beyond the revolutionary midsole technology. The upper on the Energy Boost features adidas Techfit technology with highly durable and elastic polyurethane, providing optimal comfort and support to the entire foot while in motion. A stretch, breathable mesh material offers the fit of a sock while engineered powerbands across the upper provide targeted support and stabilise the foot where needed when moving.



Meet Fay Hokulani - model, host, writer, fitness enthusiast and gossip girl on hitz.fm Hollywood entertainment news segment with the morning crew.



Thanks for posing for us, Fay!



Check out Fay's take on Boost launch HERE.



Boost girls. OK. It's a bad pun of Bond girl. LOL! - Linora Low, Fay and Soraya.



The Energy Boost retails at RM550 for both men and women and is now available (limited quantities) at the adidas Sports Performance Concept Stores in Suria KLCC (Level 3) and Sunway Pyramid (Level 2).

In conjunction with the launch, from now up till 24th February 2013 fans and consumers can pre-order their very own Energy Boost at www.adidasboost.com (log on for more details).



Next: Unboxing of adidas Boost. Stay tuned. :)

Photos & Video: Standard Chartered KL Marathon 2013 Launch & 5th Year Celebration

Thank you Standard Chartered KL Marathon for inviting us to its 2013 launch, 5th Year Celebration and press conference. The event was held at the Standard Chartered KL Park, a unique location of green and tranquility, literally just a stone's throw from Twin Towers, KLCC.

This year’s Marathon, which will be held at Dataran Merdeka carries the theme, “Run for a Reason”, a theme that is parallel to Standard Chartered Marathons around the world. The event offers 12 categories to the public to provide a participation opportunity for every person. Worth to note, the prize package offered for Standard Chartered KL Marathon remains the highest among marathons in Malaysia, with a total prize pot of USD110,000 (RM341,000) this year.



The race was launched by the Minister of Youth & Sports, YB Dato Sri Ahmad Shabery Cheek.



Rainer Biemans, Director of Dirigo Events Sdn Bhd.

"I remember 2009... Registration started in Feb, in May I panicked not getting 12,500 runners for June... 4 years later, we reached 19,000++ sold entries within 18 days from start of registration. Now I'm worried to dissappoint runners because we are full with 30k runners 4 month before the event takes place..."

Speech by Title Sponsor, Osman Morad, the managing Director and CEO Standard Chartered Bank Malaysia Bhd.

Osman Morad, Standard Chartered Bank added, “We always believe that sports shapes and unifies a nation. We have seen the benefits of the Marathon in our community, and we are happy to have been key to this effort. As the country’s first and oldest bank established in 1857, we take pride in contributing to our community and the Marathon is an event we are very proud of.”

“This year, Standard Chartered is pleased to introduce special packages where runners can ‘Run for Free’ and other special benefits when they sign up for a credit card or savings or checking account with us. It is yet another feature from Standard Chartered to continually add value for our customers,” Osman added.

Speech by Deputy Director General of DBKL on behalf of the Mayor of KL.

Slated to start and finish once again at the country’s historical site of Dataran Merdeka, the Mayor of Kuala Lumpur, Datuk Haji Ahmad Phesal said, “It is only befitting that a monumental country event like the Marathon takes place at Dataran Merdeka where you will be able to see some 30,000 runners and volunteers, officials, supporters, family and friends gathering together to be a force for good.”

Keynote address by Minister of Youth and Sports.

“I’m glad to be here to celebrate Standard Chartered KL Marathon’s 5th successful year in Malaysia. I applaud the various parties who have successfully showcased growing sporting brilliance through this nation-building event for the past four years. I am confident that by now the Standard Chartered KL Marathon is embedded in our sporting culture and is contributing to nation-building,” said YB Dato’ Sri Ahmad Shabery Cheek during the launch.

This year Standard Chartered Bank Bhd introduces special packages where runners can "RUN FOR FREE" and special benefits when they sign up for a credit card or savings or checking account with the bank.



This is the target this year! 30,000 runners!



The launch was commemorated with the unveiling of a 10-foot tall wall panel (above) depicting a historical photo montage wall, showcasing the evolvement and successes of the Marathon since it first started in 2009. The wall panel will be located at the Park for public viewing until after the Marathon ends.

Happy 5th Anniversary to Standard Chartered KL Marathon!



Over the four years, the Standard Chartered KL Marathon has raised more than RM2.4 million to benefit charities around Malaysia. This year charity recipients are Standard Chartered Foundation, National Autism Society of Malaysia (NASOM), Ecoknights, and Hospis Malaysia.



The iconic event continues to set new records. This year, within just three (3) weeks of registration opening, more than 14,222 registrations were received surpassing last year’s record by more than 235 per cent registered over the same period. In 2012, participant registration closed six (6) weeks ahead of the deadline following an overwhelming response from the public. This year, Standard Chartered is confident that the target of 30,000 runners will be met soon. Registration started on 30 January 2013 and the closing date is set for 31 May 2013, or when 30,000 sign-ups are reached, whichever comes first.

Running enthusiasts can sign up at the official website www.kl-marathon.com
Early bird discounts on registration fees are available till 28 February 2013.

Connect with the other runners through the Standard Chartered KL Marathon Facebook page at http://www.facebook.com/SCKLmarathon and keep up-to-date via twitter at @scklmarathon

More photos of the Standard Chartered KL Marathon 2013 Launch & 5th Year Celebration at our FB page HERE.

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.