Ultron KL New Year Run Apologizes Over Insensitive Remarks Made Towards Foreign Runners During Briefing Session

On behalf of the technical event committee of KL New Year RUN 2019, we extend our sincere apologies and inconvenience for the remarks made during the briefing session at yesterday's event. 

At Persatuan Rekreasi Wilayah Malaysia, it’s our goal to have a successful and memorable event for all participants. As an organizer, we always welcome all runners to join; whether they are local or international runners. 

We will make sure it won’t happen again and thank you for the tremendous support in KL New Year Run 2019. 

Kind regards, 

President Persatuan Rekreasi Wilayah Malaysia KL New Year Run 2019 

Source: KL New Year Run Facebook

The apology was made following a public outcry after the insensitive and abusive remarks towards non-Malaysian runners were highlighted by a runner, Karsten Korbel on Facebook.

In 11 years I lived on and off in Malaysia since 1997, I never felt so unwelcomed as today 🙁

I joined the KL New Year 2019 this morning. I was so shocked of what a representative of the event organiser said during the pre race briefing in front of a few thousand runners.

1️⃣ He said that in case of running into the podium positions any use of wrong ID / passport will not be tolerated. So far so good but he didn’t miss to emphasise that this is especially done by foreigners! 😲🤔 Wow, that was heavy. Why the need to hit especially on foreigners? It is clear that anyone trying to claim a prize without proper documentation is disqualified. Sir, why this gibe on foreigners?

2️⃣ And that was the most abusive statement, the person again addressed especially foreigners. He said that all the foreigners running today have to be extra grateful to be allowed to run. He explained that this is actually a New Years celebration for Malaysians only and for being allowed to run foreigners should be very grateful. He said that a few times

Talking to a few non Malaysians after the race, everyone was very upset about the statements by the organisers representative. It is not that I got to run for free, on the contrary!

Foreigners registering for the race already got penalised by paying extra. I paid RM85 in contrast to RM65 for Malaysians.

Foreigners also got discriminated in the terms and conditions, as only 3 foreigners were allowed to receive any of the top10 prizes. Meaning that if for example 5 foreigners would have placed under the top10, 2 of them would not be granted their rightful prize and replaced by slower runners.

Well, I registered despite and in knowledge of all those discriminating measures, as I simply wanted to have a good start into my running year 2019. It is not my objective to get a prize, I joined because I love running and to meet some of my running friends

All the side cuts against foreigners by the organiser were unnecessary. I felt verbally abused and was very upset about this disgusting show of disrespect and non-existence of sportsmanship.

I am deeply saddened and disappointed of what happened. If the organiser has a minimum of integrity, then this person has to be called to account and at least sincerely and publicly apologise.

Ultron Sportswear Asia Pacific
Lucozade Malaysia

#foreignersnotwelcomed #klnewyearrun #saynotoracism #weareallrunners #sportknowsnocolor

The news was also picked up by China Press. Link HERE.