Category Archives: Running

SCKLM is Now KLSCM

Posted on by
Reply

The 11th Biggest Marathon in Kuala Lumpur is now called Kuala Lumpur Standard Chartered Marathon (KLSCM) and it brings together top world and local competitive marathon runners.

It will take place at iconic Dataran Merdeka  on 28 and 29 September, bringing together 40,000 runners compete in a variety of distances, with the previous year’s title holders all returning to stake their claim once again.

“The Race weekend will see thrilling contests between the defending champions in various categories and the upstarts who will be pushing the incumbents all the way,” said KLSCM Project Director Rainer Biemans, who is also a Director of Dirigo Events, the owner and organiser of KLSCM. “As an added highlight, making his debut in KLSCM will be YB Syed  Saddiq, Minister of Youth and Sports, who will make it the first time a full-fledged Minister has taken part in the Half Marathon category,” added Biemans.

The undisputed “king” in the local marathon scene, Muhaizar Mohamad, will be back to defend his title in the Malaysian Men’s Full Marathon category for an astonishing fifth consecutive time. Muhaizar, who won Malaysia’s first S.E.A. Games medal in the event in the last 44 years in the 2017 KL edition, is also representing Malaysia again in the event at this year’s Games in Manila, Philippines. He is currently the second fastest Malaysian marathoner after national record holder Leo Tan Huong Leong. Leo, who came in third at last year’s KLSCM, will unfortunately not be participating this year due to other commitments.

Muhaizar Mohamad and Nik Fakaruddin

Muhaizar Mohamad and Nik Fakaruddin

Due to his participation in the Manila S.E.A. Games in November this year however, Muhaizar is not expected to push himself to glory at KLSCM2019 as both events are just two months apart and his priority is representing Malaysia at the Games.

“KLSCM2019 will be my last marathon outing in my preparations for the S.E.A. Games and I do not want to jeopardise my training for that. I still aim to be competitive and hope to defend my KLSCM title as it is an event that is close to my heart after winning it four times in a row. Dirigo Events, the owner and organiser of KLSCM has also been one of my strongest supporters and I want to repay their faith in me by participating again this year,” said Muhaizar.

The main obstacle in the defence of Muhaizar’s title will come in the form of someone well known to him. Nik Fakaruddin, who came in second last year, is a vastly improved runner and is in fact Muhaizar’s compatriot in the Armed Forces and one of his regular training partners. Nik’s advantage this time around would be knowing that there’s nothing preventing him from going all out to bag his first title especially since Muhaizar would be more concerned with the upcoming S.E.A. Games.

In the Full Marathon Open category, two-time consecutive champions Cosmas Matolo Muteti and Elizabeth Chepkanan Rumokol from Kenya will return to defend their Men’s and Women’s tiles respectively. Their aim to win their third consecutive titles in Kuala Lumpur will be put to the test by elite Ethiopian athletes who will be making their debuts at KLSCM. Cosmas will be tested by Victor Kipchirchir who has a personal best of 2:07:39 while Asnakech Mengistu Egigawehu (2:25:50) and Ticzita Terechu Dida (2:28:00) will both give Elizabeth a run for her money in the Women’s FM Open category.

Cosmas Matolo Muteti and Elizabeth Chepkanan Rumokol

Cosmas believes his success in the past two KLSCMs is due to the similar climatic conditions between his home base in Machakos County in Kenya and Kuala Lumpur so although Victor’s personal best is a pretty fast time, it was probably achieved in a non-humid and cooler climate. “After developing knee and muscle problems after the Singapore marathon last year, I have not participated in any marathons since and my body has been recovering and responding well to my training. I’m happy with my progress and I’m confident of being competitive enough to try and defend my title,” said Cosmas. “While I appreciate the competition from other strong runners, I’m still someone who runs without apprehension as I’m only concerned with my own race. My motto is ‘train hard and the winning will come automatically’ and I am really looking forward to racing in Kuala Lumpur, which has a special place in my heart,” added the champion.

In the Malaysian Women’s FM category, Loh Chooi Fern will be back to defend the title she won last year in 3:18:44 but is expected to better that time as she recorded a personal best sub 3 hour time in the Gold Coast Marathon earlier this year. Nur Amelia Musa, the wife of Nik Fakaruddin, will be her most serious competition in this year’s KLSCM but Loh is relishing the challenge. “Women are getting stronger in marathons and I expect to be pushed hard this year. This is great for the sport as intense but healthy competition can only serve to help us achieve better times,” said Loh.

The darling of the Malaysian Women’s HM category Sheela Samivellu, will be attempting to make it four in a row and it’s hard to see anyone going toe-to-toe with her in this year’s race. Sheela, who is also the national record holder over the distance and the course record holder, has not set any specific targets for this year’s race and just hopes to finish the race successfully. “When I’m in a competition, I regard everyone as competitors and usually don’t target specific people to beat. My ultimate goal is usually to just to run well and finish strongly,” said the modest Sheela.

Apart from the exciting contests in store in the blue-ribbon categories, SCKLM will again see its fair share of inspirational stories from incredible individuals who use the marathon as a springboard to motivate and challenge others to do more with their lives, none more so than Chris Koch. Born without limbs, Chris is a Canadian farmer, athlete, adventurer and motivational speaker who will be attempting to complete his eighth marathon using a special longboard. “This will be my first time in Malaysia and first time attempting a marathon in this sort of hot and humid climate. I’m grateful to the organisers for allowing me to participate in my eighth marathon in the third continent and am looking forward to this particular challenge,” said Koch.

The Kuala Lumpur Standard Chartered Marathon has grown to become the premier distance running event in Malaysia that draws thousands of local and international runners to the country whilst firmly establishing Malaysia in the global running calendar. The 2019 edition will be the largest yet with 40,000 runners taking part, including 1,900 running tourists from 73 countries from around the world, and will once again see sponsorship from Title Sponsor Standard Chartered Bank Malaysia, along with Under Armour, 100 Plus, Seiko, Jaybird, Pacific Regency, Banana Boat and TudungPeople.

 

For more information and updates on KLSCM, please visit:

Facebook : http://www.facebook.com/SCKLmarathon
Twitter : www.twitter.com/SCKLmarathon
Instagram : https://instagram.com/SCKLmarathon
Website : www.kl-marathon.com

All Smiles at the Score Marathon Run The Day

Posted on by
Reply

The Score Marathon has definitely made my running in the city of Kuala Lumpur a marvelous experience. The route for the half marathon, 21 km took me around the heart of KL, starting from the Berjaya Time Square. What I like most about the run is the route – scenic features of the city skyline, parks and undulating hills of the city.  The route is similar to the Standard Charted KL Marathon, but lesser crowd. There were about 3,500 half marathon runners, 2,700 ten KM runners among the 13,000 participants at the Score Marathon.

I was glad the organiser moved the venue from Bukit Jalil to Berjaya Time Square. Running in the city was truly a lovely experience.

Score Marathon

The roads were well-managed and I felt safe running throughout. There were water stations serving 100 plus and water at every 3 km with one serving banana a few kilometers before the finish line. The run started at 5am and the roads were well lighted with many marshals on motorbikes. I felt safe although it was quite dark until the sun rose at about 7am.

Some of the iconic buildings that I passed were National Mosque, Islamic Museum, Merdeka Square, POS Malaysia, Sasana Kijang, PWTC, Pavilion KL, Bursa Malaysia and close enough to see the KL Tower and KLCC Twin Towers. The runners passed the National Mosque at KM 8, and it was well suited for morning prayers. Most muslim runners stopped at the mosque for prayers.

Towards the finish line – Photo by Marlina Ibrahim

I was not certain if the distance was accurate or not as my Garmin watch recorded a distance of 24 km and so did many of the other Garmin users with extra mileage. GPS can be inaccurate in city area with tall buildings. It was a bit tough to do a personal best due to the famous hilly routes. I was accompanying a friend, Farhani who ran her 1st half marathon and our goal was to finish and enjoy the run. Indeed we did. We took many pictures to cherish her 1st half marathon. She trained really hard for this. Ladies who plan to take up long distance running be it half or full marathon can join .Nashata  Weekend Training

It was a thumbs up experience at the Score Marathon 2019 – from registering the run, picking up the race kit, running and finishing run.

Now, some pictures of the runners and the city of Kuala Lumpur!

Our 1st stop – Sultan Abdul Samad Building

Cool and hilly route, well lighted

Run like a tourist

 

The KL Tower on the backdrop as we cruise on Jalan Sultan Ismail

On Jalan Kuching Photo Credit : Score Marathon

At this point, it was about 2 more KM to go with KLCC Tower on the backdrop

The running sisters – Farhani and Farhati ran the half marathon

With brother and cousin who finished their half marathon

 

 

Runners, These Are Some Important Stretches to Include In Your Routine

Posted on by
Reply

Salam Sisters,

I pray that your Ramadan and your Eid was full of blessings, family time and prayers.
InshAllah all of your prayers will be answered and your wishes will be granted.

Now that Eid is done, it is time to go back on track with our exercise routine.
Nashata has a great runners community. I wanted to share this quick video to help you with your stretching routine to keep you injury free and keep your legs running pain free inshAllah.

Let me know if you have any questions or if you would like to see a specific video.

Keep it Healthy,
Nura

https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCUsbESlS1mUp-2veiEc1iew

FREE Running Clinic – Nashata x SOFEA Run

Posted on by
Reply

Dear sisters,

Nashata & SOFEA Run are teaming up in support of the Malaysia Women Marathon Virtual Run. Join Nashata x SOFEA Run FREE Running Clinic led by fitness coach, Intan Suraya and find out about how to run without injuries and improve performance. You get to meet other lady runners and learn from each other. It is limited for 50 ladies only and registration ends Saturday, 16 March 2019 – 3.59PM.

RUNNING CLINIC INFO
• Venue: Taman Rekreasi Bukit Jalil.
• Date & Time: 17 March 2019, 7:30am.

ACTIVITIES
• Sharing session by coach.
• The right food for running.
• Running tips & tricks.
• Simple workout session.
• Stretching session.
• Group run.

WHAT YOU’LL GET
• Drinks & light breakfast.
• Exclusive Nashata vouchers*.

Register NOW by downloading SOFEARUN app.
Android & iPhone

See you there girls!

 

Ballot Winners Selected for Standard Charted KL Marathon 2019

Posted on by
Reply
Ballot at Standard Charted KL Marathon

YB Syed Saddiq displays his SCKLM2019 Half Marathon Running Bib, flanked by Rainer Biemans and Abrar A. Anwar

Today, Malaysia’s premier distance running event implements ballot system for public registrations due to tremendous response and the Youth and Sports Minister Syed Saddiq Syed Abdul Rahman was given the honour to activate the random computerised ballot selection process whereby ballot winners were picked and immediately notified of their selection.

Check your ballot status at https://www.kl-marathon.com/

The Standard Chartered KL Marathon has seen phenomenal growth over the last decade with the 10th Anniversary edition in 2018 seeing the highest attendance to date of over 38,000 participants. Public registrations for the 2018 event were snapped up within 10 hours of opening, leaving a lot of disgruntled runners who didn’t get a chance to register due to a variety of reasons, such as network congestion and poor internet connections.

This year saw a significant increase in loyalty registrations, where returning 2018 runners were given the privilege of signing up and securing their slot before registrations opened to the general public. Almost two thirds of the available slots were snapped up during this period leaving slightly over 12,000 slots across all categories remaining for public registrations. Hence, the ballot system was introduced this year to give everyone an equal opportunity to secure a race slot as potential participants could cast their ballot between 13 to 19 February 2019.

“We introduced loyalty registrations in 2016 as a way of giving back to the running community who have strongly supported us, and continued to implement this in the following years” said Rainer Biemans, Project Director of SCKLM and Director of Dirigo Events, the owners and organisers of the multi-award winning event. “Since then, the take-up during the loyalty registrations consistently yielded about 40-45% of overall slots available. This year we were caught by surprise when the loyalty registration period saw more than 60% of available slots snapped up, which is why we have had to implement balloting for public registrations” added Rainer. “This way, everyone gets an equal chance to secure a race entry and will not be hindered by network or work issues.” Rainer also mentioned that moving forward, the balloting process would most probably be implemented right from the loyalty registration period.

“It’s certainly a privilege to be involved with the premier distance running event in Malaysia. I have truly been inspired by the hard work undertaken by SCKLM to develop the sport of distance running by consistently putting on a world class event that attracts more than 38,000 participants from Malaysia and around the world,” said Syed Saddiq. “While the competitive aspect of SCKLM has provided talented Malaysian runners like Leo Tan and Muhaizar Mohamad with the platform to perform alongside elite international runners and raise their game, the heart-warming aspect of SCKLM is the commitment placed on making a difference through the Run For A Reason charity initiative,” added Syed Saddiq. “In fact I have decided to accept Dirigo Events invitation to participate in the Half Marathon for SCKLM2019 and if my preparations go well, I hope to do something to be able to give back to the running community too.”

The 2019 edition of SCKLM was given a boost late last year when Standard Chartered Bank Malaysia renewed their title sponsorship of the event for a further four (4) years. The Bank has been a steadfast supporter of the event since its inception in 2009 and is a major factor behind its success.

“We are delighted to resume our title sponsorship of the KL Marathon. The past 10 years of our sponsorship has shown us the amazing power this event has to bring people from all walks of life together to do extraordinary things. SCKLM has grown from strength to strength and is now one of the most sought after events in Malaysia and the region,” said Abrar A. Anwar, Managing Director and CEO of Standard Chartered Bank Malaysia. “This year marks yet another milestone with the ballot system introduced for public registrations,” added Abrar.

Charity programme Run For A Reason (RFAR) has been an integral component of SCKLM which has benefited and improved the lives of thousands of Malaysians over the last 10 years. Last year, the programme raised RM500,000, with individual runner raising more than RM17,000 and Rainer hopes the amount increases this year. For 2019, the charity beneficiaries are the National Cancer Society of Malaysia, Hospis Malaysia and Dignity For Children Foundation.

 

From Press Release
For more information and updates on SCKLM, please visit:

Facebook       : http://www.facebook.com/SCKLmarathon
Twitter            : www.twitter.com/SCKLmarathon
Instagram       : https://instagram.com/SCKLmarathon
Website          : www.kl-marathon.com

 

 

Ballot Entry Info for Standard Charted KL Marathon 2019

Posted on by
Reply

Due to overwhelming response by loyal runners from previous Standard Charted KL Marathon (SCKLM), there is a reduced number of slots available for public registration. There are a total of over 10,000 slots available across all categories and in order to ensure that everyone has an equal opportunity of getting a race slot, public registrations for the SCKLM 2019 will be in the form of a ballot. This is also to ensure those who are interested to participate are not affected by network congestion or poor internet connections. Therefore, the balloting period will ensure that every applicant has an equal opportunity of earning a race slot.

Runners will be able to cast their ballots from 10.00am, 13 February 2019 to 11.59pm 19 February 2019. Ballot selection will be completely random and computerised, and will be activated by YB Syed Saddiq Syed Abdul Rahman, Minister of Youth and Sports on 22 February 2019. Successful applicants will then be notified by email and will have until 5 March to complete registration by making payment. Each person is only allowed one ballot entry.

So, runners – you have ample time to register now and do check your emails during this period 22nd – 24th February to get the ballot results. All the best!

To register, visit SCKLM website at https://www.kl-marathon.com/

SCKLM 2019 Ballot

Standard Chartered KL Marathon will be held on 28 and 29 September 2019 at Dataran Merdeka

3 reasons why Bangkok should be your runcation and vacation destination

Posted on by
Reply

This episode of runcation: Amazing Thailand Marathon Bangkok 2019!

What is a runcation? Runcation is a combination of the word “vacation” and “running”. It is a term coined by runners who travel to attend a marathon or running event, and have vacation at the same time. Usually, the running event is the highlight for a runcation so your itinerary needs to revolve around the timing and venue of the event. For this runcation, I travelled to Bangkok to attend the Amazing Thailand Marathon 2019 and it was amazing. Here are 3 main reasons why – before, after, and during the run:

  • Before running: Food heaven!

Over the years, I have seen Bangkok developing to be more Muslim-friendly to cater to an increasing number of tourists from Malaysia, Indonesia, and Middle East. This means more halal food outlets and increasing conscious to state the ingredients used. This also means more variety of food for carbo-loading!

Personal recommendations:

  1. MBK Mall (Nearest BTS Station: National Stadium)
    • Clean, comfortable with air-condition facilities.
    • Food selection at restaurants in level 5 and 6 includes:
      • Thai staples like Tom Yum and Green Curry.
      • The foodcourt at level 5 has a wide selection of International flavours too like Chinese, Indonesian, and Arabic food.
      • There is an affordable steak house at level 6
      • Enjoy some dessert and coffee at a halal-friendly (but not halal-certified) café called After You at level 3

Don’t be scared to try the spicy local flavours

  1.  Saman Islam at Chatuchak Market (Nearest BTS Station: Mo Chit)
    • Street food with local ambience.
    • Food selection is mostly Thai staples. There are also some Southern Thai dishes too.
    • Enjoy Thai sweets and desserts that are mostly halal-friendly (but not halal-certified) such as Mango with Sticky Rice, Coconut Ice Cream, and Thai Ice Tea.

I think this dish has some Southern Thai influence, the rice tastes like a briyani rice and hainanese chicken rice at the same time

The nearest landmark to this stall is the Clock Tower

  • After running: Recovery at the spa

time to relax and reward those hardworking legs

Legs are feeling sore after a run? Head to a spa for a massage, aromatherapy, or an herbal compression.  Thailand has a long history of alternative treatments using herbs and natural ingredients, making the treatments more effective.

Herbs, spices, and plants with medicinal properties to cure that aching muscle

Note: Spa and massage houses have a bad reputation for illegal ‘services’ in Bangkok. How to ensure the spa conducts legal business with no hanky-panky ‘services’? Ask for recommendations from the locals, make it firm that you are strictly looking for a medicinal or aesthetic spa. The proper spas are usually more upscale and expensive too, but they are still cheaper than Malaysia’s rate. Proper spas also clearly display their zero-tolerance policy towards sexual harassment.

Personal recommendations:

  1. Health Land (Nearest BTS Station: Asok)

Try their body scrub therapy, leaving you smelling heavenly and squeaky clean. Service here is top-notch too, with comfy bathrobes, unlimited ice told mineral water or tea. Protip: do call them in advanced to set for an appointment, as they are always full

  1. Crystal Spa (Nearest BTS Station: Phra Khanong)

Try their foot and head massage, relieving aching muscles and leaving you in total relaxation. Protip: Do not forget to tip the masseuse after your treatment. They do not expect much, 20 to 50 Thai Bhat goes a long way for these local women.

  • During the run: Cross-cultural observations

Do you know that Thailand is also known as “The Land of Smiles”?

Despite having similar roots to Malaysia, there are some notable differences in Thais culture. This might affect how an event is organized. Although it is a well-known international event with participants from various countries, it is still very Thai-centric.

Personal observations:

Thais are very proud of their language and culture. Most signage are still written in Thai, so collecting the race kit and getting to the race site was not very well-organized. Mitigate that by collecting the race kit early, and heading to the race site early too. But don’t worry, Thai are very friendly too. They will be happy to help if you ask nicely.

Get to the race site early

Cheering is not a culture in Thai. There were not many supporters or spectators along the way, and most people weaved between the running event venue like nothing happened. I can’t help but to notice that poverty is also very apparent in Bangkok, as there were beggars eating leftovers from the runners. I feel sad for them.

Are small bottles more practical than disposable cups? At least bottles are reusable and handy

Thais are such hospitable people. They want to make you feel welcomed and comfortable, and nothing is more comfortable than a clean toilet. Their portable toilets were equipped with a bidet, flushing toilet, and even air-condition. It puts Malaysia’s porta-loo to shame.

Check out that 5 star toilet!

4 steps to train for a trail run

Posted on by
Reply

Trail running can be a daunting, yet rewarding experience. Through a lot of trial and error and based on my own personal experience, I have developed a systematic 4 step-by-step approach to help you prepare for a trail run.

Think of training for a trail run as a pyramid – without a solid base, it will be impossible to move upwards.

The 4 Layers of Preparing for a Trail Run:

Tips on How to Handle Harassment while Working Out

Posted on by
Reply

Every adult should feel safe and has the freedom to workout at places convenient to him or her, be it on the street or at the gym. As many of us try to make the world a safer and a better place, we especially women and girls need to take extra precaution while working out. With the little time women have to workout due commitments like work, studying or taking care of family, the more reason why women need to be able to step into the gym or run at times and places of their conveniences.

Nowadays, there are more women walking, cycling and running outdoors. Most of the time, they are alone. It is completely understandable, as sometimes a woman’s free-time do not suit others and in order not to miss training or to be consistent, she would have to train alone. Getting cat calls are pretty common among female runners. It is not flattering, rather irritating. They can be ignored.

Workout Happy  & Safely

Fitness is a lifestyle. Due to this, a woman should not be afraid to exercise her rights to be on the street and at the gym to work out.  Women need to know what to do when they are harassed.

What are the form of sexual harassment?
Any unwelcome verbal and physical sexual attention that is directed to you. Sexual harassment need not to be in a form of physical contact and advances. Verbal harassment that is sexual in nature or jokes and unwanted sexual representation in visible manner, be it in a form of photos, physical exposure or text are considered sexual harassment too. If a person makes you feel uncomfortable due to his or her sexual conversation or physical contact or representation to you and if you are not certain if it is a harassment, talk to someone.

Be Prepared

1. Go to places & gym that are safe

  • Go to all ladies gym close to you. In Klang Valley, there are a few like the Curves and Femme Fitness.
  • Work out at a guarded and well lighted area. Avoid shady, dark and quiet areas.
  • Inform family member or friend about your workout area beforehand.
  • Avoid any group of men
  • Try not to be alone
  • Be unpredictable. Change routes, change workout times.

2. Bring protective gears

  • Self defense stick
    They are collapsible but smallest is also long – 19 cm onwards.
  • Pepper spray
    Small and handy. You can put it in pocket
  • Self Defense Personal Alarm
    Small and handy. There are several types, mostly key chains.

    Sabre and Mace are the brands that have both pepper spray and personal alarm in 1.

3. Have emergency numbers and apps handy

  • Always have emergency numbers and the nearest police station number on your mobile phone
  • Install apps that can facilitates you go get help immediately.
    In Malaysia, for example, you can use  Volunteer Smartphone Patrol App (VSP ) that allows you lodge a complain immediately and provide GPS coordinates and visuals. It is provided by the Malaysian Police Force.

    Volunteer Smartphone Patrol App

    Screenshot of VSP

What should you do when you are harassed?

  1. Stay calm, run for safety and defend yourself.
    If the harassment is verbal or not in a form of contact, just ignore and move away as fast and calm as possible. Go to the nearest person to you for help. Do not respond to offender. If necessary, in order to avoid physical contact, use any protective gears you have to defend yourself and get help as soon as you can.
  2. Get evidence and witnesses
    Be aware of your surrounding and of where you are. Remember how the person looks like as you need to be descriptive about the offender, also where the incident take place. If you are alone and have the opportunity, get evidence of the incident. It could be pictures. If there are witnesses closeby, get their information.
  3. Report to the authorities
    You can call the authorities immediately. You can use the VSP app in Malaysia to report and provide information of incident immediately.  Do not be afraid to lodge a report to authorities.
  4. Talk to someone if you need to
    Sexual harassment is something you want to avoid as what you experience can make you scared, angry and confused. Do not blame yourself for what happen and do know that the only person who can help you is yourself. Talking to others like family members and friends can only make you feel better but if you want to make things better for yourself and the community, lodge a formal report.  Only with the report, the authorities can take necessary measures to find the offender and make the area safer.

You should not be scared to exercise a woman’s rights to workout outdoor, on the street and at the gym. Those who are terrorizing others or have mental issues should be given help and taken away from the streets.

Put a smile on your face when you run. #runninghijabi

Towards a safer environment for women ?

 

Running as a Traveler in Kowloon – Hong Kong

Posted on by
Reply

Training for a race or simply to keep up with running when you travel is now a breeze. You need to check the weather condition at destinations, and  find fitness center or running routes close to your accommodation. Sometimes, you may not get much  info about safety of the running routes, so you may want to find out more upon arrival.

Here’s an example of a traveler outfit and running routes in Hong Kong when the weather is misty and cool at a temperature of 17-21 degrees in Celsius.

1. Outfit Ideas for Running Traveler

A. Travel Outfit

I like to travel comfy and light. I do not like to bring too many items as I want to save space and avoid loosing personal belongings. Hence, clothing that is roomy and has secure pockets is my pick!

A couple of ideas:

The top is loose on the head and comfy. Ample pockets on both tops and pants. Always bring an extra light jacket

Two side zipper pockets are useful. One to keep passport & boarding ticket and another for mobile phone.

B. Running Outfit

For climate above 20 ° Celsius  or 68 ° Fahrenheit, you can wear your thin to medium lightweight and breathable sportswear.  They do not need to be thick. For weather below 20 degrees, you need to wear thicker breathable fabric. Do bring a hand towel like the Raazglove to wipe your nose when you run in colder weather.

Above 20°C Running Outfit. Lightweight

2. Running Routes

There are many running and trail routes in Hong Kong.  Here’s a sharing for a 9 km route in Kowloon District.

Exploring Kowloon Park in 2 loops of 2.2 km each

4.5 km running route Tsim Tsa Tsui Promenade

A. Kowloon Park
It is a sanctuary for recreationist  and birds. There are pockets of open spaces, bird sanctuary, water fountains, lookout hill, rose garden, outdoor swimming pool and outdoor gyms in the park, surrounded by approximately 2.5 km walking path. You can take the MRT train to Tsim Sha Tsui and exit to Kowloon Park or Kowloon Mosque. The park is right behind the mosque. You can make two loops around the Kowloon Park exploring different paths and section of it. If you like birds, you can checkout the bird sanctuary and the flamingo pond. What I like about the park is that there are a few elevations, one of which leads to the lookout hill, and the flora and fauna are oh so gorgeous.

[huge_it_slider id=”40 “]

B. Tsim Sha Tsui & Hung Hom Promenade
Other than the Kowloon Park, you can run at Tsim Sha Tsui Promenade. From Kowloon Park, you need to go back to the closest MRT entrance and find Exit J. Walk for about 300 meters towards exit J. Upon exiting, you will see Salisbury Garden and you can start running east towards Tsim Sha Tsui Promenade.The 2.3 km stretch will take you through the Hung Hom Promenade till the Hung Hom Ferry Pier. You can enjoy the breeze and lovely view of Hong Kong Island and ferries.

[huge_it_slider id=”42 “]

These two routes give you about 9 km mileage. If you want to add more, run further or add another loop. I find running at Kowloon District is safe and convenient. Happy running & traveling!