Category Archives: General

Wearable-Friendly, Long Sleeves Sports Top

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The wearable-friendly, Waqtoo Ultra Sports Top received well debut about a month ago when we released it in all black, on the 17th October 2019.  Today, we are pleased to announce more colors : white and navy blue.

At Nashata, we bring innovation into fashion and produce functional modest sportswear to empower ladies to have active lifestyles.

With the Waqtoo Ultra Top, you don’t have to worry about pulling up your sleeves to check your sports watch, fitness tracker or any wearable when you work out. The Waqtoo Ultra Top offers you flip-opening on both wrists, allowing direct contact between wearable and wrist. The face of your sports watch or wearable is visible at all times. Monitor your heart rate and performance, hassle-free.

Watch the video to get 10% OFF Vouchercode specially for Waqtoo Top purchase.

The top is made very simple to cater for all body types with sizes from S – 2XL. It is semi-fitted, long and comes with thumb holes, just like the other ultra tops by Nashata. The fabric is moisture-wicking,  thin and light weight; making it a good inner wear for long hour activities or for performance-wear. The average weight is 215 grams or 0.47 lbs. Available in black, navy blue and white at nashata.com 

Flip-opening on both wrists, giving easy of use for long sleeves, wearable lovers.

You can find detail size charts at @nashatastore

 

Larian Hari Keputeraan Sultan Nazrin Shah 2019 – “Raya Runners”

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Assalamualaikum

Hari Ahad lepas (17/11/2019) saya berlari di acara Larian Hari Keputeraan Sultan Nazrin Shah (LHKSNS) Kuala Kangsar, Perak.  Acara ini edisi ke 5 LHKSNS dan untuk saya ini adalah tahun ke 3 berturut saya sertai.  Acara yang ditunggu-tunggu oleh runners, sebabnya ia ibarat hari raya bagi kami semua. Apabila pendaftaran dibuka, hanya mengambil masa 2  jam sahaja dan slot telah ‘sold out’, walaupun pada tahun ini penyertaan untuk semua kategori ditambah dengan total keseluruhan 6000 slot.  Macam goreng pisang panas! Kenapa? Sebab ia ada tarikannya tersendiri! Memang seronok!

Waktu ambil race kit di Dewan Jubli Perak, jam 6.30 petang masih ramai, rata-rata yang datang dari luar Kuala Kangsar.

Gambar kenangan selepas ambil race kit. Depan saya ramai lagi yang beratur untuk ambil gambar disini.

Waktu saya beratur, Tuanku Zara juga berada di dewan. Cantiknya Tuanku Zara!

Pagi itu saya terus ke starting line, sangat mudah bagi saya sebab Masjid berdepan dengan Dewan Jubli Perak, mudah nak solat subuh.

Saya dalam kategori 15km wanita vateran, starting point di Jalan Tun Razak, Kuala Kangsar pada jam 7.00 pagi.  Penyertaan pada tahun ini sangat meriah kerana ramai runners datang dengan berbagai jenis pakaian, termasuk saya sendiri.

Flag of 15km oleh Sultan Nazrin Shah

Larian pada hari tu, saya cuma nak berlari santai, jumpa kawan-kawan, dan bergambar saja.  Kami berlari di kawasan kampung, seronok bila berlari dapat jumpa dengan orang kampung yang bersorak, di jamu dengan kuih tradisional.  Selain itu kami boleh berhenti untuk sama-sama main congkak, batu seremban, ada live band untuk hiburan kami semua.  Orang kg Kuala Kangsar sangat awesome! Ini bukan race! Ini larian hari raya!

Photoshoot di tengah jalan pun boleh!

Route yang mendamaikan 🙂

Kita stop main batu seremban dulu 🙂

 

Geng afro – photo by Zul Ramly

Geng pajamas – photo by Kin K Yum

Kami berlari di kawasan bendang.  Untuk saya yang duduk KL ni, nak tengok sawah bendang ni memang setahun sekali je. Ya Allah! dah jakun sangant rupanya. Masa hari tu sawah bendang jadi tempat photoshoot.  Meriah!

Saya berpakaian baju melayu, bergambar di bendang. 🙂

Di km10 saat yang paling kami tunggu,trademark LHKSNS ialah dapat minum air kelapa free!!! #satukepalasatukelapa, seronokkan, bila penat berlari, dengan hari yang semakin panas dapat basahkan tekak dengan air kelapa muda.

 

Sisterhood is powerful, minum air kelapa bersama-sama. Photo by Fieza Ahmad.

Di Dataran Lembah pula, seperti berpesta, kami dihiburkan dengan lagu joget, ada kumpulan tarian dan sesiapa boleh menari bersama.  Kami juga di jamu dengan air dan kuih muih, makanlah seberapa banyak.

Kuih muih yang dijamu untuk peserta. Photo by As_Ayub

4km ke Finish Line, berlari santai-santai, suasana di bandar yang agak sibuk dengan kenderaaan, namun keselamatan kami semua masih di jaga dengan baik. Polis dan Rela sangat-sangat memebantu dan sportingnya orang Kuala Kangsar!

Farhati & Farhani with finisher medal.

Finisher Medal. Cantik!

Suasana berlari yang macam ni, memang saya tak pernah dapat rasai dimana-mana, cuma di sini.  Dengan yuran penyertaan cuma RM35, berbaloi dengan rasa kepuasan berlarii disini! Sebab itu, saya tak akan ketinggalan untuk sertai setiap tahun.  Jumpa lagi LHKSNS 2020.

#GoSisters to Strengthen Sisterhood

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Working out in the gym, running, cycling, swimming or even hiking are activities that require endurance and focus. But that should not stop us to spread positive vibes and smiles when you bump into another sister working out.

1. Smile

Smiles are contagious and let’s be honest. Seeing someone smiling at you when you are struggling to lift extra weights or pushing yourself for better pace gives you a booster!

2. Cheer

You don’t need to know each other to cheer and support one another. When you are tired and battling inner demons while working out or racing, a cheer from anyone would boost your mood and keep your focus. You would definitely benefit from a stranger cheering for you and you’d definitely make a positive impact to another sister you cheer to.

3. Make Friends

You get to meet like-minded people when you workout. When you train, hit the gym, zumba or dance, the people you meet have a common Many friendships are built when you workout.

4. Support Each Other

Working out is not easy for everyone. Every time we train, race or sweat out, be it to improve personal record, relax or simple sweating out, working out itself is not an easy thing to do. Most of us have to fight inner demons every time we need to get ready for training. Supporting each other, it can be as easy as saying #GoSisters

 5. Spread Positivity

No matter how bad your day is, you work out for betterment. Spread positive vibes. Smile, cheer and support each other. Make workout a happy place, no matter where you are. It starts with us.

6. Let’s Be Happy

Working out should increase endorphin release, also referred to as feel-good hormones. No matter how tired or sore your muscles are, remember, the end result is pleasure. So, be happy when you work out, no matter how intense it is.

#GoSisters : Let’s be happy

Yayasan TM Tower Run with the power of USA Potatoes

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Assalamualaikum.

Pada hari Ahad lepas, 10 November, saya menyertai Yayasan TM Tower Run di Menara TM, Bangsar.  Konsep acara ini adalah peserta perlu menaiki tangga hingga ke tingkat 54  iaitu sebanyak 1296 anak tangga dengan ketinggian 200 meter.

 

Acara bermula seawal  jam 6 pagi dengan ucapan pembukaan, doa dan nyanyian lagu Negaraku.  Peserta di lepaskan seawal jam 7 pagi. Terdapat enam (6) kategori – Terbuka Lelaki (berumur 18 tahun ke atas), Terbuka Wanita (berumur 18 tahun ke atas), Veteran Lelaki (berumur 40 tahun ke atas) , Veteran Wanita (berumur 40 tahun ke atas), kakitangan TM Lelaki dan TM kakitangan Wanita. Semua pelari di lepaskan secara individu dengan selang masa lima (5) saat manakala untuk pelari elit, selang masa 15 saat.

Lokasi yang sangat convenience.  Saya pergi ke race site menaiki LRT laluan Kelana Jaya dan berhenti di Station Kerinchi.  Dari situ, saya berjalan lebih kurang 3 minit untuk ke race site.  Seawal jam 8.30 pagi saya sampai dan  terus saya menuju ke booth yang berada di situ.

U.S Purple Potatoes with Blueberry Boost Shake U.S Purple Potatoes with Blueberry Boost Shake, and the meshed potatoes  was very delicious, perfect for pre-run or pre- workout breakfast.

Terima kasih kepada USA Potatoes salah satu penaja event pada hari itu dengan  beri free flow minuman dan meshed potatoes with gravy  secara percuma untuk semua peserta. Sedap and yeayy!!!

Saya menyertai dalam kategori Women Vateran dan dilepaskan pada  jam 9.40 pagi  Saya sangat teruja kerana ini adalah kali kedua saya menyertai larian menara, larian menara pertama saya adalah KL Towerthon di Menara KL pada tahun 2011.

Larian bermula dari dalam Menara TM, i just walk slow and easy. Ada 2 water station disediakan dengan air mineral dan isotonik.

They are so energetic, maybe they take energy drink and the meshed potatoes before the race. 🙂

Di Setiap tingkat, volunteer beri kata-kata semangat dan bersorak, hilang sikit rasa penat saya.  Saya dapat tamatkan acara dengan catatan masa 17minit 20 saat.  Bergambar kenangan di tingkat 54.

With Malaysia Airlines crew at the 54th floor.

Meshed Potatoes and U.S Purple Potatoes with Blueberry Boost Shake. I take it after the race too…Potatoes provides the carbohydrate, potassium, and energy you need at your best. A medium-size (5.2oz) has 3 grams of complete protein.

Kentang mengandungi karbohidrat, membekalkan 30% vitamin C dalam keperluan harian, Potassium yang lebih dari pisang bersaiz sederhana.  Kentang bersaiz sederhana (5.2 oz) hanya mempunyai 110 kalori.  No fat! No Sodium! No Cholesterol. Sebab itu lah saya rasa sungguh energetic!

Teruja saya bila dapat berjumpa dengan Soh Wai Ching! Pelari Menara No. 1 dunia! tahniah Wai Ching!

Soh Wai Ching (kiri) tempat pertama, dapat menghabiskan larian dalam masa 6 minit 9 saat.

Soh Wai Ching dinobatkan sebagai Pelari Menara No. 1 dunia dengan masa 6:09. Dengan kemenangan itu, Soh adalah Pemenang No.1 dunia dan perlumbaan akhir di Shanghai akan menjadi perlumbaan terpenting untuk beliau untuk mengekalkan gelaran  No. 1 dunia yang  mana rekod akan dikemas kini setiap bulan. Pelancaran Menara Antarabangsa Yayasan TM 2019 disahkan oleh Persatuan Dunia Towerrunning (TWA) dan Malaysia Towerrunning Association (MTA) dalam memastikan semua aspek keselamatan dan teknikal berjaya dilaksanakan. MTA adalah ilham Soh Wai Ching, seorang siswazah Sains Sukan Universiti Malaya. Towerrunning adalah senaman dan sukan yang cekap dan sangat berpatutan. MTA berfungsi sebagai Badan Nasional yang menetapkan tatacara dan peraturan untuk mempromosikan sukan yang sangat bermanfaat ini dan berharap dapat memperluakan lagi komuniti pelari menara.

With few of friends yang sama-sama berlari.. tahniah!

Yayasan TM International Tower Run acara yang sangat baik dan teratur. Saya harap ia akan diadakan semula tahun depan. Terima kasih kepada USA Potatoes kerana memberi saya peluang untuk mengambil bahagian dalam acara hebat ini. 

 “Real Food for Real Performance”!

 

RM890,000 Raised for Charity at the KLSCM 2019

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The organiser and runner’s feat to run and raise funds for charity at the KLSCM 2019 stepped up significantly with about RM890,000 raised for three charity bodies. It was about RM150,000 more than 2018. The charity drive were done through Run for a Reason and Corporate Challenge for Dignity for Children Foundation, Hospis Malaysia & the National Cancer Society of Malaysia.

The announcement was made by the Race Director, Rainer Biemans  at the Media Appreciation Brunch.

The top 3 winners of Corporate Challenge. Petronas ICT team won the corporate challenge race. The Giga Shipping Sdn Bhd, the first runner up raised the most, a total of RM46,000.

For the media, the organiser provided a special medal for the winner of each category, starting with 10 km for women, men, open and veteran category each, followed by half and full marathon.

Winners of Full Marathon Media Challenge flanked by Rainer Biemans (left) and Pn. Mastura (right) from Standard Chartered

Blogger Priscilla Chew – Winner of Media Challenge Full Marathon Women and I

Twelve winners from the media received this special medal

For keeps!

 

Chicago Marathon 2019 : Braving the Cold

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The Chicago Marathon was my second Abbott World Marathon Majors after my first in Berlin last year. Chicago is known as the windy city and indeed it was windy and cold on the race day – 13 October. Coming from a country that is hot and humid throughout the year, running in Chicago in fall certainly gave a whole new sweet experience.

Upon completing the Chicago Marathon -good route & fun crowd in a beautiful city #happyrunner

I arrived Chicago, 3 days before the race. It gave me an ample time to acclimatize to the weather and time difference.

I spent my first day walking along Michigan Avenue, window shopping.

Festive decoration and the  sponsor bus in front of Nike Store.

2 Days Before the Race (1st Day of the Expo)

It was a cold and wet throughout the day and I went out for a 5 km run along the Riverwalk with a group at 6:45am and got back just in time to go to the Expo.

The Expo was where you pick up your bib and other items required for the run. The organiser arranged shuttles from several places to the Expo and I took the shuttle from a hotel closeby to the expo.  It was a rainy day and our group headed out early at 8:15 am and waited for 45 minutes. The queue got longer and longer and the runners were delighted to see two yellow buses arrive to pick us up.

The school bus that took us to the Expo

The long queue for the shuttle. Photo credit : David Tay

Asian Runners and Supporters at the Expo. Photo credit : David Tay

 

There was no wait there-on – as the expo was well organised. I picked up my bib that was packed in an A4 size envelope and then to the race tee area to pick up event bag and the race shirt. It took me less than 10 minutes to get them and I spent the rest of my time at the expo checking out the booths. The main sponsors booth drew a lot of attention with the Bank of America giving out blue cow bells for cheering and cards for supporters to write on and Nike booth floor pumped up with loud music and flooded with runners and supporters shopping.  I particularly liked the merchandises at the  Under Armour booth because of their design and price. I took the opportunity to try out the On shoes. My feet felt good in them, but the size didn not suit my Asian feet. The grip on my ankle was a bit too loose. I took the bus back to hotel and arrived before noon.

One of the main Sponsors

The DJ  keeping the Nike booth pumped up!

Practically no wait to get the bib

 

The 16 Malaysians who have completed all 6 Abbot World Marathon Majors as of 2019

The prize for finishing all 6

 

1 Day Before the Race (2nd Day of Expo)

The weather forecast for race day was good, sunny but windy and cold at 2 degrees. The weather was cold and wet when I was in Chicago and I was not accustomed to running in thick clothing and gloves. So, that morning, I went out for another short run with the gloves and other clothing on. Indeed, layering was the only way to survive a run at the windy city. Running by the water in Chicago was different from running by the water in Malaysia. It was super chilly and cold running by the emerald green river, and it got warmer as I ran by Du Sable Harbour of Lake Michigan, then towards the city through the Millennium Park.

Morning run by Du Sable Harbour

The famous Cloud Gate of Chicago, also known as the Bean

Fellow  female Malaysian runners & supporter @ the Chicago Marathon

There was a 5 km friendship run in the morning that I missed. It required upfront registration and I completely forgot about it. While I was running at the race area, I saw hundreds of runners in Chicago-themed beanies and medals around their neck walking back to the city. Try not to miss the friendship run that usually happens a day before the race.

Those who arrive the city late would go to the expo to pick up race items.

The Race Day

The organiser released runners at 7:30 am in 3 waves starting with the elite runners. Every runner received designated gate and wave numbers and the last wave started running at 8:45 am. There were more 45,000 runners braving through the morning cold. Runners had to be there earlier and stand within designated area – cold. Some had blankets over, bath robes, raincoats, makeshift garbage bags and sweaters, and some, under-dressed shivering in the crowd.

A wait to the start line

Many runners let go the outer layers as they reach the start line. Do bring outer layers you wish to let go when you race in cold weather. Many left them by the roadsides as they warmed up.  I didn’t. I had my gloves and outer layer on throughout the marathon. I tried taking them off, but I couldn’t stand the wind. Despite sunny and the clear blue skies, the temperature on that day ranged from 2 – 6 degrees.

With Suzana, from Indonesia

Runners on the Bataan-Corregidor Memorial Bridge. Photo credit : David Tay

All in all, the run was well organised. I enjoyed the crowd cheering throughout the 42 km route. Many families, children, students and volunteers stood along the way to support runners. I particularly love seeing kids putting their hands out for high-fives. I did not miss returning a five! Unlike the Berlin Marathon, the bib at the Chicago Marathon does not display your name, so you don’t get supporters calling out your name. I find it quite motivating when someone call out your name for encouragement.

I couldn’t feel my toes when I reached the finish line. My thighs were sore and tight. I was in bearable pain. To my surprise, I recovered fast from the soreness and tightness. It could be the cold weather. I walked and run as usual a day after the race, alhamdulillah.

Goodies after the run

Goodies at the Expo

Race Day + 1

I did a 5 km recovery run under 7 bridges along the Riverwalk the day after.  It was Columbus Day and there were parades and celebration on the streets. So much festivity after the race.

A run by the Riverwalk Chicago

Columbus Day Parade a day after the race

I was told you could engrave the finisher medal at the Nike Store. So, I got mine engraved after a long wait. It was totally worth it. It was nice to walk along the Michigan Avenue to see runners wearing their medals around their neck a day after the run with much pride.

Every runner did because the medal was the ticket to get free engrave, free event sublimation on apparel at the Under Armour store and many more. So, don’t get onto the plane home too fast after the run, because you can enjoy many perks as a finisher of the Chicago Marathon!

Engraved Medal – A service provided by Nike Store in Chicago

The gorgeous view of the city and emerald river of Chicago when you run by the Riverwalk is priceless. I spent three days running in the cold along the Riverwalk and don’t mind doing it again.

The RIverwalk, Chicago

The Trump Hotel & Tower

Kuala Lumpur Standard Chartered Malaysia Marathon 2019 Race Review

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After three weeks of grey clouds hovering the skies in Klang Valley, on the 29th Sept, Kuala Lumpur greeted the runners at the Kuala Lumpur Standard Chartered Marathon with a clear blue sky. It was a great day to run. Although it was drizzling when the full marathon flagged-off at 3:45am, but it quickly subsided about 20 minutes after.

Blue Sky at Dataran Merdeka. Picture by cheery running friend, Farhani

I joined the Half Marathon together with my husband and like previous years, we took the LRT from Bandar Tasek Selatan to Masjid Jamek to get to Dataran Merdeka. The event organiser – Dirigo, without fail, sponsored the LRT rides in Klang Valley for a certain period of time to facilitate runners’ logistic arrangement.

The start and finish area for all categories are not the same. The 5km and 10 km run were held at Sogo area, while the half and full marathon at Dataran Merdeka.

The arrangement to enter runners’ designated pens were well-organised and strict. Pens were used to segregate runners based on targeted timing – fastest being in the one in front and slowest at the back. The Minister of Youth and Sports of Malaysia, YB Syed Saddiq flagged-off and joined the run. The KL Standard Chartered Run was well organised and I saw a lot of efforts to make the event world-standard. Before the run started, the emcee gave a few safety and running etiquette reminders. For example, he reminded the runners on how to overtake each other by telling the person in front of you that you are over-taking on the right. By virtue of that, if you plan to slow down in the crowd, keep left so that those who wish to go faster than you can do that on the right. He also reminded the runners to run within designated zones to stay safe and smile ? for the cameras ?.

Half Marathon Flag Off 5:30am

Here are our collective reviews from half and full marathon runners about some aspects of the run :

  • Baggage Drop
    ? – Well-managed
  • Toilets
    ? – Ample with not many queues. We only saw short queues at early kilometers and after that, hardly any. This was good as runners can achieve better timing.
  • Medical & Paramedics
    ? Many ambulances were seen patrolling the race routes at the early, middle and later part of the routes. This was really encouraging because I usually see them only at later part of the race.
  • Water Station, Sponges and Muscle Spray
    ? – Well-organised and well-coordinated by friendly volunteers who understood runners needs.
  • Medal and Finisher Collection Area
    ? – Fast and well-managed. However, the area where you can enter to collect  the water, 100 plus and medal was lax, loosely-controlled. Anyone can enter the area. Last year, I found the finisher area managed very strictly.  The organiser could consider giving finisher slip or provide medal immediately at the finish line.
  • Road & route management
    ? Overall, it was good. Most roads were well lighted up except a few areas – dark (at Kampung Baru), wet and needed light before the sun rise. Inevitably, due to the rain earlier, a few corners of the roads were filled with water and runners had to slow down and be extra careful to keep shoes dry. It would be nice if runners get to run more in the city than on the DUKE highway. Or,  get some volunteers to cheer along the long highway. It would also be nice if we run the opposite way of the route, so that runners do not have to go through hills last leg.
  • Surau
    ?      Praying areas were well-planned with signage. One water station was used by male runners to pray. I just prayed by the road using raazglove to ‘sujud’ on. I saw a couple of runners praying by the road and the place looked safe and convenient. So, I just followed them.
  • Traffic Control
    ? Thumbs up for the traffic marshals and volunteers along the race route. They kept the runners on track, friendly and were very strict about the runners path. They were also strict about how you wear the bib – which is in the front!
  • International Participants
    ? I see more international participation at the KLSCM this year. Running groups and runners from China, Hong Kong, Taiwan, Indonesia and Japan were quite visible at the run. Many Indonesian and China supporters were seen cheering at the finish line.
  • Medal & T-shirts
    ? Medal – Sleek design of medal with difference sizes for different categories. I cannot help but wonder why the Twin Towers on the medal are not the same height? Could it because the perspective or angle of the towers?

    KL Standard Chartered Marathon 2019 Medal Run for a Reason

    The running shirts for the event were by Under Armour and the design was the same as previous years – simple and neat. I love all the colors !
    Running shirt : Electric blue with 2 design options : short sleeves or running vest.
    Extra Shirt for Run for a Reason – Olive color short sleeve shirt
    Full marathon finishers get dark blue finisher short sleeve shirts

    About two weeks before the event, the organiser announced the change of event name to the Kuala Lumpur Standard Charted Marathon (KLSCM) from Standard Chartered Kuala Lumpur Marathon (SCKLM). It was a last minute change. Therefore, there was no surprise that the merchandises retained the old name : SCKLM.

  • Event Village
    ? What’s new about the event village was the steel-looking over-head walk-way that goes across the start and finish line. Although it couldn’t accommodate many users, it was useful to facilitate runners and supporters to cross the road. There were many activities to do other than cheering for finishing runners. You could catch up with fellow runners, take pictures, rest and recover or get a massage after the race. I wanted to get leg and back massage after the run, but the set-up was too open. It would be great if the event organiser allocate an area for women who wish not to be visible in the open area. The event emcee kept the mood going with upbeat music running on the background the whole time I was at the village.Another nice thing to have at the village is food and more food. Just get the food trucks there and runners would be so happy to fill up their huge appetite after the run while waiting for fellow friends.

    On the Runners approaching the finish line as I walked over.

  • KLSCM 2019 App
    ? On the day of the race, many used the app to follow and track their friends.  I too downloaded and used the app to track others who were running. Unfortunately, the updates for live tracking was slow and at times, the info of the runner I followed disappear. The app gave pop-up updates about the runners you follow until they finish. The updates at one point was an hour delay – I received the update about my friend finishing the run, an hour after she finished. Response time certainly needs improvement.
  • Running Participation
    ?  Based on the unofficial info on KLSCM App, less than 10,000 runners of 13,000 registered full marathon runners, while less than 9,500 runners out of 12,500 registered half marathon runners joined the feat. This was about 73%-76% participation rate.

Congrats to Runners
At KLSCM, you see serious and competitive runners. They push you forward. Whether or not you meet your timing goals, what matter is that you finish strong and ethically.  These are Nashata Runners Full Marathon finishers  that I am so proud of : Farhati, Intan Suraya, Intan Siza, Laili Mardziah, Nur Azyan, Siti Nor Aliza, Syariza and Zamzamiah.

Farhati Happy with her 1st Full Marathon.

Intan Suraya, Marshita, Fiza – Full Marathon Finishers

Nor Laili after finishing her 1st Full Marathon

Syariza & Intan Siza after full marathon. Intan Siza pacing Syariza 1st FM as a birthday gift #sisterhood

Full marathon finishers : Syariza, Zamzamiah & friend

Run for a Reason
I was happy to have a rewarding experience raising funds and awareness for the National Cancer Society of Malaysia together with my husband. We collectively raised RM6,720. Although small, we hope our effort contributes to a greater cause. We hope to continue to do this next year.

Half Marathon Finishers – Soy Mokhtar & I

Special Thanks to Volunteers and Cheerers
Friendly and supportive volunteers and cheerers helped runners keep running mood positive and they pushed us going.

Dirigo keeps improving its standards and I appreciate the efforts.  Keep it up!

Review is based on experience by Intan Suraya and I.

The Sky was Blue as 40,000 Runners Finished the KLSCM2019

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It was a perfect day to run in Kuala Lumpur. The sky was blue and the Dataran Merdeka was awash in blue when 40,000 runners took part in the Kuala Lumpur Standard Chartered Marathon (KLSCM) 2019 today. The 11th edition of the premier distance running event in Malaysia also saw YB Syed Saddiq, Minister of Youth and Sports, make his debut in the event by participating in the Half Marathon category. Also present were YB Khalid Samad, Minister of Federal Territories and YB, Dr. Ong Kian Ming, Deputy Minister of Trade and Industries, who also took part in the Half Marathon.

Clear Blue Skies at the KL Standard Chartered Marathon

 

Contributing to the record participation numbers was one of the largest Full Marathon fields seen in an event in Malaysia when more than 13,000 runners took part in the category. An equally impressive 12,500 runners ran in the Half Marathon, making two of the longer distance categories the most well represented, which is testimony to the growing popularity of distance running in the country.

Victor Kipchirchir, from Kenya, who was making his debut appearance at KLSCM won the Full Marathon Men’s Open category in a time of 2:19:41 to take home USD17,500 while the Full Marathon Women’s Open category was won by Gladys Jepkemoi Chemweno from Kenya in a time of 2:36:45 also earning USD17,500 in the process.

 

Kiprop Tonui from Kenya came in second in the Full Marathon Men’s Open with a time of 2:20:05 while Tallam James Cherutich, also from Kenya finished third in a time of 2:21:04. In the Full Marathon Women’s Open, defending champion Elizabeth Chepkanan Rumokol from Kenya had to settle for second place in a time of 2:41:48 while Ngigi Pauline from Kenya took third place with a time of 2:45:44.

 

Flag off time for the Full Marathon is 3:45am

The Full Marathon Malaysian Men’s category was a keenly contested affair as Muhaizar bin Mohamad and his compatriot in the Armed Forces Nik Fakaruddin bin Ismail went toe-to-toe for most of the race. KL SEA Games bronze medallist Muhaizar though broke away towards the end, managing to defend his title and in doing so won this category for an astonishing fifth consecutive time, finishing in 2:35:23. Nik Fakaruddin finished second in 2:40:31 while Fabian @ Osmond bin Daimon came in third in a time of 2:45:06. The Full Marathon Malaysian Women’s category saw Loh Chooi Fern defend her maiden win in KLSCM2018 in a time of 3:21:33 while Tho Siaw Khim clocked 3:29:42 to come in second and Yap Yee Ling got third place in a time of 3:30:50.

 

FM Open winner Kipchirchir was delighted with his maiden Kuala Lumpur Standard Chartered Marathon win. “It was a tough race as I have never run in this type of heat before but my preparation was good,” Kipchirchir said. “I am happy to be able to win in my first race in Kuala Lumpur and I hope to come back next year,” he continued.

 

Muhaizar was also thrilled to have retained his title, especially after the intense competition with training partner Nik Fakaruddin. “I think running and winning in KLSCM before gave me a slight advantage over the other competitors as I know what to expect and so made the right strategy,” he said. “This win will help boost my confidence ahead of the SEA Games in Manila in November and I hope to be able to bring back a medal,” he added.

 

Rainer Biemans, Project Director of KLSCM and Director of Dirigo Events, said “The 11th edition of KLSCM has proven to be an exciting two days that has seen some great competitions in our top categories, which has added to the lustre of our biggest event yet. It has also been and honour and a privilege having both YB Syed Saddiq and YB Dr. Ong Kian Ming participate in our Half Marathon, and my heartfelt thanks go out to them for supporting our event and I hope they enjoyed themselves out there today. We are also grateful for YB Khalid Samad’s presence and for giving out prizes”, he continued.

Syed Saddiq flagged off the Half Marathon category along with Abrar A. Anwar, Managing Director and Chief Executive Officer of title sponsor Standard Chartered Bank Malaysia before joining in the run.

“For someone who’s more a cyclist than a runner, that was pretty challenging! But crossing that finish line was extremely fulfilling and I’m really happy to have made it within the cut-off time. I can see now how participating in distance running events such as this can be tremendously rewarding so kudos to Dirigo Events, Standard Chartered Bank and to everyone else who had a hand in putting together this fantastic event,” said Syed Saddiq. “My congratulations as well to all the winners and to all who participated and achieved their running goals,” he continued.

Anwar. A. Abrar, MD and CEO of Standard Chartered Malaysia, who took part in yesterday’s Friendship Run as well, was delighted with the massive turnout over the two days and hoped the event would continue to attract the running masses for many more years to come.

“Being title sponsor for the last 11 years, Standard Chartered Malaysia is delighted that we’ve once again managed to successfully pull off this event with our biggest numbers to date.

From pioneering the concept of being the first running event to run through iconic landmarks in Kuala Lumpur, KLSCM has never stood still and has set the benchmark and gold standard for running events in Malaysia,” said Abrar.

While KLSCM is a competitive event, it has been built with a community focus at its core and that community element was brought to the fore this year when KLSCM’s Run For A Reason (RFAR) charity initiative raised its highest amount in terms of funds raised compared to previous years. RFAR is an integral component of KLSCM and this year, participating charities the National Cancer Society of Malaysia, Dignity for Children Foundation and Hospis Malaysia will benefit from over RM890,000 worth of funds raised by over 1,000 RFAR participants, together with the Corporate Challenge. “We are extremely happy to have raised a record amount under our RFAR charity banner and our sincere thanks go out to all involved who made this possible,” said Biemans.

The record numbers did not end there as the event also saw its largest number of running tourists as well when more than 1,900 from 49 countries arrived in Kuala Lumpur to take part in the iconic event. Add another 10,020 Malaysians who came from outside of Kuala Lumpur and Selangor to make it a particularly busy weekend for the city.

 

One particularly inspiring tourist was Chris Koch, a farmer, athlete, adventurer and motivational speaker who flew in from Canada to participate. Born without limbs, Chris has been travelling the world and participating in marathons to spread his “If I Can” message to as many people as possible in the hopes of motivating them to get the most out of their lives. Using a longboard to traverse the Full Marathon route, Chris took part in his eighth marathon on a third continent when he completed his marathon here. “I was prepared for the heat and humidity because I knew it would be way more than I’m used to, however, starting so early was different. On the course, other marathoners are usually so encouraging and supportive but here, they were even more so. That definitely has me wanting to come back for another,” Koch said.

 

KLSCM2019 began with the Kids Dash categories yesterday morning that saw another record when 1,000 children participated in the 1km and 3km categories. Both categories were expanded this year to encourage more children to participate and also saw speed categories introduced for both distances in a move to separate the competitive children from the fun runners.

 

For the first time, the 5km category was also held yesterday morning to allow for larger participation numbers today and incorporated the Friendship Run, meant to be a warm-up run for those taking part in the Full Marathon, as well as an opportunity for runners from around the world to meet and forge friendships.

 

Towards the end of the event, the KLSCM running community gathered at the Finish Line to cheer and provide moral support to the last runners to finish within the check-out time of 7:15 hours. These runners had given their all to finish the race and were given a rousing end replete with confetti blasts to coax them home within the required time.

Celebrating the last runner!

The Kuala Lumpur Standard Chartered Marathon has grown year-on-year to become the most anticipated distance running event in Malaysia, where for the first time this year public registrations had to be balloted.

KLSCM is sanctioned and supported by the Malaysia Athletics Federation (MAF), Federal Territory Kuala Lumpur Athletic Federation (FTKLAA), International Association of Athletics Federations (IAAF) and Association of International Marathons, Distance Races (AIMS).

 

 

Winners of the Kuala Lumpur Standard Chartered Marathon 2019

 

Full Marathon Men’s Open

Position Name Country Time
1st Victor Kipchirchir Kenya 2:19:41
2nd Kiprop Tonui Kenya 2:20:05
3rd Tallam James Cherutich Kenya 2:21:04

 

KLSCM2019 FM Open Men Winners with Khalid Samad (far lef) and Abrar A. Anwar (far right)

Full Marathon Women’s Open

Position Name Country Time
1st Gladys Jepkemoi Chemweno Kenya 2:36:45
2nd Elizabeth Chepkanan Rumokol Kenya 2:41:48
3rd Ngigi Pauline Wangui Kenya 2:46:44

 

 

Full Marathon Malaysian Men

Position Name Country Time
1st Muhaizar bin Muhamad Malaysia 2:35:23
2nd Nik Fakaruddin bin Ismail Malaysia 2:40:31
3rd Fabian @ Osmond bin Daimon Malaysia 2:45:06

 

Full Marathon Malaysian Women

Position Name Country Time
1st Loh Chooi Fern Malaysia 3:21:33
2nd Tho Siaw Khim Malaysia 3:29:42
3rd Yap Yee Ling Malaysia 3:30:50

 

KLSCM2019 FM Women Malaysian with Abrar and Ong Kian Ming (left) and Khalid Samad and Datuk Wira Mark Ling (right)

Full Marathon Malaysian Veteran Men

Position Name Country Time
1st Muniandy a/l Ramadass Malaysia 2:54:21
2nd Looi Mun Fai Malaysia 2:55:37
3rd Suresh a/l Muniandy Malaysia 3:02:12

 

Full Marathon Malaysian Veteran Women

Position Name Country Time
1st Wong Boon Jien Malaysia 3:46:08
2nd Neoh Hueih Ching Malaysia 3:46:50
3rd Ewe Bee Hong Malaysia 3:50:05

Half Marathon Men Open

Position Name Country Time
1st Kiplagat Philemon Korir Kenya 1:07:15
2nd Mathew Samperu Kenya 1:07:29
3rd Mburu Francis Karau Kenya 1:09:41

 

 

Half Marathon Women Open

Position Name Country Time
1st Edith Chemjor Kenya 1:25:05
2nd Jepkosgei Naum Kenya 1:32:59
3rd Agnieska Najnigier Pierzynowska Poland 1:35:58

 

Half Marathon Malaysian Men

Position Name Country Time
1st Vimal a/l Govendarajoo Malaysia 1:15:36
2nd Mohd Nor Afifi bin Haron Malaysia 1:16:07
3rd Sivaneshwaran a/l Gunasegaran Malaysia 1:19:25

 

Half Marathon Malaysian Women

Position Name Country Time
1st Sheela a/p Samivellu Malaysia 1:30:08
2nd Chua Kit Yeng Malaysia 1:33:11
3rd Chuah Cheng Ean Malaysia 1:34:21

 

Half Marathon Men Veteran

Position Name Country Time
1st Jeffrey Ross Great Britain 1:21:25
2nd Cao Yuming China 1:23:57
3rd Chan Shan Ching Hong Kong 1:25:22

 

Half Marathon Women Veteran

Position Name Country Time
1st Jasmine Goh Mei Ling Singapore 1:31:25
2nd Susan Khoo Great Britain 1:46:38
3rd Wang Sing Yee Singapore 1:50:24

 

Half Marathon Malaysian Men Veteran

Position Name Country Time
1st Brij Ravinder a/l N Kathiravelu Malaysia 1:21:32
2nd Lim Khon Seng Malaysia 1:23:51
3rd Alex Tiong King Hee Malaysia 1:26:29

 

Half Marathon Malaysian Women Veteran

Position Name Country Time
1st Looi Mei Yan Malaysia 1:44:18
2nd Joanne Poh Leng Grange Malaysia 1:45:20
3rd Seah Bee Lian Malaysia 1:45:46

 

10km Speed Men Open

Position Name Country Time
1st Soh Wai Ching Malaysia 0:34:02
2nd Azwan bin Bunjing Malaysia 0:36:05
3rd Ku Aliff Aiman bin Ku Zainol Malaysia 0:36:38

 

10km Speed Women Open

Position Name Country Time
1st Eunice Ong Huey Shen Malaysia 0:43:56
2nd Lim Cai Qin Daphne Singapore 0:44:16
3rd Michele Tan Bee Kiang Malaysia 0:44:41

 

10km Speed Men Veteran

Position Name Country Time
1st Prabakharan a/l Madhavan Malaysia 0:38:43
2nd Dayalan a/l Suppayah Malaysia 0:40:46
3rd See Hock Leong Malaysia 0:41:33

 

 

10km Speed Women Veteran

Position Name Country Time
1st Yong Chiew Ling Malaysia 0:50:06
2nd Jayce Chua Poh Cheng Singapore 0:50:52
3rd Karen Malaysia 0:52:11

 

 About the Kuala Lumpur Standard Chartered Marathon 2019

 

Back for the 11th year, the Kuala Lumpur Standard Chartered Marathon takes place on 28 & 29 September 2019. The marathon, owned and organised by Dirigo Events, will see participation from 40,000 runners, ranging from elite athletes to first-time distance runners. A truly international event, the Kuala Lumpur Standard Chartered Marathon boasts participants from all over Malaysia and over 70 countries. The Kuala Lumpur Marathon Standard Chartered 2019 remains Malaysia’s premier running event with top runners competing for a total of USD 125,000 in prize money.

 

For more information on the Kuala Lumpur Standard Chartered Marathon, visit  http://www.kl-marathon.com/ and http://www.facebook.com/SCKLmarathon.

 

 

Suraus @ KLSCM2019

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Runners,

Here are info the praying area and surau for Kuala Lumpur Standard Charted Marathon 2019. Fajr/ Subuh praying period : 5:45am – 7:02am

  1. FULL  MARATHON. Flag off time : 3:45am
    • Surau Kampung Baru (5.3km)  in premise
      Surau Tabung Haji (14.2km) – in premise
    • Petronas Jalan Ampang (15.5km) – in premise
    • Mobile Mussola, DUKE (20.6km) mobile mussola
    • Plaza Tol Batu, DUKE (29.6km) – in premiseDownload Full Marathon Map and Route
  2. HALF MARATHON Flag off time : 5:30 am

There will be two suraus on DUKE highway. Click here for info and sharing on best practices praying during races. Have a great run & May the prayers be with you!

Praying-friendly Sports Robe

Examples of points and places :

Mobile Mussola, DUKE (20.6km)

Surau @ Plaza Tol Batu, DUKE

Info and pictures are as provided by Redz from Digiro Events and KLmarathon website

 

SCKLM is Now KLSCM

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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