5,000 runners light up Cyberjaya
(New Straits Times, Friday, 2 April 2010 – Streets – Page, 14 )
The lights came from the personal Energizer LED headlights worn by each runner, a unique feature of the groundbreaking Energizer Night Race format which has already seen global action in South Africa, South Korea and Argentina with overwhelming response from international participants.
“Energizer Malaysia is proud to bring the Energizer Night Race to Malaysian shores for the first time ever. Participants of this year’s inaugural event had the opportunity to experience running at night in a safe, controlled environment – not something we as Malaysians have the chance to do regularly!” said Mike Foong, managing director of Energizer Malaysia.
The race saw veteran and amateur marathon runners from all over Malaysia converge upon Cyberjaya to participate in the race which is the first race of its kind in Malaysia with headlights and only the second night race on local shores.
Some participants in the Energizer Night Race came from as far as Ghana and Australia. Singapore’s famous “Blade Runner”, an amputee who competes with a specially-designed prosthetic leg, also took part.
The race, which was organised by Pacesetters Malaysia, tested the endurance and determination of the 5,000 runners in 42km, 21km, and 10km distances over the CCTV-monitored streets of Cyberjaya, providing something for every fitness level. There was also a 4 x 10km relay race for teams.
Participants of the 42km and relay categories were flagged off at 6pm, followed by the 21km categories at 8pm and the 10km categories at 9pm, transforming the Cyberjaya Lake Gardens Community Clubhouse into a flurry of running shoes and sweat bands throughout the night which saw the last of the determined participants crossing the finishing line around 1am.
There were 15 categories for various age groups, offering cash vouchers sponsored by Celebrity Fitness and products for the top five winners of the 42km, Relay and 21km categories and the top three winners of the 10km category; who also took home a trophy.
Medals were awarded for those who crossed the finishing line and each one received a certificate of participation. All 42km runners received a “Finisher T-shirt” upon completion.
Khor Ngee Leong of Powerbar Team Elite and a veteran of the local marathon scene, blazed in at first place in the 42km Men’s Senior Veteran category, clocking in at three hours, three minutes and 40 seconds, making him almost an hour faster than runner-up Tan Wah Sing and second runner-up Koh Yong Heng.
Julie Foreman dominated the 42km Women’s Senior Veteran category with an equally impressive three hours, 24 minutes and 29 seconds, half an hour before runner-up Tan Man Hua and a full hour before second runner-up Lim Lee Ping.
