Run, eat and have fun

Besides the usual water stations, runners can expect nasi lemak and other delicious fare at next year’s Twincity Marathon, writes Lili Lajman

THERE is something about runners who take part in a marathon. The fact that they are disciplined individuals who keep fit and train relentlessly, are determined to overcome challenges with such demanding endeavours, and are fully motivated and energetic to maintain their pace and go the distance is simply inspiring!

Interestingly, the long-distance running race that we call the marathon came into being to commemorate the run undertaken by a soldier in ancient Greece known as Pheidippides.

Legend has it that he ran about 40km from a place called Marathon to Athens to report the Greek victory in the Battle of Marathon against the Persians.

Upon delivering the message “nenikikamen” (which means “rejoice we conquer” or simply “we have won”), Pheidippides collapsed and died.

This profound phrase from ancient times still remains significant today.

“Nenikikamen” has been chosen as the theme of the 2018 Twincity Marathon. It serves as a symbol of the internal “battle” that every runner fights during a marathon.

Next year’sTwincity Marathon, organised by Ten Senses,will take place on Jan 21 in Cyberjaya, Selangor. It is the fourth edition since its inception in 2015.

Similar to previous years, this running event will offer four race distances — 5km fun run, 12km, 21.1km (half marathon) and 42.195km (full marathon).

NEAR AND FAR

For the first time, registration for next year’s run is open to international participants. However, there will still be a Malaysian category for local runners.

For first timers, especially in the full marathon category, the Twincity Marathon can be a good avenue to test their limits as the cut-off time is a generous eight hours.

“As the running population has grown tremendously over the past few years, it is the race organiser’s responsibility to educate them. That is the reason why the theme “Nenikikamen” and the iconic image of Pheidippides were chosen this year. We wanted to create awareness on the history of marathon running,” saysTwincity Marathon race director Azrulhisyam Hussin.

While the race route is being finalised,

Winners of the 2017 Twincity Marathon.

Runners participating in the 2017 marathon. Azrulhisyam says they want to create awareness on the history of marathon running.

runners will still run around Cyberjaya and Putrajaya (hence the Twincity name), passing iconic landmarks and seldom-explored roads in Cyberjaya.

With the number of participants growing steadily over the years — from 4,500 runners in 2015 to close to 8,000 runners in 2017 — the Twincity Marathon has become one of the biggest and most popular marathons in Malaysia.

Some of the pull factors include the presence of professional pacers and the availability of numerous water stations manned by proactive volunteers handing out water and energy drinks, as well as hydration stations with sponges.

Runners can expect systematic organisation, efficient traffic control, proper marshalling and clear signages — vital elements which help in providing a smooth and enjoyable running experience.

“As part of the preparation for the big day, a lot of feedback-seeking and bouncing of ideas is taking place with experienced runners, past participants, authorities, partners and sponsors, volunteers and other marathon organisers to improve the race,” says Mohd Bukhari Ismail, the marathon’s technical director.

BREAKFAST BOOST

One of the main attractions is the delicious food that will be offered along the race route. In keeping with tradition, the organiser will continue serving breakfast such as roti canai and nasi lemak to runners.

“A nice surprise awaited runners at the 16km mark: Glorious nasi lemak served at the stop! Seriously, it was a cool and awesome sight to see during a marathon race,” Mohd Bukhari (centre) with one of the event’s sponsors Mokhsein Shariff (left) and Standard Chartered KL Marathon race director Rainer Biemans (right).

says Christine Anne Wong, who participated in both the 2016 and 2017 editions.

“And they got roti canai, beehoon goreng and teh tarik too!” addsJan Chang, who ran her first full marathon in this year’s event.

The run also pays attention to the needs of Muslim participants, offering relevant amenities for them to fulfil their religious obligations in comfort.

“There are prayer facilities at several water stations which allows runners to perform their subuh prayer,” says Ainaa Samsudin, who will be running in next year’s marathon for the third time.

Runners can also take part in the running clinic to be held leading up to race day, which will be led by one of Malaysia’s top marathon runners.

The clinic, to be held in two sessions, will share valuable tips on training, nutrition, psychology and injury prevention.

Register at https://event.howei.com/ event/twincity-marathon-2018. Registration is open from now until Dec 15. Past Twincity Marathoners can enjoy a RM5 discount on the registration fee.

The organiser also welcomes street performers and buskers who want to perform along the route to motivate runners.