Lifestyle on track
From just a hobby, runs (marathons or otherwise) have become part of the community lifestyle, writes KK Yum
Running as the Skeleton Man for Halloween at The Augustman Run 2017. ascended another flyover towards Dewan Bahasa, passing by Restaurant Tupai Tupai, Dewan Bahasa and the Choo Cheng Kay Flats. Those who grew up in KL will remember the Mirama Bowl which was an institution of KL. The premier school of KL, Victoria Institution is located on the left.
From here, it was a straightforward run back to the start. The second half was hilly but scenic and rewarding.
A finisher medal awaited each runner at the finishing line. Also awaiting the runners were goodie bags consisting of an Augustman Magazine, body lotions and vouchers. Nicely packaged breakfast boxes consisting of nasi lemak, watermelon and mineral water were also distributed.
There was a also a separate event held next to the main stage for invited guests. A champagne buffet breakfast was served. We had a good time mingling with the magazine supporters and sponsors, the “A-listers”, influencers, and runners. A deejay was also spinning music at the venue.
A RUNNING LIFESTYLE
I bought the first issue of Magazine nine years ago. I remembered that The Martell ATV (All Terrain Vehicle) that led the runners. There’s also a sweeper van that blasted loud music. Lewis Hamilton was featured on the front cover. My gym mate posted on social media telling us that we should buy the magazine. Little did I know that he was the editor of that magazine.
Fast forward to present, Julie Wong was appointed the technical race director of the inaugural Augustman Run. Prior to the run, she gathered a group of social media influencers in a function to meet with the key people of the magazine. Among them were Steven Chan, the associate publisher and the editor in chief, Rubin Khoo. We recognised him immediately.
Mid July, a breakfast run was held at the Sasana Kijang or the Monetary Museum of Bank Negara. The purpose of this 5km run was to introduce the A-listers, which had been announced the previous month. The A-listers are 10 individuals who best epitomise the “August” spirit. August, as the editor always says, does not refer to the eighth month in the calendar but to the Greek word, which means generally, respected or distinguished or illustrious etc.
The 10 Augustman A-listers included a dentist, a PhD holder in civil engineering, an aircraft pilot, a businessman, marketing managers, a film director , a musician and
a baker — all Malaysian men.
Running up to inaugural run, two run clinics were held for the public in August and September. Led by Saucony and Suunto brands respectively, the participants were led through a warm-up run and related topics were discussed.
Unlike other runs that are organised by sports brands, running groups and sport associations, the Augustman Run was organised by a lifestyle magazine. This goes to show how far running has come. From a hobby that requires a minimal spending on a pair of shoes and clothing), running has become a lifestyle brand. I am partly guilty in promoting this. I have always said that not everyone can win a marathon but anyone can always look good for a marathon.
Running became popular due to social media influence and the nice running attire and accessories like shoes and GPS watches. Plus, it is common for people to travel to a foreign city or an exotic place to run in a marathon these days.
Many can travel with a camera but how many can participate in an event with locals, challenging one’s physical and mental abilities and all the while absorbing local culture and sights. It’s a lifestyle in itself.