Latest news with #PenangBridgeInternationalMarathon
Borneo Post
4 days ago
- Sport
- Borneo Post
86-year-old marathoner is Kuching Half Marathon Heritage Run 2025's oldest participant
Wong poses for a photo after the prize presentation ceremony. — Photo by Roystein Emmor KUCHING (July 27): Daily jogging and walking have kept 86-year-old Wong Chan Voon on his feet — quite literally, as the oldest participant in this year's Kuching Half Marathon Heritage Run 2025. Originally from Ipoh, Wong served in the army at the Central Road Camp here from 1963 to 1964, and returned to Kuching last year to take part in the event for the first time, where he completed the 10km category. 'This is my second time. Last year I came and ran 10km — this time, I took part in (the) 5km (category) only. 'It feels very exciting. I'm happy to be in a group here and to run with everyone,' he told reporters when met during the prize presentation ceremony held at the Kuching South City Council (MBKS) compound here today. He said he was also looking forward to enjoying the local sights and food during his visit to Kuching. Wong began running in 1995 after he was encouraged by friends to join their practice sessions. Three decades later, he still jogs and walks every morning — without a coach, special training plan or strict diet — to maintain his health and fitness. Abdul Karim (fourth right) presents a special acknowledgement to Wong in recognition of his participation as the oldest participant in the Kuching Half Marathon Heritage Run 2025 during the prize presentation ceremony. — Photo by Roystein Emmor Over the years, he has participated in various races across Singapore, Kuala Lumpur and Penang, and touts one of his proudest achievements as completing the Penang Bridge International Marathon on Nov 17, 2023, where he finished the 42.195km run in 5 hours and 53 minutes at the age of 74. When asked for advice to others in his age group on how to stay healthy, Wong kept it simple and said: 'Just do your own way of jogging and walking, like me. That's all.' Wong was one of the 3,200 participants who took part in this year's run. Meanwhile, Minister for Tourism, Creative Industry and Performing Arts Dato Sri Abdul Karim Rahman Hamzah when met after the prize presentation expressed his satisfaction with the growing response for the marathon. He described the Kuching Half Marathon Heritage Run 2025, which was organised by the Kuching City Joggers Club (CJC) in collaboration with MBKS and held in conjunction with Kuching City Day, as a very exciting event. Abdul Karim congratulated the organisers for a well-executed event and highlighted its positive impact on Sarawak's tourism sector. 'I saw winners from Hungary, Brunei, Kenya, and Peninsular Malaysia. When they come to Sarawak just to run, they stay in hotels, enjoy the local food, and buy souvenirs to take home. 'These are some of the things that, in their own way, help boost our tourism industry,' he said. Also present at the ceremony were Kuching South Mayor Dato Wee Hong Seng. Kuching Half Marathon Heritage Run lead lifestyle oldest runner
The Star
15-06-2025
- Sport
- The Star
Free access to running track in Penang City Stadium
Wong (centre) leads a run on the track at City Stadium in Penang. — Courtesy photo THOSE seeking to enhance their fitness or athletic performance can now benefit from one of the finest facilities around – the running track at City Stadium in Penang. The facility is now freely accessible to the public, daily from 5pm to 7.30pm, except during functions or events. The idea of the track was mooted by Penang tourism and creative economy committee chairman Wong Hon Wai, who thanked the Penang Island City Council (MBPP) for bringing his vision to life. 'As an avid runner and chairman of the Penang Bridge International Marathon, I've observed that there are very few suitable venues on the island for proper training. 'I'm truly pleased that MBPP supported my suggestion to open this track. 'After all, a dedicated running surface is ideal for athletes, fitness enthusiasts and families who want to enjoy an evening walk or jog,' Wong said at a press conference after the recent launch. State publisher Buletin Mutiara also quoted Wong saying the track was made from high-quality material, offering an excellent surface and environment for training and recreation. Also present at the ceremony were Penang Island mayor Datuk A. Rajendran, MBPP councillors Benji Ang Ming Quan, Visvenathan Tangavello and Koay Gaik Kee, as well as Penang Youth and Sports Department director Mozakir Buyong Mokhtar. Rajendran said only the running track was open to the public while the grass pitch remained off-limits to preserve its good condition for football matches. Business activities or private coaching sessions were also not allowed. 'Only plain water is permitted at the track. Isotonic and carbonated drinks are prohibited to prevent spills that could damage the track surface. 'To use the track, the public just needs to scan the QR code at the stadium entrance to register,' he said.
The Star
15-06-2025
- Sport
- The Star
Pre-run training for marathon
Participants racing across the Sultan Abdul Halim Muadzam Shah Bridge during the marathon last year. — Photo courtesy of WITH the Penang Bridge International Marathon (PBIM) 2025 confirmed for Dec 14 in Batu Kawan, runners can now kick-start their preparations with a special pre-run event. Organised by the Penang Forward Sports Club (PFSC), the first pre-run will be held at Central Park, Aspen Vision City in Batu Kawan, on June 21 from 6.30am. State publisher Buletin Mutiara reported that the event was to help participants with their training and build momentum for the main race, while also fostering a sense of community among runners. Penang tourism and creative economy committee chairman Wong Hon Wai said four pre-run sessions would be held at different locations on both the island and mainland, ensuring greater accessibility and convenience for participants from all areas. 'This event is free for everyone, and runners can choose to join either the 5km or 10km categories. 'These sessions are more than just practice runs. They help runners boost their stamina, get familiar with race conditions and adjust to Penang's weather and routes. Lim (second from right) encourages participants to join the pre-run events at a media event. With him are (from left) PFSC treasurer Danny Quah Eng Soon, PFSC committee member and Penang Island city councillor Visvenathan Tangavello and Wong. — Buletin Mutiara 'But beyond that, they are about building community spirit and encouraging a healthy lifestyle for people of all ages,' he said at a media conference in Komtar and thanked PFSC and sponsors Aspen and Klippa for supporting the event. Wong also unveiled the running vest for both men and women for PBIM 2025. PFSC chairman Lim Choo Hooi said registration for the pre-run event would close once the number of participants reached 1,500. 'We are proud to work with the state government, Aspen and Klippa on this initiative. 'It is our first time hosting such a pre-run, and we hope it brings people together and makes a difference,' Lim said, adding that there would be lucky draw prizes during the event. For most people, he said the real challenge was not the running itself. 'The hardest part is simply getting out of bed to do it. 'Whether you run fast or slow, what truly matters is showing up,' he said.
