Challenging route for run

THE flat course on the final kilometre towards the finish line will offer participants the option of picking up the pace and going flat out in surging forward for a sprint finish at the New Balance Pacesetters 15km Run at the Lake Gardens in Kuala Lumpur on May 17.
However, Pacesetters Athletic Club Malaysia (PACM) president Rustam Affandi Zaihan said it would not be exactly a stroll in the park for the runners to complete the distance.
“It is still going to be a challenging course, similar to previous years, especially the hilly climb around Bukit Tunku. From our experience, the foreign participants from Singapore are thrilled with the rare opportunity to tackle the undulating route,” he added.
And, it will also serve as a good training ground for runners attempting to feature in the full 42km marathon distance at the Standard Chartered KL Marathon scheduled on June 28.
New Balance stepped forward to continue their partnership as the title sponsor for the fifth consecutive year.
Stream Enterprise event executive Alvin See said they were pleased to support an established event and reward the top five winners in each category with New Balance vouchers worth RM3,000.
“We are pleased with the overwhelming response from the running community over the years. Last year, the run drew 1,700 participants and we expecting a bigger turnout for the upcoming event,” he added.
Other partners are Milo, PowerBar, Electcoms, Suunto, Yakult, Cool Rhino, Nivea, Proviton, Counterpain and Nestle Fitnesse while Coronade Hotel is the official hotel.
The organisers are anticipating 2,000 participants to take part in six categories – men’s open (16 years and above), men’s veteran (40 to 50 years), men’s senior veteran (above 50 years), women’s open (16 years and above), women’s veteran (35 to 45 years) and women’s senior veteran (above 45 years).
So far, they have received 1,000 entries.
Rustam gave an assurance that they would not compromise in their approach in hosting the unique road race.
“Our four main attractions in serving the runners better are to provide quality running vest, finisher medals, finishing photo on the certificate and breakfast to the participants. And, we will continue to follow the same policy in all of our events,” he added. For details, visit www.pacesetters.com.my.