RAJA MUDA AND TUNKU LAKSAMANA OF KEDAH AT RUNKAWI 2018 HALF MARATHON

It was Langkawi’s first sunset marathon last Saturday with the Royal brothers together with about 2000 participants from countries including Kenya, Spain, France, Taiwan, Singapore, Phillipines and locals from all over Malaysia.

A popular destination for leisure and sport tourism, Runkawi Half Marathon is a new initiative to further boost the jewel of Kedah’s sport tourism sector, and to promote the beautiful island through a mass run. The first edition sunset half marathon featured 5km, 10km and 21km races.

YTM Dato’ Tunku Shazuddin Ariff Ibni Sultan Sallehuddin, Tunku Laksamana Kedah and patron of Runkawi Half Marathon flagged off the races at Century Langkasuka Resort together with DYTM Tengku Sarafudin Badlishah Ibni Sultan Sallehuddin, Raja Muda Kedah and YBhg Dato’ Haji Azizan Noordin, CEO of Langkawi Development Authority (LADA). Both YTM Tunku Laksamana Kedah and DYTM Raja Muda Kedah alongside YB Tan Kok Yew, Kedah State EXCO and Chairman of State Tourism, Local Government and Housing Committee showed their support to the running community by participating in the 5km run.

“We hope to make Runkawi Half Marathon an iconic annual sporting event specific to Langkawi. Sport initiatives are also essential in supporting Langkawi Island as the preferred destination for sport and leisure tourism in the region and more importantly, foster engagement and socio-economic development of the Langkawi community”, said YTM Dato’ Tunku Shazuddin Ariff Ibni Sultan Sallehuddin, Tunku Laksamana Kedah and patron of Runkawi Half Marathon 2018.

YTM Dato' Tunku Shazuddin Ariff Ibni Sultan Sallehuddin, Tunku Laksamana Kedah and Patron of Runkawi Half Marathon with participants

Runkawi also conducted a pre-race clinic on the importance of strengthening and conditioning, dynamic stretches and hydration before a race.

The run had overall support from the Langkawi City Council, local law enforcement, and 80 volunteers from Anak Muda Langkawi ensuring the safety of the run, administering first aid and keeping runners hydrated at drink stations.

“The run was very scenic and it enabled me to see the island in a very unique perspective. It was also wonderful to see immense support from the local community in making sure the race went on smoothly”, said one of the participants.

The 21km trail led runners from Padang Matsirat around the airport to Chenang beach and through the famous paddy field landscape of Kedah with the sunset, sea and mountains as the backdrop.

The island currently boasts an impressive portfolio of sporting events – Ironman, Oceanman, Tuba Trail Run, F3 Formula Powerboat Race and Le Tour de Langkawi. These events attract both local and international attendees with an interest in experiencing sporting activities in a challenging environment and conveniently enjoy a getaway in a beautiful location.

Supported by LADA, the half marathon was launched the day before the race by YTM Tunku Shazuddin Ariff with Dato’ Haji Azizan Noordin.

Results

Men

21KM Malaysian – Muhaizar Mohamad, 1:16:46

21KM International – Kipchirchir Lel, Kenya, 1:12:29

21KM Veteran – Muniandy Ramadass, 1:21:38

10KM Malaysian – Vimal Govendarajoo, 34:59

10KM International – Samsow Kipnuga Tomai, Kenya, 35:00

Women

21KM Malaysian – Yee Pei Ni, 1:35:01

21KM International – Gladys Kwambai, Kenya, 1:24:57

21KM Veteran – Bee Hong Ewe, 1:43:59

10KM Malaysian – Teoh Kim Chyi, 42:44

10KM International – Irene Jeptoo, Kenya, 37:53

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