A bigger and better run
Runners and non-runners alike had an amazing time at the Shape Night Run ’09 presented by Nature Valley!

A Runners and non-runners alike had an amazing time at the Shape Night Run ’09 presented by Nature Valley! 4000-strong crowd anticipated a different kind of cue… to run. It wasn’t just the runners who created a buzz that night; their families and friends also turned up in droves to provide support and take part in the exciting lineup of games and activities that were planned by the Run’s sponsors.

People started trickling in to the Run venue as early as 6 p.m., with some runners warming up as soon as they arrived. However, it was when the energetic fitness instructors from Clark Hatch got on stage to lead a warm-up routine that most of the crowd began to get their heart rates up. If there were flagging spirits in the crowd, the CHARM cheerleaders would have helped lift them up with their super-charged moves, motivating chants and confident smiles. Also doing their part to cheer the runners on were DJs from MIX fm, Jay Menon and Sham, who teased and entertained the crowd until flag-off.

As the countdown began, Blu Inc Media CEO Datin Azliza Ahmad Tajuddin and Director of Putrajaya Corporation City Service, Datuk Abdul Ghani and his deputy, Tuan Haji Zamri Hashim took their places on stage to give the runners the green light. Those in the Men’s and Women’s Open 11.5 km categories were the first to sprint off, followed by the Men’s Junior and Senior Veteran, and Women’s Veteran 7.7 km categories. Last to take off were Fun Runners Shape editor Merina Hew, cover girls Jay Menon and Azura Zainal, and Putrajaya Sports Council Director Ahmad Azuddin Arshad.

Jay, who completed the 5 km run in 30 minutes, said the running bug bit her at last year’s inaugural Shape Run. “Completing the run has given me a great sense of accomplishment, and I will definitely be back for next year’s run!” Fellow Shape cover girl Carmen Robinson, who took part in the Women’s Open category, missed out on a prize by coming in 11th. “It was a little disappointing, but I enjoyed myself thoroughly. It was lots of fun, and what an adrenaline rush it was to run with so many people!” said Carmen.

Twenty-nine-year-old professional runner Amutha Arumugam from Kuala Lumpur crossed the finish line after just 49 minutes and 48 seconds to grab first place in the Women’s Open category, earning her RM700 in cash and prizes worth over RM12,000. Her winning haul included: A 5D/4N stay for two at the Swiss-Garden Golf Resort & Spa in Damai Laut worth RM4000 from Latestays.com, a Fitness Concept cross trainer worth RM1650, an Eclipse Westfield single mattress worth RM1400 and Reebok products worth RM400. “I’m extremely happy to have won the race!” said Amutha. “I’ve taken part in many races throughout the years and always given each race my best shot. This night run was a brilliant idea! The weather is perfect for running, thanks to the cool breeze,” she said. Coincidentally, 1st runner-up at the Singapore Shape Run, Phua Hui Qin, also grabbed the 1st runner-up spot here.

The Women’s Veteran category winner, 49-year-old Susan Khoo from Subang Jaya, who completed the race in 33 minutes and 36 seconds, brought her family along to enjoy the night’s festivities. “The route was good and the run very well organized. Even my children took part in the 5 km fun run!” she said, adding that her family began running to stay fit and healthy. She, on the other hand, started competing regularly about 2 years ago. “Now, we sign up for running events whenever possible as an incentive to train.” Susan’s efforts were rewarded with RM500 cash and products worth over RM9700, including a vacation at Berjaya Tioman Beach, Golf & Spa Resort and prizes from the night’s sponsors.

Runners weren’t the only ones attracted to the event; some of Malaysia’s top fitness professionals were too! One of them was personal trainer and pole dancing instructor Emily Tan, who trained for the 11.5 km run by focusing on building her endurance.“The run was an exhilarating experience and Putrajaya at night was just beautiful,” says Emily, whose brothers also took part in the run.

The carnival-like atmosphere wasn’t only exciting for the runners; fun services like body painting, product sampling and games made the event just as entertaining for visitors. Sponsors like Perfect Point Makeup and Hair Academy, Reebok, Sweet Sweat, 1901 Hotdogs, Lab Series, Fruitz Snack, Revive Isotonic Drink and Shokubutsu got the crowd buzzing with fun challenges, freebies, tasty treats and refreshing drinks. As a bonus for the runners, each took home a bag of goodies worth over RM300, including a Reebok Runner’s Tee and products from sponsors such as Nature Valley, Fitness Concept, Revive Isotonic Drink, Clear Shampoo, Kenko Reflexology & Fish Spa, Nuvafemme, Cartilamine, Bion 3 and Care Condom.