a run-away success
Competitive runners, running enthusiasts, and Shape readers turned up in full-force for the Shape-Men’s Health Run ’08. Here’s the scoop on what happened.

Plenty of sweat, hope, determination and exhilaration ruled the pavements and trails at the Lake Gardens in Kuala Lumpur as over 2000 people ran their hearts out at the inaugural Shape-Men’s Health Run ’08 on 24 August. Many arrived as early as 6.00am to sign in and gear up for the run, which began at 7.30am. Helping the early birds warm up just as the sun rose was Celebrity Fitness group exercise instructor Cedric Chan, who had the crowd revving up to a mix of step, dance and stretching moves.

As soon as they were warmed up, it was Mix fm DJ and host for the event, Sham’s turn to greet the runners and guide them to the starting point, where Blu Inc Group CEO Datin Azliza Ahmad Tajuddin and Director of Health for the Federal Territory, Dr. Ismail Abu Taat were waiting to flag them off. A mad rush ensued, quickly replaced by anticipation, as the participants took their places and waited for their cue to start.

First to take off were runners in the Men’s and Women’s Open 10-kilometer categories, followed by those in the Men’s and Women’s Senior Veteran 8-kilometer, and 5-kilometer Fun Run categories. Their faces etched with determination to win, those in the Open and Veteran categories sprinted off as soon as they were flagged off. In contrast, participants in the 5-kilometer Fun Run soaked in the good spirits and revelry while they waited their turn and later, jogged off at a leisurely pace.

Leading the fun-runners were Shape cover girl, television presenter, model and Mix fm DJ Jojo Struys, fellow cover girls Jay Menon and Daphne Iking, and adidas managing director, Darren Choy. Another former cover girl—a very pregnant and glowing Lynn Lim—was seen snapping pictures from the sidelines. Struys, who arrived bright and early, outdid herself by coming in first at the 5-kilometer finish line. “The stairs almost killed me.