It was an invigorating night as 3500 runners gave up their sleep to participate in the Educity Sundown Marathon Iskandar 2017 recently. The event was sponsored by EduCity Iskandar Malaysia – a fully integrated education hub.
The race was flagged-off by Tuan Haji Adib Azhari, Chairman of Johor Bahru Tengah Municipal Council at 8.30pm accompanied by Ms Joanne Oei Wen Li, Managing Director of EduCity Iskandar Malaysia at the EduCity Sports Complex. Also present were Tuan Haji Noorazam bin Osman, Chief Executive Officer of SUKMA Johor and various government officials.
The race saw Johor hosting international runners from neighbouring countries and beyond including Australia, USA, Great Britian, Nepal, France, Netherlands, and South Africa.
The Johor community also got the opportunity to have a magical nocturnal experience as they ran through the night under a blanket of stars. The theme “Sleep Can Wait” certainly gave the participants the motivation and help some on their quest to a healthy lifestyle.
The runners for the 5km, 10km, 21.1km (half marathon) and 42.195km (full marathon) race categories were flagged off in waves from 8.30pm. Runners who wanted to finish the race at a specific time had the help of pacers who were easily identified by the helium balloons showing the targeted finishing. Runners also stood a chance to win total of more than RM10,000 in cash and finishing medals.
YBhg.Datuk Ir Khairil Anwar Ahmad, President/Chief Executive Officer of Iskandar Investment Bhd said:
“Educity Sundown Marathon Iskandar 2017 is part of IIB’s Iskandar Puteri Active initiative to position Iskandar Puteri as a sporting destination and to promote a healthy lifestyle. It is also to celebrate Iskandar Puteri being declared a city status.”
Esther Yong Keow Lee from Malaysia won the Women’s Full Marathon category, with a finishing time of 04:20:11, ahead of fellow Malaysian Tan Hong Wee and Aileen Ho from Singapore.
“The race route was exhilarating and it gave me the motivation to keep up. Also, running in the cool night air helps keep the mind calm and focussed on the end goal. The race village, on the other hand, gives runners a sense of belonging as it is a place the runners can mingle at the end of the race and have a good time. That feeling of camaraderie amongst runners is important as it keeps you fuelled to keep going the distance in the long run!” said Esther Yong Keow Lee.
Meanwhile, in the Men’s Full Marathon category Mohamad Izam Shah Bin Zainal Abidin from Malaysia, crossed the finishing line in 03:23:03, ahead of British runners, Henry De Renzy-Martin and Christopher Timms who clocked 03:24:22 and 03:43:02 respectively.
“Running at night amidst such passionate runners truly makes this a night marathon to remember. It was an enjoyable run, and I will definitely be joining Sundown Marathon again,” said Mohamad Izam Shah Bin Zainal Abidin.
Supporters and finishers of the run were treated to exciting activities in the Race Village, with band performances, overnight movie screenings of blockbuster favourites and food trucks to add to the carnival feel.
For more information, log on to Sundown Marathon Iskandar.
